CONWAY, Ark. (March 6, 2013) - Hendrix College staff members were recognized at a special ceremony today on campus.
Mary Beacham, office manager for Health and Counseling Services, received the "Indi" Award awarded to a staff member who, by his or her service, has proven to be an indispensable member of, and contributor to, the Hendrix community. She was described in her nomination form as a reliable, dependable, top-notch professional. "When faced with challenging situations, Mary stays cool under pressure and shows excellent judgment," her nominator wrote. "She can anticipate roadblocks and finds alternate routes."
Shawn Goicoechea, technician in Human Resources received the A. C. Millar Innovator Award. The award is named for Alexander C. Millar, who was president of Hendrix and was instrumental in moving the College from Altus to Conway in 1890. The award is given to a staff member who is recognized for having the courage to champion new and innovative ideas for the betterment of Hendrix College.
Goicoechea was recognized for his work in implementing the College's online leave reporting system and for his helpful attitude and support as staff members across campus have adapted to the system.
"Shawn is professional, creative, full of energy and a joy to work with," his nominator wrote.
Student Accounts Manager Chris Simon is the second recipient of the John Paulette Unsung Hero Award presented by the Student Senate to a staff member who has had an impact on students at Hendrix.
Simon was nominated by a student for his dedication and care in assisting students with financial issues. The student who nominated Chris wrote about how he was able to look at her account and help her understand the challenges. He went a further step by connecting her with the financial aid office and helping her develop a plan.
"It was obvious during the senate discussion that Chris was the right choice for this award. Several students commented on the way that he reaches out to students. This is high praise for a position that works with financial accounts. We are lucky to have Chris at Hendrix," said Dean of Students Jim Wiltgen.
Past recipients of these awards include Julie Brown, Academic Support Services coordinator, received the first "Indi" Award" for her commitment and passion and the hundreds of lives she has changed through her tireless efforts in facilitating student success.
Associate Registrar Brenda Adams received the first Millar Innovator Award last year for bringing creativity and commitment to the task of completing an online graduation audit system robust enough to deal with the College's complex curriculum requirements.
Last year's John Paulette Unsung Hero Award winner was Karen "Cookie" Burchfield of Dining Services.
The awards were overseen by the staff events committee, which includes Karen Foust and Fred Baker (Office of Admission and Financial Aid); Vicki Lynn (Human Resources), Pamela Owen (Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement); Frank Cox and Helen Plotkin ( Office of Marketing Communications); and Danny Powell and Jim Wiltgen (Office of Student Affairs).
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is a national leader in engaged liberal arts and sciences education. For the fifth consecutive year, Hendrix was named one of the country's "Up and Coming" liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report. Hendrix is featured in the 2012 edition of the Princeton Review as one of the country's best 377 colleges, the latest edition of Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think about Colleges, Forbes magazine's annual list of America's Top 650 Colleges, and the 2013 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. For more information, visit www.hendrix.edu.