October 10, 2006: Miriam Burlison,
Administrative Secretary for the Modern & Classical Languages department,
is awarded the College's Staff Professional Achievement Award (SPAA).
Excerpts from nominations
on her behalf read:
"It's scary to think what the
Modern and Classical Languages Department would do without our secretary, Mrs.
Miriam Burlison. Her smiling, good-natured presence behind her always tidy desk
is a comfort to students and faculty alike. Whatever problem you bring her, no
matter how big or complicated - Miriam is always happy to help, and she always
gets the job done. Whether it's by going the extra mile on a task, or by
providing a sympathetic ear, or by taking the wind out of one's sails with her
wicked sense of humor, she keeps our entire department on an even keel. Miriam
is much more than a secretary to us... she is a valued colleague and friend. I
wish the University were able to pay her something closer to what she deserves
for everything she does. Barring that, Miriam certainly deserves the Staff
Professional Achievement Award, for September... and every other month." -- Joe Hughes,
Professor of Modern & Classical Languages
"...Miriam
always excels. Her basic professional attitude is always excellent:
she is courteous, patient, friendly, has a great sense of humor, and let’s not
forget EFFICIENT. She gets it all done. Why I’d like for her to get
the award is that in addition to faculty and head who always have “immediate”
and “demanding” thing that need to be done “NOW,”...Oh yes, and let’s not
forget that my whole faculty thinks she is more important to the well-being of
the department than I am." -- Madeleine Kernen, Head of
Modern & Classical Languages
Congratulations and well done, Miriam!