sniff sniff

So the Staff Recognition Awards were today! Yay! But I didn't win. Boo.

Haha - Just kidding. It's not all about winning! Anyways, what a great day. As if the anticipation leading up to the awards wasn't enough, the excitement in the Fireside Lounge in the minutes leading up to the ceremony was so energizing, I felt like I was getting ready for a wedding or something. It was great to see the faces of the other nominees, especially people whom I actually know but did not realize were nominated! I was so happy for so many of my fellow staff members, but let's face it - that room was full of some stiff competition! ;-)

We all filed into Ingle Auditorium and waited for the ceremony to begin. Everyone was so excited and happy, it felt wonderful to be surrounded with such positive spirits. After the usual pomp and circumstance and introductions, professional images of all of the nominees were projected and we each had our names and positions read aloud. Despite there being around 50 nominees, this was a surprisingly smooth and efficient presentation - though I felt kind of bad for the interpreter, who was probably suffering from arthritis by the end of it. 

As the winners were announced one by one, I felt like I was in some kind of winner's circle - first someone right behind me won, then Michelle on my left won, then Jenn right behind me won, and the person next to her won! Unfortunately their luck did not rub off on me, but I was so proud to see people that I have worked closely with get recognized for all they do for RIT. Well, and especially Jenn - since I'm the one who nominated her :-). I felt like a mommy watching her child graduate Kindergarten, or something - knowing I helped get her up there! YAY!

At the end of the ceremony everyone went back into Fireside for the reception and socializing, and all the nominees received certificates. It was such an honor just to be nominated and to be involved in such a phenomenal event. All of the winners and nominees are all such wonderful and devoted people, and to be included with them is a distinction in its own right. Also I loved seeing the campus community come together in celebration. It's too bad we don't have reasons to do events like this more often. Well, at least I have Brick City to look forward to next week, hooray! Can I get a shout out for the ALUMNI BALL, WOO WOO!