Awardees gather to show off their certificates recognizing their more than 10 years of service to the University.

One hundred and thirty-three employees were recognized for their service to the University at the 2018 Department of Human Resources' annual Service Recognition Awards Ceremony earlier this Spring. All regularly employed administrators, faculty and staff with ten or more years of service were honored – the awards were bestowed in increments of five years up to fifty years of service.

Interim President Mary Meehan offers opening remarks to crowd of more than 80 attendees.

Held in Bethany Hall, the ceremony featured an Invocation from Reverend Brian Needles and welcoming remarks from Interim President Mary Meehan. The keynote speaker was Dermot Quinn, professor and director of graduate studies in the Department of History. Quinn's presentation "Seton Hall Service – Then and Now" highlighted how the landscape of Seton Hall has changed over the last 50 years but how the employees' commitment to the students has never wavered. A musical performance by the student-led Seton Strings followed Quinn's presentation before Interim Provost and Dean Emeritus Karen Boroff took the stage to make a special awards presentation.

Dean Yates (left) accepts Patricia Kuchon's award on her behalf from Interim Provost Karen Boroff.

Boroff presented Patricia Kuchon, professor of strategic communication and leadership within the College of Communication and the Arts, with the 50-year award. Kuchon has a background in communication and psychology which positions her as an expert in personal and interpersonal communication effectiveness, diversity and strategic leadership. Kuchon has been interviewed on a number of television and radio programs over the years and is a licensed speech language pathologist. In addition to teaching graduate strategic communication courses at Seton Hall, Kuchon is also a communication consultant to corporate and nonprofit agencies; her client list has included Fortune 500 businesses, hospital and healthcare systems, public and private schools and hundreds of individuals. Dean of the College of Communication and the Arts Deirdre Yates accepted Kuchon's award in her absence.

Michael Silvestro, associate vice president of the Department of Human Resources, awarded the remaining employees for their service. Certificates and University pins noting years of service were given to each of the honorees.

"This year's Service Recognition Awards Ceremony was truly special. I believe it is vitally important to recognize the contributions of the dedicated faculty, staff and administrators who serve our students and our University's Catholic mission," said Silvestro.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of the Alma Mater in tandem with a video compilation of pictures highlighting the years 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002 and 2007 – representing the years awardees began their jobs at Seton Hall.

Worthy of note are faculty, administrators and staff approaching 50 years of service: 

• Dennis Garbini, Vice President for Administration, Office of the President
• Mary Scharf, Associate Professor, College of Nursing
• Mark Denbeaux, Professor, Seton Hall Law School 
• Jeffrey Levy, Associate Professor, College of Arts and Sciences
• Petra Chu, Professor, College of Communication and the Arts
• Esther Guerin, Professor, College of Arts and Sciences 
• Johnny Moon, Head Men's and Women's Cross-Country Coach, Men's Track Coach 
• Hattie McKoy, Senior Gift Processor, University Advancement