Celebrating Milestones
Emory University celebrates more than 175 staff members for achieving service award milestones in 2023 — those reaching 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 years of service.
Upon reaching their milestones, some of this year's honorees reflect on their own unique journeys.
Celebrating 45 Years
Joe Moon, Dean of Campus Life, Oxford College
"Oddly, I am a person who enjoys change, and Emory and Oxford, both, have grown and changed so much that I have always felt challenged with something new to learn. "
Read Joe's Story
Craig T. Watson, Director, Clery Act Compliance, Campus Services
"I’ve been blessed to work with many wonderful people during the past 45 years and I will always cherish those relationships."
Read Craig's Story
Celebrating 40 Years
Victor Jackson, Manager, Facilities, Campus Services
"Going to Staff Fest, playing softball and games at the Campus Services Picnic, and the Christmas Parties have been my [favorite memories]."
Read Victor's Story
Celebrating 35 Years
Julie Barefoot, Chief of Staff to Dean Gareth James, Goizueta Business School, Office of the Dean
"I’ve always been very proud to work at Emory as I have witnessed firsthand the devotion of my faculty and staff colleagues to providing our students with an exceptional and supportive learning experience."
Read Julie's Story
Dennis Dudley, Maintenance Mechanic III, Campus Services
"I love Emory and wouldn’t change a thing!"
Read Dennis's Story
Laura Papotto, Senior Director of HR and Faculty Operations/Chief of Staff, Emory College of Arts and Sciences
"[For the future of Emory, I hope for] more of the same, meaning this is a place where I have never been bored. Intelligent people doing new and creative things for the betterment of society."
Read Laura's Story
Pamela S. Pope, Office Manager, Emory University Libraries
"I've been fortunate to work with, and for, a wonderful group of women, past and present. I've learned so much over the years that has had an impact on my life professionally and personally."
Read Pamela's Story
Hilary Rosenthal, Strategic Sourcing Manager, EVP, Business & Administration
"Over the course of 35 years, despite the huge growth, the campus has become a place of beauty. I love walking the campus and being out and about with the students."
Read Hilary's Story
Celebrating 30 Years
Jill Cuestas, Assistant Program Director, Emergency Medicine
"Overall, working for Emory has allowed me to have an amazing family life and has provided benefits that will far outlast the 30 years I've been here. Thank you, Emory!"
Read Jill's Story
Rie Calcaterra, Business and Research Manager, School of Medicine
"I have appreciated the growth and changes that have been associated with my job(s) at Emory, and I have enjoyed being a part of so many important research activities."
Read Rie's Story
Jodine DiCarlo, Manager, Plant Operation, Campus Services
"Spending time with our customers, has always been interesting...[it] has allowed Campus Services to expand and grow into a department that could meet all their needs..."
Read Jodine's Story
Frank Gaertner, Senior Associate Director, Advising, Emory College of Arts & Sciences
"I hope Emory will continue to recruit, admit, and support a wide range of students from all backgrounds - income level, race and ethnicity, citizenship status, gender identity, and many other aspects of identity. This diversity makes us a much more exciting place, and we all learn more."
Read Frank's Story
Robert Karaffa, Core Director III, School of Medicine
"[Some of my favorite memories include] the great colleagues and friends I have had the pleasure of making along the way! From all over this fine planet!"
Read Robert's Story
Pamela Lankford-Turner, Manager, Research Laboratory, School of Medicine
"Opportunities don't happen, you create them. Your attitude is the little thing that makes a big difference. Always try to improve yourself, not to prove yourself. Support, don’t sabotage. Finally, knowledge is power, but how you use it matters most."
Read Pamela's Story
Michael L. Purdom, Supervisor, Grounds, Campus Services
"I have truly enjoyed my time here thus far and am so thankful that I found such a wonderful place to work!"
Read Michael's Story
Celebrating 25 Years
Corey Anderson, Academic Department Administrator, Emory College of Arts & Sciences – Anthropology
"I enjoyed learning about global public health programs at the Task Force. I felt like I was a part of something greater and important."
Read Corey's Story
Kore Breault, Program Director, Goizueta IMPACT, Goizueta Business School
"I remember watching as the business school was being built, not realizing that someday I would celebrate 25 years working in that very building! Emory has provided me with so many wonderful opportunities and I am grateful for the many people I have worked with over the past 25 years! Thank you!"
Read Kore's Story
Larry Cardwell, Custodian II, Campus Services
"I hope Emory remains to be a place where people can continue building lasting relationships and making positive changes in peoples’ lives!"
Read Larry's Story
Debbie Copeland, Procurement Specialist, Campus Services
"I hope we can recognize employees for everything they do, not just big things but the small stuff too!"
Read Debbie's Story
Roman Damena, Director, Business & Finance, School of Nursing
"My favorite memory was when my daughter was accepted to Emory and graduated with the highest distinction...I am so impressed with the knowledge Emory bestowed on my daughter, which led her to advance her education."
Read Roman's Story
Sean Deaver, Network Analyst/Tech, Sr, Office of Information Technology
"My favorite memories include the comradery with my co-workers through the years, and all the fun times we have had together."
Read Sean's story
Shelly Hart, Senior Director of Academic Administration and Registration, Candler School of Theology
"[For the future of Emory, I hope for a] strong, diverse, equitable community of belonging and learning that continues Emory’s legacy of making a difference in the community around us and the world."
Read Shelly's Story
Michelle Kirkland, Administrative Assistant, Goizueta Business School
"I love working at Emory University! I hope I have made a difference in someone's life here throughout my years."
Read Michelle's Story
Shandal Sullivan, Chief of Staff, Health Programs, The Carter Center
"It has indeed been a pleasure to be a part of the Emory family these 25 years and I look forward to the coming years ahead."
Read Shandal's Story