Cameron University staff members Francesca Morris and Christina Willoughby are the recipients of the 2024 Pickaxe Awards, which recognize full-time Cameron employees whose performance is above and beyond expectations. Morris is the community resource coordinator in the Student Enrichment Center, and Willoughby is a coordinator in the Department of Student Housing and Residence Life. Each received a $1,000 stipend and a commemorative award.
The Pickaxe Award is presented annually to recognize full-time employees whose performance exceeds the expectations of their job descriptions. The award recipients have made a contribution and/or commitment that has resulted in a significant difference to Cameron students, visitors, or other employees, or whose commitment to their job responsibilities, department, or the university stands out as a clear example to all other employees. Award recipients must have been employed full-time at least one year at Cameron. Nominations were made by Cameron students, faculty and staff. Recipients were selected by the university’s executive council.
Morris was honored for her steadfast commitment to the Cameron University community. “She is one of the most resourceful and dedicated individuals I have had the pleasure to work with,” one nominator wrote, adding, “She is dedicated and enthusiastic about serving and meeting the needs of our students. Her tireless efforts have connected many at-risk students to a wide variety of resources that has enabled them to persist in pursuing their academic goals. Francesca has led numerous initiatives that have directly impacted the well-being of our campus community while addressing the needs of our most vulnerable students.”
Willoughby was praised for “connecting with students and making them feel known and loved.” She was also recognized for her willingness to take on additional duties when the department was short-staffed. One nominator mentioned Willoughby’s commitment to providing resident assistant training, which resulted in workdays that often exceeded 10 hours.
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PR# 24-180
