Two Darden Staffers Share Inaugural Hollins Award

Nov. 21, 2006 -- Two exemplary members of the Darden School community received the inaugural Sarah Hollins Staff Award during Nov. 21 First Coffee.

Graphic designer Marie Payne and lead housekeeper Cordelia Jaudon received their awards amid enthusiastic applause by fellow Darden staff.  The Hollins award recognizes a member of the Darden staff who best exemplifies customer service, community building, and positive working relations throughout the year.

The award is named in remembrance of a long-time and beloved member of the Darden staff who retired in 2003. Two months later, Sarah Hollins was killed in an automobile accident. Hollins devoted nearly 20 years of dedicated service to Darden as an academic assistant, receptionist and periodicals librarian.

Payne, who was friends with Hollins for many years, was visibly moved when Dean Robert Bruner announced her name. Both winners were embraced by members of Hollins' family who attended the awards ceremony and a brunch reception.

Associate Dean Mark Reisler recalled Hollins as a woman whose principal qualities were cheerfulness, sympathy, service and generosity.

"Just seeing her would brighten my day," he said.

The Hollins Award will be the major annual recognition that Darden can bestow on a staff member. The intent, Reisler said, is to recognize an individual "who is the most outstanding Darden citizen" in any given year.

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