A Surprise Impact

When a bunch of administrators in suits invaded the February 5 athletics staff meeting to present an Impact award to John Byrne ’82, assistant director of athletics and head softball coach, he looked honestly shocked. (Actual unretouched photo at right.)

He was chosen by Bernie Story ’80, vice president for enrollment, for his work on upgrading the Fitness Center over the holiday break. JB led a group of volunteers who moved tons of equipment, installed new fitness machines, carted the obsolete stuff to the scrap yard, put in a new floor, and “cleaned spots that hadn’t been attended to in a long time,” said Bernie with vice presidential tact.

All their work resulted in the tangible benefits of a “much safer and more functional center for exercise and physical fitness.” And from the enrollment perspective, “there are a lot of parents and potential students who roam these halls,” Bernie said.

When JB received his $500 check, he looked around at his colleagues and said: “We’re goin’ out, guys!”

Other Impact award-winners:

• Michelle Schmidt, assistant professor of psychology, for her work assessing the results of the Learning Connection over its first 10 years. Given by Bev Kochard ’73, vice president for student affairs and dean of students.

• Art Lyons, professor of psychology, for his work on the compensation committee, a joint project of faculty and administrative staff. Given by Curt Keim, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty.

• Mark Reed, director of financial and business operations, for coordinating the financial package to complete the recent (and continuing) improvements to the HUB’s Dining Hall and Food Court. Given by Dennis Domchek, vice president for administration.