Athletes show appreciation for faculty and staff

The Drew University athletics department and student athletes came together during the halftime of the women’s basketball game against New Jersey City University on Wednesday night to honor some special people.
These members of Drew’s faculty and staff were awarded for their hard work and dedication to the university for this year’s second annual Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night.
The honorees were selected by student athletes, and, as such, it was fitting that student athletes presented the awards.  The honorees were Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Christopher Apelian, Sports Information Director Alex Langlois, Provost and Academic Vice President Pamela Gunter-Smith, Major Gifts Officer David Terdiman and Professor of Religious Studies Chris Taylor. The honorees expressed appreciation at receiving their awards.
“I am really thrilled to be honored in this way,” said Gunter-Smith. “I support what our student athletes are doing and what they bring to our institution.  I’m a real fan… More importantly, I hope that this honor and my participation as an honorary coach for tonight’s game emphasizes to Drew students and the entire community how much we value our athletics program.”
“The honor is really mine.  It’s a privilege -- and a lot of fun -- to work with Jason Fein and the coaches in advancing athletics.” said Terdiman.
Some of those who received awards said the honor came as a welcome surprise.
Apelian said, “I was genuinely surprised and flattered to have been named.  Of course, even a sincere thanks just after an office hour session is equally gratifying to me.  But it’s especially nice to be honored in this more public way too.”
Taylor echoed his sentiments. “This honor caught me totally by surprise and I’m deeply grateful to the students who nominated me.  Drew students are wonderfully diverse in their accomplishments, both in and beyond the classroom.  Whether in athletic competition, community service, the theater, art shows or musical performances, I’m constantly amazed at how gifted and engaged Drew students are.  There’s clearly a lot of discipline, practice and hard work that lies behind these extracurricular accomplishments.  It’s important that students know that faculty recognize and value the considerable commitment and effort that Drew students invest outside the classroom,” he said.
This event gives students athletes a chance to show that they care about the hard work that goes on behind the scenes of the University. Hopefully this event will continue to put a spotlight on the best of Drew’s faculty and staff for years to come.