Birmingham-Southern College is recognizing 40 faculty and staff members with 2020 Service Awards. We asked our faculty and staff a little bit about their time at BSC to celebrate this honor.

What is one of your favorite memories during your time at BSC?

“Just recently, two alums came by for a visit on their way to Huntsville. They were excited to find out I was still here. They shared with me how much I had meant to them as students. I was taken back to realize I had such a profound influence on the lives of these two ladies. They even wanted selfies with me to take home and share with their families. They went on and on. It will be a day I will never forget. This is the most recent memory, but there are many very much like this.” – Camille Thomas, Bookstore Merchandise Manager (40 years)

“To hear and see people who have been on campus, like Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor and author, Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and authors Fannie Flagg and Mary Higgins Clark.” – Jimmie Chicarello, Library Processing Assistant (35 years)

“Meeting my wife in 1994. She was involved in a traffic accident at the Bruno Drive light. Best day of my life.” – Jeff Harris, Campus Police Chief (35 years)

“One of my favorites was being able to award my nephew, Clay Jones ’11, his diploma at graduation. I have had the pleasure of seeing so many students grow during their time at BSC, but it is extra special to have a family member walk across the stage after four years knowing what a wonderful part BSC has played in their life and will continue to do so for so many years. My daughter, Samantha, graduated this month, and BSC has been such a huge part of her intellectual and social growth.” – Sheri Salmon ’85, Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Services (35 years)

“Staying in touch with many over the years has been a highlight of my career at BSC. Just this past fall, my wife and I had the pleasure of having a student who graduated in the mid-’90s bring his family to our home for dinner. They were in town as his son is considering attending the College when he graduates from high school.” – Dr. Paul Cleveland, Professor of Finance (30 years)

“One of my favorite memories was welcoming our largest class of international exchange students and scholars in 2010 on what was then the International Floor, or I-Floor for short. Our graduation speaker, Simone Schicker ’11, was the residence hall advisor at the time. When I walked into the loft in Hansen, the morning after the new students had arrived on campus, I found foreign exchange students caring for the younger students starting college for the first time. This diverse and talented group of international and U.S. students developed a strong and creative community on the Hilltop. When I asked if they liked the food in the fridge, the exchange students asked me for one more thing – a box of Frosted Flakes cereal. I was trying too hard to provide healthy food! At the end of that year, we held a graduation ceremony where the students who had been mentored in the early days honored the exchange students and the BSC faculty they all loved.” – Anne Ledvina, Associate Director of International Programs (20 years)

“In my first year at BSC, my colleague, Dr. Natwarlal Bosmia, and I were walking across the road from Olin to the Caf. I was pondering what to have for lunch. Bos looked lost in thought, so I asked him what he was pondering. ‘The meaning of life,’ he said. He was a deep soul, and I am better for having known him.” – Dr. Bernadette Mullins, Professor of Mathematics (20 years)

“Fiddler on the Roof in 2016! Michael Flowers asked me to play Tevye in the production. It was wonderful to work with the students as an equal member of the cast. Michael did a superb job. It’s an experience that will stick with me forever.” – Dr. Jeff Kensmoe, Associate Professor of Music (10 years)

“My favorite memories during my time at BSC have been developing relationships with students and parents. When the students were sent home due to COVID-19, I had a chance to email some seniors to tell them how much I will miss them. I love that our office has built meaningful relationships, and our students are not just a number to us. I have a file of thank you notes from parents and students that I read to remind myself after hard days how much we can make a difference.” – Catherine Cook, Student Accounts Cashier (5 years)

“My favorite memory so far is co-leading a group of seven African-American students on a study-travel trip to San Ignacio, Belize. Our service-learning designated trip explored the African Diaspora in Belize, focused on intercultural learning, and reflected on identity. The experience was invaluable for myself, my co-leaders, and the students. The travel leaders were able to develop a meaningful connection with our educational partner in Belize; so much so, that we presented our experiences at a regional international conference together.” – Dr. Jessica Pincham King, Rise3 Director and Sociology Instructor (5 years)

“Being able to travel with and be a part of last years’ baseball team when they went to the World Series. It was a great team and a great experience!” – Rachel Morris, Head Athletic Trainer (5 years)

What’s your favorite place on campus?

“I love this campus as it has been my home for really 39 years, counting the wonderful four undergraduate years. I suppose any athletic venue is my favorite now. I am inspired by the dedication and competitiveness of our student athletes being able to achieve success with hard work in the classroom and in the athletic arena.” – Sheri Salmon ’85

“My old office, which was Professor McInturff’s before me, and which was the projection booth for Munger Auditorium decades before that. It is the tiny room at the top of the balcony stairs at the front of the building, and its windows look south over the West End. I kept up McInturff’s tradition of keeping a couple of chairs and a small table on the landing outside the office to meet with students. We used to be able to open the French doors on sunny days and step out onto the balcony.” – Dr. John David Tatter, Professor of English (35 years)

“The College Theatre on a show night.” – Matthew Mielke, Professor of Theatre (30 years)

“The Striplin Gym. I have run thousands of miles on that track.” – Dr. Andy Gannon, Professor of Biology (25 years)

“The admission house. It serves as a focus as you enter campus and it creates a sense of welcome.” – Marilyn Gillespie, Applicant Data Specialist (15 years)

“I love the fountain near Norton Campus Center. And I love walking the first-year residence halls since I used to be Director of Residence Life.” – Dana Bekurs, Assistant Dean of Students (5 years)

“I love my office and the huge Magnolia tree I see every day from my window. It is my second home. I have tried many times to plant a magnolia tree in my own back garden, but the tree died every time. For me trees are symbolic of roots and new beginnings. Being a Tunisian-born American citizen, I felt disheartened by my unsuccessful attempts to plant the magnolia tree in my home. Imagine my happiness when I was assigned an office, which had a lovely magnolia tree. I took that as a sign that BSC would be my home and family. My hunch was right.” – Dr. Lamia Benyoussef, Associate Professor of Arabic (5 years)

“The tree-lined sidewalk from Norton to Harbert.” – Treva Lester, Education Certification Officer (5 years)

“Anywhere the cleanliness and grounds is at the level I want them to look like. But my place of solace is at the baseball field listening to the guys in the cage taking BP.” – Timothy Wilding, Manager of Purchasing, Housekeeping, and Landscape Service (5 years)

What have you seen change during your time at BSC?

“The most obvious change has been to the campus footprint. I watched the Ramsay Building torn down and the Harbert Building taking its place, saw the appearance of both sorority and fraternity rows and the Srtiplin Center and the Admission Center as well as the Athletic Fields down the hill, saw the Art Building and Student Center both double in size, and saw the Stephens Science Center take the place of the old Phillips Science Building, which became the Berte Humanities Center. I happened to Chair the Humanities Division at the time Stephens was built and Phillips renovated, and I was in on the actual architectural planning, turning the old labs into classroom and office spaces.” – Dr. John David Tatter

“From a technology standpoint, the move to remote services and everything being done in ‘the cloud’ especially with the recent situation has been by far the biggest change and challenge for everyone. It’s really more than just technology. It could almost be considered a change in the whole culture of how services are provided to both students and staff/faculty.” – Kelly Freeman, Senior Systems Administrator (15 years)

“A major change I’ve observed is the increase in diversity. Our student body is diversifying rapidly and our faculty and staff are diversifying as well. I’m excited about the increasing representation across race, ethnicity, gender and sexual identity, religion, socioeconomic status, nontraditional students, students with families, etc. There is still progress to be made, and we are headed in the right direction. Representation and inclusion matter!” – Dr. Jessica Pincham King

“A change in culture in athletics. I feel that there has been an increased closeness and working together across the department as well as student-athletes. It’s been a nice change to see.” – Rachel Morris

What’s an event or tradition you look forward to every year?

“Our Christmas gathering with the Munger staff. We rotate offices yearly for planning, providing the set-up, games, choosing the menu, etc. It’s a fun time to be together without talking about work.” – Jean Muro, Human Resource and Payroll Specialist (25 years)

“Modern Foreign Language Day is an event that I enjoy every spring term. During this event, the MFL faculty celebrate foreign language, culture, food, and the creativity and scholarship of our students and faculty. It has now replaced the Latin American Studies Symposium that BSC’s Latin American Studies committee hosted for many years until it moved to Rollins. I have enjoyed being part of these and other globally-focused events on our campus.” – Anne Ledvina

“Without a doubt, my favorite tradition is the Annual Service of Lessons and Carols every December. It highlights the jewel in the crown of BSC: its fantastic choirs. The inclusion of the Alumni Choir joining in as the choirs all enter the sanctuary, all in full voice, is thrilling and uplifting. After all the hectic activity of the end of the academic term, with the participation of the faculty and students, this event sets the right tone for the holiday season and reminds us of how talented and generous our community is.” – Pamela Sawallis, Assistant Professor of the Library (15 years)

“The Christmas party hosted by the President. Where else would I get my yearly dose of piping hot apple cider?” – Jared Griffith, Data Systems Assistant (5 years)

“Orientation. It’s always a tough time to get ready for (right after move-out and camps starting up) but every year I love seeing the parents watch their kids going through this process in life. Talking to parents as I give them directions around campus, they are so hopeful about getting to this point in their lives with their son or daughter. It’s just a great time of promise and praise.” – Timothy Wilding

What advice would you give to a current BSC student?

“Let your intellectual curiosity run wild in general, and learn a foreign language in particular.” – Dr. John David Tatter

“New students need to build relationships with the professors on campus. We are here to help them in any way we can.” – Dr. Paul Cleveland

“Don’t be afraid of making a mistake or saying something wrong. Taking chances is how you grow.” – Dr. Andy Gannon

“Get to know a librarian and learn to use the fantastic and varied electronic resources available from the Library. I guarantee your research papers and projects will improve and your professors will be happier with your work. Plus, you’ll learn a lot, you’ll enjoy most of it, and you’ll be able to use libraries well for the rest of your life!” – Pamela Sawallis

“Always do the right thing even though it may not be what you want to do.” – Bill White, Campus Police Sergeant (15 years)

“Get involved, work hard, and never be afraid to ask for help. There are so many people at BSC who care about you and want you to succeed, even the people taking your tuition payments!” – Catherine Cook

“Take advantage of the many opportunities to learn and grow. If an area of study interests you, explore it, take a class, speak to a professor. This is one of the few times in your life where you will have so many experts at your disposal who are willing to go the extra mile to help you attain your goals. In addition, I’d shamelessly plug the importance of completing an experiential learning opportunity through the Krulak Institute. We facilitate a number of opportunities across disciplines that focus on hands-on learning. You can apply what you’re learning in the classroom to real-world contexts through completing an internship, studying abroad, conducting collaborative research, community engagement and service-learning, creating and completing a contract, or pursuing the Distinction in Leadership Studies.” – Dr. Jessica Pincham King

“You are your biggest advocate. No one takes care of you like you!” – Treva Lester

“Join a student group on campus, participate in campus activities, and savor every experience. Have the time of your life!” – Dee Talley, Financial Planning Coordinator (5 years)

What is your favorite part of your job?

“I like knowing that we help people. I know it is corny but it is true.” – Jeff Harris
(See our amazing campus police in action here.)

“The people. Don’t get me wrong, I love this place and have enjoyed the different roles I have played, but it would not have been near the experience without the wonderful people who I have worked with and who have supported me. I can interchange the word ‘friend’ with ‘people’ as so many people across this campus are my friends. Coming to work each day is a joy as I know I will be surrounded by friends and colleagues who will work together primarily for the student experience.” – Sheri Salmon ’85

“During the last few years, as Director of the Harrison Honors Program, I have coordinated the Senior Capstone – an independent study project outside the student’s major and minor that takes place over a two-term period. I get a front-row seat as Harrison Scholars delve into a subject they wouldn’t otherwise be able to – sometimes a life-long interest – and then learn something new myself that I wouldn’t have thought of looking into.” – Dr. John David Tatter

“Different things on different days. This month it was finishing a bunch of recommendation letters for students. Next month it will be catching crabs in Apalachicola for my research.” – Dr. Andy Gannon

“My students and my colleagues. I love having intellectually stimulating colleagues who are passionate about teaching and learning. And I love to see students walk through my office door, write a problem on the blackboard, and work their way to a solution (with perhaps a few questions from me along the way.)” – Dr. Bernadette Mullins

“When I feel I have become part of the student’s bigger family. For example, when parents contact me to thank me for the personal growth they have seen in their son or daughter, when my ‘kids’ go to prestigious graduate schools and come back to serve their communities right here in Alabama, or when a student sends you an email over the summer to tell you that he and his entire family are cheering and rooting for the Tunisian national team in the World Soccer Cup. This last one is priceless.” – Dr. Lamia Benyoussef

“My interactions with BSC students. Even though I play only a small part of their four years on the Hilltop, I know that the students who I meet are on their way to a life-changing role as educators.” – Treva Lester

• • •

Here is our full list of 2020 Service Award Recipients. Thank you for your years on the Hilltop!

40 Years: Michael McInturff and Camille Thomas

35 Years: Jimmie Chicarello, Jeff Harris, Sheri Salmon, and John David Tatter

30 Years: Paul Cleveland and Matthew Mielke

25 Years: Jean Muro and Andy Gannon

20 Years: Brenda Bailey, Shasta Davis, Anne Ledvina, Kim Lewis, and Bernadette Mullins

15 Years: Cassandra Brown, Kimball Cassady, Kelly Freeman, Marilyn Gillespie, Pamela Sawallis, Kevin Shook, and Bill White

10 Years: Jeff Kensmoe

5 Years: Dana Bekurs, Lamia Benyoussef, Catherine Cook, Jared Griffith, Warren Harris, Julie Holly, Jessica King, Treva Lester, Dee Lottier, Rachel Morris, Mike Ricks, Tracy Smith, Keely Sutton, Dee Talley, Vayrn Turner, Jimmy Weinacker, and Timothy Wilding