Spider Insider

I'd like to express my sincere gratitude for the assistance provided by Rethink Waste during our recent dining hall events. Having had the opportunity to work side by side with them during graduation brunch, reunion weekend, and SOVA, I must say that their team had a tremendous impact. At the tray return window, we not only successfully sorted the compost, recycling, and landfill waste, but did so with such grace and joy. Thank you so much, David, Jacob, Slavi, Rose, Gretta, Paxton, and Damian. If I missed anyone on the team, thank you as well.
— Justin Lamb, Dining Services

I would like to give a sincere shout-out and thank you to Sarah Orr, Emily Peebles, Emilee Papa, and Susan Wolski for helping me pack for my move. It truly meant a great deal to me that they took time out of their already busy schedules, especially during the end-of-semester and end-of-year rush of celebrations and responsibilities, to lend a hand. Their kindness, generosity, and willingness to help reminded me how fortunate I am to work alongside such wonderful and supportive people. Moments like this are what make A&S such a special place to work. Thank you all again for your support and kindness.
—Robin Mundle, Rhetoric and Communication Studies and Journalism

This spring, Emilee Papa, Susan Wolski, and Sarah Orr helped several departments (outside of their own) prepare for office moves at the end of a very busy spring semester. They helped build hundreds of boxes for faculty and staff to use and assisted with packing for those who needed some additional support. Their efforts made the process run more smoothly and alleviated some of the stress for those moving. Through their cheerfulness, they brought a sense of fun to what would have otherwise been a much more arduous task. None of this was their responsibility, but they saw that others needed help and showed up. Thank you, Emilee, Susan, and Sarah — your help was truly appreciated!
—Emily Peebles, Religious Studies

I’m sure you are well aware that Jonathan [event manager, camps and conference services] is a rockstar, but I wanted to make sure his efforts did not go unnoticed! We had an intramural field reserved for a birthday party, but when the weather took a turn, we were forced to pivot. I had 25 girls expecting a party. I was feeling the stress, but Jonathan handled everything with grace. He was incredibly patient, jumping on the phone with me several times within two days (in addition to back-and-forth emails) to brainstorm alternatives until we secured the Weinstein Center basketball court. Jonathan’s proactive approach and “we'll find a way” attitude were total lifesavers. It is rare to encounter someone who genuinely cares about finding a solution as much as he does, and his professionalism really turned the whole weekend around for us. The university is very lucky to have him. Kudos to Jonathan for fostering an environment where high-quality, personable service is the standard.
—Melanie Phipps, Henrico Public Schools Educational Specialist

The Department of Computer Science wishes to express its appreciation to Susan Galvin for her exceptional "archaeological excavation" of our server assets. With diligence, she has meticulously uncovered both historic treasures and modern resources, without which we would not have been able to update our inventory.
— Kathy Rothert, Computer Science

Kudos to Facilities for keeping the campus benches so clean during pollen season. I have been amazed this spring that whenever I have been outside and wanted to sit down, the benches and chairs were clean enough to not stain my clothing. This must take a constant effort!
— Alicia Hubbard, University Communications

A massive thank you to Ayanna Santiago, Brian Joseph, Lisa Mathews-Ailsworth, Olivia Rosenblum, Jason Honesto, Alfie Price, and Patrick Benner for assisting with proctoring in the Disability Services Testing Center this semester. Their generous and thoughtful work in our office has provided hundreds of students with disabilities an equitable and accessible test-taking experience and environment. These Disability Services campus partners truly embody the spirit of collaboration and teamwork.
—Julia Kelly, Disability Services

Veronica Clinton [administrative coordinator, music] did an outstanding job organizing the complex schedules, travel, and housing for three tenure-track job applicants, two external program reviewers, and multiple artists-in-residence during the first half of the semester, despite multiple weather-related travel disruptions. The Department of Music faculty wishes to thank Veronica for her incredible organizational skills.
—Andy McGraw, Music