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Auditoria staff group recognized with John Marshall Service Award

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Marshall’s auditoria staff group, which includes Director of Facilities Jamez Morris-Smith, Deb Carder, Kevin Bannon and Sam Kincaid, received the John Marshall Service award (formerly Employee of the Month) Nov. 15 at the Classified Staff Council meeting.

They were nominated as a group by Lang Reynolds, director of the School of Theatre, and Don Van Horn, who retired as dean of the College of Arts and Media earlier this year.

“These four nominees have worked tirelessly to improve Marshall University’s public image, maintain campus auditorium facilities and space, and support educational programs across campus,” Reynolds and Van Horn said in their nomination. “From the planning and execution of graduations, to dinners, to individual department and faculty programs in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center as well as other campus spaces, Auditoria produces over 150 events each year. These events regularly include Governor’s School for the Arts, Governor’s Honors Academy, Drinko Academy, graduations, dinners in the Performing Arts Center, guest artists, local community groups and dance companies. Featured programs include community productions of ‘Narnia’ and the ‘Nutcracker,’ Marshall freshman orientations, Green and White Days, the Fountain Ceremony, Week of WOW and ‘Traditions’ (the Week of WOW musical), Marshall University official memorials, and celebrations in the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

“In addition, they are regularly involved in the production of the School of Theatre season performances … What isn’t often appreciated is the time devoted to coordinating multiple details such as catering, table settings, centerpieces, flow of guests, flowers, managing the costs, paperwork and billing to make each event successful. For example, only an observer of all the events in a single week would see how the same flowers arranged differently create the impression of a unique design for each different event throughout the week, saving time, money, and maintaining the university’s public image. Even events with very short lead times, from George W. Bush’s visit to memorial services, are treated with a level of dedication and sensitivity unique to the staff of Auditoria.

“It should be noted that the Auditoria staff is also integral to the School of Theatre’s academic production program: the Marshall University Theatre season. Auditoria staff are involved daily supporting the school’s academic mission by supervising theatre students in backstage practices and procedures for theatrical productions, including the construction of scenery, props, and where practicable, integrating these students in building maintenance and Auditoria operations. These practices have resulted in many ‘in-house’ building renovations which have saved the university thousands of dollars. Examples include upgrading the rigging and lighting/sound systems, keeping the spaces clean and safe, repairing tools and equipment, as well as supporting events….

“From the box office and front of house operations, to stage operations and design, Auditoria’s professionalism and dedication is ever present. Prospective students, parents, donors, and patrons are favorably impressed by the high quality of on-campus public presentations at Marshall University, in large part due to the efforts of Auditoria personnel.”

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Photo: From left, Jamez Morris-Smith, Kevin Bannon, President Gilbert, Deb Carder and Sam Kincaid at the Nov. 15 Classified Staff Council meeting, at which the group received the John Marshall Service Award.

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