by Chris Hilburn-Trenkle
Each year the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work highlights staff members who display excellence in their commitment to the School of Social Work, the faculty and the students, recognizing the nominated employees with an award and a small gift.
This year’s five recipients of the Staff Impact Awards were recognized for their hard work, positive spirit, loyalty and more. The award winners display the breadth of the School’s service to the state and to the field of social work, representing not just the Office of Academic and Student Affairs and the School’s IT department, but also the community-facing work being done across the United States and North Carolina at PrimeCare4Youth, and the statewide support via the School’s Jordan Institute for Families and the Family & Children’s Resource Program.
“The Awards Committee appreciates everyone who submitted nominations this year — we received 45! It was truly a joy for us to review the beautiful words shared about so many of our colleagues,” Chair of the School of Social Work Awards Committee Sarah Verbiest said. “The five individuals selected for the awards truly embody the spirit of each honor — Katy Malley’s ‘Esprit de Corps,’ Selina Armstrong’s ‘Positivity,’ Larry Rosenfeld’s strong service to the school as a ‘Backbone,’ Aisha Stocks’ ‘Above and Beyond’ work to support the D.C. trip, and Meryl Kanfer’s wonderful work ‘Behind the Scenes.’ Please join us in celebrating the contributions and energy these wonderful colleagues bring to our School community. Congratulations!”
Above and Beyond
This award recognizes a staff member who goes beyond the call of duty to get the job done.
Aisha Stocks, Executive Assistant for the Office of Academic and Student Affairs
Stocks supports the School in a variety of ways by facilitating meetings, organizing the department’s schedule, helping with event coordination and sending out the weekly newsletter for master of social work (MSW) students. Stocks was an integral member in organizing the Washington, D.C. trip for students and faculty to the Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture earlier this fall.
“I was shocked when I heard my name being called, as there were several other names that immediately came to mind!” Stocks said. “I am extremely grateful for the award and acknowledgment. It was my honor and pleasure to plan the D.C. trip with Travis (Albritton), Laurie (Selz-Campbell) and Evi (Taylor). I’d do it all over again, to see our students come together and enjoy themselves!”
Backbone
This award recognizes a staff member who is integral to school operations.
Larry Rosenfeld, Applications Analyst
Rosenfeld provides a huge lift for the School by maintaining its student information system and websites as part of the Computer and Information Technology Unit. He regularly meets with students and shareholders, educates faculty and staff about best practices, and works late nights to ensure that the School is kept safe from malicious activity online.
“I’m grateful to be serving such a tremendous community and would not be able to do so without the long-term support, brilliant guidance and tireless teamwork of Phil Kaufman, Jim Griffith, Vanessa Mitchell, Thaddaeus Edwards, John Anderson, Carol Ann Hincy, Andrea Murray-Lichtman, Sarah Naylor, Evi Taylor, Tina Souders and their respective teams,” Rosenfeld said. “Grateful to all.”
Behind the Scenes
This award recognizes a staff member who quietly gets the job done, exhibiting reliability and grace.
Meryl Kanfer, UNC-PrimeCare Project Coordinator
Kanfer joined the School in 2014 and is an instrumental member to the success of UNC-PrimeCare, which has helped more than 300 MSW students. Kanfer helps organize practicum placements for students, coordinates seminars, provides supervision for students and is a consummate teammate.
“I was certainly surprised, but also very appreciative of the award,” Kanfer said. “And, ironically, because I am most comfortable ‘behind the scenes’ I was also a little embarrassed with the recognition. My sincere thanks to the committee and the SSW for the honor.”
Esprit de Corps
This award recognizes a staff member who fosters morale and helps build a sense of community.
Katy Malley, Programmer/Policy Analyst/Data Manager
Malley, who joined the School in 2017, helps in assessing the use of public assistance programs, including Food and Nutrition Services and Child Welfare, for families and individuals in North Carolina through her work with the Jordan Institute for Families. Following the tragic shooting on Aug. 28, Malley provided support for students, staff and faculty. Her enthusiasm for her colleagues and the School helps foster its community.
“I love working in the School of Social Work mostly because it is incredibly inspiring to be around so many people who are focused on making this world a better place for each and every person in such brilliant and creative ways,” Malley said. “I learn something new every day. Being able to contribute to the mission of the School and working with these wonderful people every day is an honor. This means a lot to me — thank you so much.”
Positivity
This award recognizes a staff member who is upbeat and exhibits a can-do attitude.
Selina Armstrong, Training Specialist, Family & Children’s Resource Program
Armstrong, a training specialist who joined the Family & Children’s Resource Program in 2022 following two decades working in education and with nonprofits, embodies positivity thanks to her warm attitude and friendly personality, often offering words of encouragement and support for faculty and staff members. She makes sure to brighten up meetings and staff retreats by creating a fun atmosphere and focusing on activities that are inclusive for everyone.
“I am truly honored to receive this award,” Armstrong said. “I have been at FCRP for less than two years and it already feels like family. I am grateful that my positivity is noticed and appreciated by others. I try to live by the motto, ‘In a world where you can be anything, be kind.’ With so much going on in people’s daily lives and in the world, you never know what someone else is going through so I just try to be kind.”
