2024 School of Social Work Holiday Party recap

by Chris Hilburn-Trenkle

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work celebrated the end of the fall semester with its annual Holiday Party on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at American Legion Post 6 in Chapel Hill.

Hosted by the School of Social Work’s Human Relations department and the Business Office, the event allowed faculty, staffers and their family members the opportunity to socialize, eat, drink and participate in a free raffle contest.

During the event, Dean Ramona Denby-Brinson and Chair of the School of Social Work Awards Committee Sarah Verbiest also honored five employees with the annual staff impact awards, given to staffers who showcase dedication and excellence to the School and the wider community.

Vice Dean Robert Hawkins (left) welcomes School members to the annual Holiday Party.

The School community enjoyed food catered by Thompson’s Southern Cuisine, based in Mebane, N.C.

Dean Ramona Denby-Brinson and Chair of the School of Social Work Awards Committee Sarah Verbiest presented the annual staff awards to five employees. Digital Pedagogy Coach Stefanie Panke (not pictured) received the above and beyond award.

Human Resources Specialist Jennifer Jean-Baptiste was presented with the backbone award.

Business Officer Nefi Lopez-Chen was presented with the behind the scenes award.

Behavioral Health Springboard Director Sarah Reives-Houston was presented with the esprit de corps award.

Social Media Content Producer Chloe Yopp was presented with the positivity award.

Following the dinner and award presentation, School members had the opportunity to win raffled items, including a gift card to Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill in Chapel Hill, N.C., free Taekwondo lessons, a gift card to Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill and more.

Administrative Research Manager Penny Hawkins (left) presented raffle winners with their prizes.

One lucky raffle winner celebrated hearing her number called.

Five School of Social Work staff members celebrated with 2024 Staff Impact Awards
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.

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