A year ago our Housing Department started a tradition with the discovery of a 12″ ceramic owl in the back of a closet. Our Director of Housing and Residential Programs introduced it to us as a new recognition award that would be passed around at our bi-weekly staff meetings.
The previous meeting winner presents the award at each meeting to the next recipient. They select the next winner because of outstanding performance or to acknowledge that person’s unique contributions to the department during the previous two weeks.
As each person receives the award they must add something to the award to personalize it. In a year, the now duly dubbed “Pat the Owl” award is passed on complete with miniature car, Olympic medal, tissue paper flower adorned hat, tiny t-shirt, pennant, hula skirt, etc.
As the Pat award is passed on, the previous winner explains what has been added and its significance.
Through the Pat Award we have learned a lot about one another. It has also become a favorite part of our staff meetings.
Submitted by Kathleen Jones, Coordinator for Residential Learning Programs, Millersville University of Pennsylvania