The University of Southern Maine honored six staff members at the third annual Staff Senate Commendation Awards on June 5, recognizing employees across three categories for their professionalism, leadership, and impact on the university community.
Hosted by the Classified and Professional Staff Senates, the awards celebrate staff whose work strengthens the institution and the people it serves. This year’s ceremony drew the largest nomination pool in the program’s history, with more than 90 submissions from staff across the university.
The awards evolved from the university’s former President’s Awards, which recognized faculty and staff contributions. In 2024, the Staff Senates reimagined the program to focus exclusively on classified and professional staff, establishing a dedicated annual recognition event built by staff, for staff.
“Staff are often the first people students interact with, the people solving problems behind the scenes, and the individuals creating systems, programs, and experiences that allow our institution to function,” said Brandon Blount, chair of the Classified Staff Senate and of the Staff Senate Commendation Awards Committee. “These awards create an intentional space to pause and recognize those contributions.”
Each nomination was submitted by a colleague, giving the recognition particular weight. Blount said peer nominations reflect the quiet leadership and extra effort that often go unnoticed outside of those working alongside it every day.
Awards were presented in three categories. The Achievement Award recognizes employees with up to 5 years of service. The Excellence Award honors those with more than 6 years. The Community Impact Award recognizes one classified and one professional staff member, regardless of tenure, for strengthening belonging, access, and equitable experiences at USM.
This year’s winners are:
Achievement
Classified: Brandon Blount
Professional: Lindsey Freeman
Excellence
Classified: Stephanie Towns
Professional: Noreen Cremin
Community Impact
Classified: Melissa Ebert
Professional: Adrea Jaehnig