During 2014, Special Collections & Archives celebrated awards won by two colleagues, Greta Kuriger Suiter and Robert Vay. Greta was honored with the Spring 2014 George Mason University Libraries’ Staff Excellence Award, “a semi-annual award presented to a library staff member in recognition of their outstanding contribution to fostering an environment of collegiality and teamwork, and ensuring library services exceed faculty and students expectations.” Greta met these criteria well, going above and beyond the call of duty in the following ways: promoting SC&A and its collections by coordinating social media outreach on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and blogs; taking a leadership role on the SC&A Digital Projects Committee, helping to create best practice guidelines and implementing them while completing digitization projects; leading the SC&A Exhibitions Committee; supervising the complex off-site Buchanan Papers processing project; and serving on a variety of cross-departmental committees. In addition, Greta has been vigilant in her development activities, submitting papers and speaking at conferences, attending training, and even completing a second masters in art history. We congratulate Greta for her well-earned Staff Excellence Award.
Greta Kuriger Suiter receiving Staff Excellence Award. Greta is flanked by John Zenelis, University Librarian, and Yvonne Carignan, Head, Special Collections & Archives
Also in 2014, Robert (Bob) Vay won the George Mason University Libraries’ Distinguished Faculty Award “for sustained and outstanding contribution to the Mason University Libraries’ mission and to his field of expertise.” Within SC&A, Bob’s recent contributions included taking a leading role in all the activities growing out of a Virginia Foundation for the Humanities grant supporting our partnership with Reston in celebrating their fiftieth anniversary. Within the University, Bob sets a high standard for his graciousness and helpfulness, and letters of recommendation identified Bob as a great collaborator, contributing to success when working with a group.
Letters supporting Bob’s nomination came from across the University and cited his achievements in preserving Mason history by administering the Libraries’ exemplary oral history program; creating physical displays and interactive online exhibitions; and contributing to the success of Alumni Weekend and other Campus events. Bob has, in fact, taken on the role of de facto University Historian.
From outside the Mason community, Bob’s leadership of the desegregation of Virginia Education (DOVE) oral history project won high praise.
Bob’s professionalism has been enhanced in the last few years by his certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists and engagement in the Society of American Archivist’s Digital Archivist Specialist certification program.
We congratulate Bob on winning the George Mason University Libraries’ 2014 Distinguished Faculty Award.
Robert Vay receives George Mason University Libraries’ Distinguished Faculty Award from Associate Provost Kimberly Eby, April 2014.
