Three hundred-forty two staff members were honored and celebrated by Yale’s leaders on March 27 at the 22nd annual Long-Service Recognition Awards dinner, held at Yale on York. Collectively these individuals contributed 7,085 years of service to the university. This includes 141 staff members who have reached 25 years of service, 115 with 30-year milestones, 49 with 35-year service anniversaries, and 25 who have dedicated 40 years to the university.
“I am reminded every day of the extraordinary commitment of our staff. Together, we have achieved great things in the decades during which you have worked here, and together we will continue this success in the decades to come,” remarked President Peter Salovey.
During the evening’s ceremony, Salovey paid special tribute to American decorative arts curator, Patricia E. Kane, who has the distinction of serving Yale for 50 years. Through her years at the university, Kane has mentored several graduate students and often says, “You don’t learn connoisseurship from books. You really learn it from handling things and looking at things.” She has also played a key role in raising funds to endow her department. After she steps down, her position will be named the Patricia E. Kane curator of American Decorative Arts. Watch the 50 years at Yale University tribute video, highlighting Kane’s career as the Friends of American Arts Curator of American Decorative Arts at the Yale University Art Gallery.
Video: Pat Kane celebrates 50 years at Yale
Ten dedicated 45-year honorees were also paid tribute: Kenneth Allen (Physiology), Susan Burdick (Divinity Library), Gail Cameron (Animal Resources Center), Francine Georges (Athletics), Harold Mendes (Animal Resources Center), Sandra Preston (Henry Koerner Center for Emeritus Faculty), Jeffery Thorn (Information Technology Services), Barbara Tonry (Athletics), Jacob Thompson Jr. (School of Drama), and Stephen Young (Beinecke Library). These committed Yale staff members talk about their passion for the work they do throughout the different departments they support and the wisdom they’ve garnered during their years at Yale in a commemorative video.
Video: 45 years of service
For a full look at this year’s long-serving honorees, view the 2018 Long-Service Recognition Yearbook (PDF).
