Carrie Bjorkquist (right) receives her award from Mark Bernhard, Vice Provost for Continuing Education

Carrie Hayes Bjorkquist, Event Coordinator/System Specialist for the McKimmon Conference and Training Center, received the Mary Frances Hester Service Award in recognition for her dedicated and loyal public service–to both the constituents of the McKimmon Center and to her fellow University employees–thereby enhancing NC State’s commitment to public engagement.

Carrie has served in a number of roles at the McKimmon Center, becoming an expert in many different arenas. If there is a question regarding anything, Carrie either already knows the answer, or knows how to find it. In addition to being very knowledgeable, she has a positive, can-do attitude. Whatever it takes for McKimmon guests to have a positive experience, Carrie will pitch in and make sure it gets taken care of.

Carrie’s involvement begins long before the day of an event. Her advice and accuracy in planning is unmatched. She has fantastic communication skills, and is gifted at figuring out exactly what her clients need, even if the clients themselves don’t know at first. When Hurricane Florence had his sights set on North Carolina last year, Carrie was attending a conference in St. Louis; even from 650 miles away, she was communicating with her clients.

Carrie embodies the trademark characteristics of Mary Frances Hester: “dedication, loyalty, commitment, quality in effectively addressing constituency needs, providing a supportive work environment, and contributing to the goals of the McKimmon Center and the land-grant mission of NC State University.”

Alice Warren, Vice Provost for Continuing Education, received the Julius M. Nolte Award for Extraordinary Leadership in the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA). She was honored by her peers at the UPCEA Annual Conference held in Baltimore, Maryland from March 14-16, 2018. The Julius M. Nolte Award for Extraordinary Leadership is UPCEA’s highest and most prestigious honor. The award is given to an individual in recognition of unusual and extraordinary contributions to professional, continuing, or online education at the regional, national, or international university level. In addition to her 39 years of service at NC State’s McKimmon Center for Extension and Continuing Education, Alice Warren has been a valued leader and spokesperson for UPCEA for many years, including serving as its president for 2016-17. In addition, she has led national UPCEA committees, assumed multiple leadership roles for UPCEA’s South region, been an active member of the Community and Economic Engagement Network, served on the UPCEA Board of Directors, and been instrumental in establishing the Business and Operations Network. Alice’s dedication and efforts have resulted in significant contributions to the field of continuing education through NC State University and UPCEA.

Alice Warren, Vice Provost for Continuing Education and Interim Vice Provost for Outreach and Education, concluded her one-year term as the President of the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) at the association’s 102^nd annual conference in Chicago in March 2017. UPCEA is the Washington, DC-based association for university leaders in professional, continuing, and online education.

During her term, Ms. Warren focused on supporting and expanding the organization’s membership. In serving as an ambassador for the association to its 400+ institutional, corporate, and affiliate members-as well as its 4,000+ professional members-Ms. Warren traveled approximately 28,000 miles during her 12 months in office. She crisscrossed the country from Minneapolis to Chicago, down the east coast as far south as Florida, over to Texas, New Mexico, and California, as well as international trips to Toronto, Canada and York, England.

Alice Warren, Vice Provost for Continuing Education, received the Walton S. Bittner Service Citation for Outstanding Service in the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA). She was honored in front of her peers at the UPCEA Annual Conference held in Miami, FL from March 26-28, 2014. The Walton S. Bittner Service Citation for Outstanding Service in UPCEA recognizes outstanding service to continuing education at an individual’s institution, as well as service of major significance to UPCEA. In addition to her 34 years of service at NC State’s McKimmon Center for Extension and Continuing Education, Ms. Warren has been a valued leader and spokesperson for UPCEA for many years. She has led national UPCEA committees, assumed multiple leadership roles for UPCEA South, been an active member of the Outreach and Engagement Community of Practice Network and the Outreach, Engagement and Economic Development Network, and currently serves on the UPCEA Board of Directors. Ms. Warren’s dedication and efforts have resulted in significant contributions to the field of continuing education through NC State University and UPCEA.

Ben Garner, Assistant Director, Technology & Support Services for the McKimmon Conference & Training Center, completed the requirements to become an Extron Certified AV Associate. Extron is a worldwide major designer, manufacturer and supplier of audio-visual control systems and networking equipment; the Extron Certification program is for AV professionals who wish to advance their knowledge of AV system technology, design, and configuration.

L-R: Tricia Inlow-Hatcher, Nancy Huber, Alice Warren

Pride of the Wolfpack is an “on the spot” award designed to recognize NC State employees for a special or unique contribution to their college/unit or the University. Nancy Huber, Program Manager for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), received the Pride of the Wolfpack Award for her outstanding dedication and customer service and going above the call of the duty during a period when OLLI was operating with only half of its staff.

The Awards for Excellence program, established by the State of North Carolina, recognizes the accomplishments and achievements of NC State employees who have made a significant contribution to their department, division, the University community or the lives of others. Sandy Slezak, Front Desk Office Assistant for the Office of Professional Development (OPD), and Sheila Brown, Education Research and Evaluation Consultant with the Center for Urban Affairs and Community Services (CUACS), were nominated for the Awards for Excellence for the Office of the Provost.

L-R: Martin Brossman, Denise Healy, Karen Tiede

Denise Healy, Scheduling Coordinator with Technology Training Solutions, recently earned her Certificate of Social Media Management. Denise completed 36 hours of social media training over 12 weeks, along with a capstone social media project, to earn her certificate.

Chris Heggie, Accounting Technician in the Finance and Accounting Office, received the Pride of the Wolfpack Award. Pride of the Wolfpack is an “on the spot” award designed to recognize NC State employees for a special or unique contribution to their college/unit or the University.

Sevante Bishop (left), Support Services Supervisor for the McKimmon Conference & Training Center, received recognition for his initiative in the implementation of a new diagramming software that has enabled the McKimmon event coordinators to serve their clients better through more efficient planning, communicating, and executing of event set-ups. Bill Frothingham (right), Print/Document Services Technician in Print Services, was acknowledged for his dedication to his position and the pride he takes in his work. Bill’s selflessness and willingness to tackle all challenges make him an asset to the McKimmon Center. Carrie Bjorkquist, Event Coordinator/Systems Specialist for the McKimmon Conference & Training Center, received commendation for always giving 110 percent—demonstrated by her willingness to step in and assist other areas when needed and the great pride she takes in her work, resulting in her clients and co-workers always getting her best efforts.

Melissa Whitley (right) earned the Certified Program Planner (CPP) designation from the Learning Resources Network (LERN) in December 2016, joining Sara Hughes (left), who earned her CPP in December 2015. Both ladies are University Program Associates with the ECU/NC State University Collaborative at the Gateway Technology Center in Rocky Mount, and had to complete an 11-module program addressing various models of program management and successfully pass a certification exam.

Sara Hughes (left) graduated from the North Carolina State University Equal Opportunity Institute (EOI) on May 3, 2017, joining Melissa Whitley (right), who graduated in April 2016; both ladies are University Program Associates for The Collaborative at the Gateway Technology Center. The EOI, established in 1999 to improve individual knowledge of equal opportunity issues, was developed as a program to improve overall campus climate through developing understanding and skills necessary to effectively engage with increasingly diverse working and learning environments. Faculty, staff, students and community members take part in this experience to enhance their professional development.

L-R: Laina Stensvold, Aimee Jones, Dax Prather

The Awards for Excellence program, established by the State of North Carolina, recognizes the accomplishments and achievements of NC State employees who have made a significant contribution to their department, division, the University community or the lives of others. Laina Stensvold, Program Assistant, Office of Professional Development; Aimee Jones, Functional Lead, Office of Professional Development; and Dax Prather, Technology Support Engineer, Technology Training Solutions, were nominated for the Awards for Excellence for the Office of the Provost.

L-R: Greg Emma (Assistant Director, Client Relations), Ryan Lawrence (Building Superintendent), Chip Futrell (Director, Continuing & Professional Education)

In April 2017, the McKimmon Conference and Training Center was certified by the NC State University Sustainability Office as a Sustainable Workplace at the Steward level. Sustainable Workplace Certification offers campus departments the opportunity to be more sustainable and earn recognition for these efforts. Campus entities earn points for adopting, or completing, sustainable practices in these categories: energy and water, transportation, purchasing, food and events, health and wellness, waste reduction and sustainability leadership. The goal of Wolfpack Certified Sustainable is to further sustainability at NC State by providing helpful information and encouragement for campus entities to institute sustainable practices in workplaces and campus-related events.

MCE&CE held its annual Munch Madness–Bake Your ACC Off! event on March 9. The winners were determined by staff voting. Ashley Schwed (left) took 1st Place for her Soppapilla Cheesecake Bars; Kyle Wallace (center) won 2nd Place for her Strawberry Cake; and Nancy Huber (right) earned 3rd Place for her Chocolate Baum Torte. Congratulations to the winners and a big thank-you to all participants. A tasty time was had by all!

Randy Jones, Business Office for the McKimmon Center for Extension and Continuing Education, received the Mary Frances Hester Service Award in recognition for his dedicated and loyal public service—to both the constituents of the McKimmon Center and to his fellow University employees—thereby enhancing NC State’s commitment to public engagement.

His devotion to others and to the success of our organization is evident in his willingness to go out of his way to suggest better business-related activities to his employees, provide accurate and timely financial information to co-workers, and to improve the quality of life for all of North Carolina’s citizens, one small deed at a time. Randy never fails to ask how he can help anyone who appears to be in need, including clients who contact the Finance and Accounting department by phone, email or in person. Randy not only has a keen eye for accounting procedures, but he also has a huge heart and genuinely cares for people. Randy extends the University to previously underserved citizens by helping annually with McKimmon’s food drives, which provide food assistance to those in need around our campus through the Feed the Pack Pantry and our Upper Coastal Plain Learning Council and Gateway Technology Centers. In recent years, he spearheaded the collection of funds for the first Wilson Engineering Camp, sponsored by the UCPLC, to further the access of outreach initiatives to underserved, young middle school students. He also helped procure dental supplies to use in the UCPLC’s Wisdom Tooth program. Randy has also volunteered with NC State’s Packapalooza festival and currently serves on the NC State Staff Senate, an advisory body to the University Chancellor.

He is a kind, persevering person, McKimmon ambassador, and a valuable employee at NC State University.

Aimee Jones (right), Functional Lead for the Office of Professional Development, received the Pride of the Wolfpack from MCE&CE’s Vice Provost for Continuing Education, Alice Warren (left), for her dedication, direction and leadership during MCE&CE’s recent changes with their registration/database system. Pride of the Wolfpack is an “on the spot” award designed to recognize NC State employees for a special or unique contribution to their college/unit or the University. Through her daily communication with individuals within MCE&CE, the University, and outside the University, Aimee made a smooth conversion possible and continues to guide and support all units and users.

L-R: Ralph Smith, Felekech Zena, Stanley Vinston, Kristen Kindred

It takes a lot of hard-working people to keep a building this size clean and in order for our clients and students. McKimmon employees are grateful for the efforts put forth by the building’s housekeeping staff; on September 14, employees gathered to recognize and thank the housekeeping staff (those pictured here, as well as others who could not be present) for their year-round contributions to helping us serve the public.

Congratulations to Janice Sitzes, Assistant Director, Marketing Services, who graduated from NC State’s College of Education on May 7, 2016 with her doctorate in Higher Education Administration. Her research focused on enabling persistence of veteran students at North Carolina community colleges through institutional support course and policies.

L-R: Kerrie Cave, Sandy Slezak, Julie Gates (MIX 101.5 co-host, The Gene & Julie Show)

Sandy Slezak, receptionist for the Office of Professional Development (OPD), was selected by radio station MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM for an Administrative Appreciation Luncheon held April 27, 2016 at Brio Tuscan Grill in Raleigh. Sandy was nominated by Kerrie Cave, Assistant Director, OPD, for her complete dedication to her job, exemplary customer service, and team spirit.

Brad Eargle, Multi-media Technician for the McKimmon Conference & Training Center, earned the Certified Technology Specialist certification from InfoComm. InfoComm’s CTS program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute and is recognized worldwide as the leading audio-visual professional credential.

L-R: Ben Garner, Janice Sitzes, Holly Sullenger, Juanita Lanning, Ryan Lawrence

The Awards for Excellence program, established by the State of North Carolina, recognizes the accomplishments and achievements of NC State employees who have made a significant contribution to their department, division, the University community or the lives of others. Ben Garner, Assistant Director, Technology & Support Services for the McKimmon Conference & Training Center; Juanita Lanning, Manager, Print Services; Ryan Lawrence, Building Superintendent for the McKimmon Conference & Training Center; Janice Sitzes, Assistant Director, Marketing Services; and Holly Sullenger, Assistant Director, Technology Training Solutions, were nominated for the Awards for Excellence for the Office of the Provost. Holly Sullenger was also selected to represent the Office of the Provost at the University-level Awards for Excellence.

Ben Garner, Facility and Media Support Supervisor, and Cheryl Broughton, Accounting Technician, were commissioned as Notaries by the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State’s Office. To earn their commissions, Ben and Cheryl completed the six-hour North Carolina Notary Public course and passed a written exam with a score of 80 or better. The Notary Public course is designed to prepare students for commission, appointment or re-commissioning as a Notary Public in the state of North Carolina.

Congratulations to Sevante Bishop, Facility Support, who graduated from Wake Technical Community College on December 12, 2015 with his Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration.

L-R: Ashley Schwed, Randy Schiener, Janice Sitzes, Andy Billingsley

Two promotion pieces created by Marketing Services received 2015 Excellence in Marketing Awards from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA). The brochure for MCE&CE’s Customized Contractual Education received a Bronze Award and was created by Andy Billingsley, Manager, Customized Contractual Education; Randy Schiener, Multi-media Designer; and Janice Sitzes, Assistant Director, Marketing. The postcard for the 2015 Summer Institute in English received a Silver Award; Janice Sitzes and Ashley Schwed, Program Coordinator, produced the postcard in conjunction with NC State’s Foreign Languages and Literatures.

L-R: Alice Warren, Ben Garner, Tricia Inlow-Hatcher

Ben Garner, Assistant Director, Technology & Support Services for the McKimmon Conference & Training Center, received the Mary Frances Hester Service Award in recognition for his leadership and loyalty to providing excellent customer service to every client–both internal and external–who relies on the McKimmon Center for successful course and meetings.

Ben inspires and empowers his team to be their best so they can provide exceptional customer service to the various clients, attendees, and employees at the McKimmon Center. He and his team work quickly and professionally to respond to requests and solve any problems that may arise. Ben never fails to follow up after every event, asking if everything was set up properly, if the event well, and if everything worked to the client’s satisfaction. Not only is Ben professional and efficient, but he is always cheerful, positive, and helpful.

Ben’s professional and personal attributes exemplify the spirit of service and help improve the quality of life for North Carolina’s citizens.

MCE&CE held its annual Chili Cook-Off competition on October 23. The winners were determined by staff voting. Recipient of the Golden Spoon was Andy Billingsley (right) for his Old-Fashioned Chili; recipient of the Silver Spoon was Vanessa May (center) for her Ranch Beef Chili; and recipient of the Bronze Spoon was Randy Jones (left) for his Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili. Congratulations to the winners and a big thank-you to all participants.

Ryan Lawrence (right), Building Superintendent for McKimmon Conference & Training Center, recently received his Energy Management Diploma from program director Dan Mull (left). Ryan completed three week-long courses with 96 hours of instruction in the areas of improving equipment efficiencies, industrial and commercial energy, process and building analysis, and managing energy for greater profitability to earn his diploma.

Sara Hughes, University Program Associate with the ECU/NC State University Collaborative at the Gateway Technology Center in Rocky Mount, made a poster presentation at the 2015 United States Distance Learning Association Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Sara’s presentation focused on “Building Solutions to Bridging Higher Education Voids.”

Holly Sullenger, Assistant Director, Technology Training Solutions, has been selected by the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA) as a recipient of their 2014 Outstanding Professional Speaker Award. The award recognizes a seminar and/or conference professional speaker with the highest average score on knowledge, materials, and skill from participant evaluations, for all courses taught. Holly has been teaching for Technology Training Solutions (formerly the Computer Training Unit) for over 20 years.

To celebrate the ACC basketball tournament and MCE&CE staff’s confectionery talents, MCE&CE held its annual Bake Your ACC Off competition on March 12. The winners were determined by staff voting. Recipient of the Golden Whisk was Amy Weaver for her Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars; recipient of the Silver Whisk was Ashley Schwed for her Cannoli Pie; and recipient of the Bronze Whisk was Sevante Bishop for his Macaroon Cookies. Congratulations to the winners and a big thank-you to all participants.

Rob Chapman, Technology Support Technician, and Ben Garner, Facility and Media Support Supervisor, for the McKimmon Conference & Training Center, both earned the Certified Technology Specialist certification from InfoComm. InfoComm’s CTS program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute and is recognized worldwide as the leading audio-visual professional credential.

Lossie Rooney, the Front Desk Representative for the McKimmon Conference and Training Center, graduated in April 2014 from the Citizen’s Police Academy. Offered by NC State University’s Police Department, the goal of the Citizen’s Police Academy is to give students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to get to know members of the police department, gain a better understanding of law enforcement practices, and see how police officers interact with the community. During the eight-week program, Lossie participated in classes and activities in the areas of traffic enforcement, domestic violence investigations, criminal investigations, firearms familiarization training, crime prevention, internal affairs investigations, and emergency communications.

L-R: Holly Basso, Martin Brossman, Darla Alexander, Karen Tiede, Heather Cutchin Evans

Darla Alexander, Program Assistant with Technology Training Solutions, recently earned her Certificate of Social Media Management. Darla completed 42 hours of social media training over 14 weeks, along with a capstone social media project, to earn her diploma.

L-R: Joseph Johnson, Chair of the African American Faculty and Staff Organization, Pat Cotton

The creative talents of Pat Cotton, Graphic Artist for the Center for Urban Affairs & Community Services, received university-wide recognition when her design submission was selected as the winning logo for NC State’s African American Faculty Staff Organization.

L-R: Stacie Varner, Cheryl McKenzie, Carrie Hayes-Bjorkquist, Ashley Schwed

The Awards for Excellence program, established by the State of North Carolina, recognizes the accomplishments and achievements of NC State employees who have made a significant contribution to their department, division, the University community or the lives of others. Carrie Hayes-Bjorkquist, Catering Coordinator for the McKimmon Conference & Training Center; Cheryl McKenzie, Program Assistant in the Office of Professional Development; Ashley Schwed, Program Assistant in the Office of Professional Development; and Stacie Varner, Executive Assistant with the Center for Urban Affairs and Community Services (CUACS), were selected for the Provost Unit’s Award for Excellence. Cheryl McKenzie was also selected to represent the Provost’s Unit at the University-level Awards for Excellence.

Ryan Lawrence (left), Building Superintendent for McKimmon Conference & Training Center, recently received his Facilities Engineering Management Diploma from program director Roger Lawrence (right). Ryan completed three week-long courses with 96 hours of maintenance, electrical, mechanical, environmental, health and safety, construction, energy conservation, and management instruction to earn his diploma.

L-R: Robert Hansen – UPCEA CEO, Alice Warren, Karen Sibley – UPCEA President

Alice Warren, Vice Provost for Continuing Education, received the Outstanding Service to Continuing Education Award by the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) South Region. She was honored in front of her peers at the UPCEA South Regional Conference held in Birmingham, AL from October 16-18, 2013. Ms. Warren has been a dedicated leader in UPCEA at both the regional and national levels. She currently serves as the Chair of the 2014 UPCEA National Conference and Advisory Committee and is the former chair of the Awards Committee.

Ben Garner recently graduated from the Equal Opportunity Institute (EOI), a unique certificate program offered by the NC State University Office for Institutional Equity & Diversity in collaboration with NC State’s Division of Human Resources and Center for Student Leadership, Ethics, and Public Service. This intensive nine-month program provides a comprehensive understanding of equal opportunity and diversity issues; participants are required to complete three compulsory workshops and at least seven electives.

L-R: Brad Eargle, Rob Chapman, Odis Newsome, Ben Garner

Four McKimmon staffers have recently earned Certified Fiber Optics training certifications through Technology Training Solutions, in partnership with BDI DataLynk. Odis Newsome earned his Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT); Rob Chapman, Brad Eargle, and Ben Garner each earned three certifications—CFOT, Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing & Maintenance (CFOS/T), and Certified Fiber Optics Specialist/Splicing (CFOS/S).