Recognizing her exemplary service to Swarthmore, the College awarded the 2016 Suzanne P. Welsh Award to Assistant to College Librarian Annette Newman.

The honor, bestowed at Thursday’s all-staff meeting, is awarded every two years to community members who “exhibit professionalism through dedicated service, initiative, high standards of quality work, integrity, and commitment to the College's mission, and serving as a model and inspiration for members of the staff community.”

Taking the stage to accept her award, Newman, who joined the library staff in December 2001, expressed surprise and appreciation for the overall environment at Swarthmore.

“This is a very collegial and collaborative place already,” she says, “and I look forward to us all expanding that across the College campus.”

Vice President of Human Resources Pamela Prescod-Caesar announced 19 nominees for this year’s award, giving each a framed commemorative print of a Swarthmore scene by artist Barbara Seymour ’63.

The award was established in 2011 by Eugene M. Lang ’38 to honor Welsh, then vice president for finance and treasurer, and nominees are selected by their peers. It was first awarded to Frank Milewski, director of administrative database application support for ITS, in 2014.

Watch a video tribute to Newman, in which her colleagues laud her professionalism, problem-solving skills, and many talents.