Celebrating Davidson College Employees: Successes, Sense of Place and the Foundation for Our Future
May 29, 2025
- Author
- Angie Rice-Figueroa
Duke Family Performance Hall was abuzz with applause and laughter as President Doug Hicks ’90 thanked and congratulated employees on a successful academic year, calling out a number of accomplishments from across campus.
“Every success on this campus, every student taught, every problem fixed, every special event, every single campus greeting … is because of you,” Hicks said.
Faculty and staff who assembled for the annual event to honor retirees, recognize milestones and celebrate award recipients were treated to door prizes donated by local business and vendors affiliated with the college. The crowd looked on in amusement as Hicks used a huge whisk to shuffle tickets for the dozens of prizes.
Retirees
Retiring employees and their families enjoyed a pre-event breakfast in their honor. Retirees recognized during the gathering included Michael Forney, a library building services worker who retired with 50 years of service.
Employee Awards
Spirit of Davidson Award: Sally Fredricks
Students nominate hourly staff members for the Spirit of Davidson Award. This year, students expressed their appreciation for Sally Fredricks, staff assistant in the Chaplain’s Office. The award was presented by Katie Germana, chief human resources officer.
“Without her, Davidson and the Chaplain’s Office would not be the same,” one student wrote. “She has a servant's heart, a passion for supporting students and is always willing to be that friend in good times and bad times.”
Another student said that Fredricks “…embodies the spirit of Davidson College through her unwavering dedication to students and her exceptional commitment to service. She not only upholds the values of the honor code but also goes above and beyond to ensure that every student feels seen, supported and valued.”
The award honors staff members who excel in service to the college and its students. It’s the 14th year of the award, which Kathy and Gary Parsons established in appreciation for the caring way the staff treated and supported their son Mike ’08. The original award is $850. An additional gift to the endowment of this fund made by Donna Molinek, retired professor of mathematics, and Frank Molinek, friend to many Davidsonians, and additional funds from the College President has increased the award to $2,000.
Hackenson Family Fellowship: Pinky Varghese
Director of Dining Services Pinky Varghese had just stepped into his role when the pandemic hit, but he quickly became a stabilizing force during an incredibly chaotic time for Dining Services. He demonstrated outstanding creativity, organization, and persistence in maintaining safe dining operations despite staff illness and constant change.
Nominators agree that Varghese has continued to lead with innovation and creativity post-Covid; collaborating with academic departments to offer educational dining programs, recognizing diverse faith traditions through food and introducing fun traditions like the wildly popular Night Owl Breakfast before Reading Day.
The award, established by Elizabeth and Bill Hackenson in honor of their son Billy’s 2013 graduation, recognizes a staff member who provides superior service to the college and its students. The $5,400 award is intended for travel or continuing education.
Staff Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award: Joy Massenberg
Joy Massenberg, Betty and B. Frank Matthews II '49 Center for Career Development operations & employer engagement coordinator, is officially responsible for booking rooms and spaces, arranging catering for programs and events, coordinating travel logistics for staff and students, and ordering office supplies. The reality is, she goes above and beyond the job title to connect with and support students and staff from our diverse populations.
According to one nominator, Massenberg coordinates behind-the-scenes logistics, attends evening and weekend programs and accompanies students on treks that span the course of three to four days.
Another nominator shared that Massenberg “…spearheaded the Matthews Career Center’s welcoming environment by making available snacks and beverages for all who stop by, encouraging students to come in just to grab something between classes. These efforts also support our students experiencing food insecurity by providing more substantial food items.”
Presented by Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chloe Poston, the $10,000 award recognizes a staff member “who has worked hard to create positive, systemic change in the Davidson College community. This person has gone over and beyond the call of duty to make Davidson a more diverse, equitable and inclusive place.”
Matthews Travel Endowment: Rene Baker
Assistant Director of Human Resources Rene Baker is someone the whole campus knows and trusts to be a guide during some of life’s most pivotal moments — births, health challenges, retirements — always offering expert support with compassion and care.
Nominators describe Baker as “…steady, dependable and rarely in the spotlight. But her impact is deeply felt by all who have worked with her.” While much of her work happens behind the scenes, her attention to detail is unmatched. She is always available, always kind and always focused on helping others.
Frank Matthews ’49 established the gift in memory of his brothers, Eugene Robinson Matthews ’36 and James Houston Matthews ’50. He directed this grant be made annually “in due recognition of the outstanding and unselfish service rendered Davidson by members of the college family.” The $20,000 award covers travel for the recipients and their families, “to afford opportunities for personal renewal and enjoyment.”
