The thrill I get is to see what my students learn and what they find," says Hardin-Simmons University Geology Professor Dr. Mark Ouimette. "My reward, as a teacher, is to show young men and women the features of the Earth as exposed in West Texas and Southern New Mexico."

But today, Dr. Ouimette has a new role. He is the newly selected Faculty Member of the Year at HSU. Members of the faculty and staff select who among them should be the Faculty Member of the Year and Staff Member of the Year.

Before school is out each spring, the HSU Alumni Association honors the University faculty and staff members with the presentation of service pins during the Faculty/Staff Appreciation Dinner, themed "Stars of the Purple and Gold."

The selection of the Staff Member of the Year and Faculty Member of the Year are kept "super-secret", says Alumni Director Britt Jones, until the presentation at the dinner.

Nominees for these two awards must show loyalty and service to the University. They must exude competence and dedication in their responsibilities. They must also be friendly, have good rapport with their HSU constituents and have a willingness to work productively with everyone. Finally, nominees must have high Christian ideals.

Ouimette is Head of the Geology Department and the President of the Faculty Council. Colleagues say of Ouimette, that he is an excellent teacher and has a great sense of humor. He received the 2008 Holland Award of Excellence from the American Association of Petroleum Geologist and most recently served on the HSU Presidential Search Committee.

Receiving the most nods for Staff Member of the Year is Gracie Carroll. Carroll is the Associate Vice President for Academic Advising and Retention at HSU. Carroll has been in that position since 1999 and was previously in the Registrar's office from 1993 to 1995. She also served on the HSU Presidential Search Committee. She is Past-President of the Staff Senate. Her colleagues say, "She is the poster child of patience and wisdom and she is dedicated to helping all students succeed at HSU.

President Emeritus, Dr. Jesse Fletcher, told employees attending the dinner that the service pins and plaques, and the dinner are gifts from the alumni and friends of HSU who have made special donations toward the annual event.

About 50 service pins are handed out to members of the HSU faculty and staff. Service pins are awarded in five-year increments beginning with the employee's first five years of service.

Since 1967, when the first group of pins was awarded, 1,607 pins have been presented to employees representing 18,120 years of service.

The tradition of the Service Pins began 42 years ago under the presidency of Elwin Skiles. He told the first employees who received the pins, "Wear your pins proudly, remembering the tradition and loyalty shared by the University and her community of faithful personnel--past, present, and future--who have worked, as you are doing now, to provide students with "an education enlightened by faith."

The service pin bears the official HSU seal, which displays an open Bible representing the Christian foundation of the institution and the continuing commitment afforded through education. The cross of the risen Savior has been placed over the torch, symbolic of the priority and sovereign rank of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Jaynne Middleton, Professor of Voice and Associate Dean of the School of Music and Fine Arts, is the faculty member receiving a pin for the most longevity, some 35 years of service. Dr. Jesse Fletcher, President Emeritus says of Jaynne, "She is a mentor, guide, and cherished friend to a host of students and colleagues. Her masterful teaching is evident as seen in the successful careers of her students."

Also receiving a special award, Caroline Volbrecht, who is this year's lone retiree. She has been with the University for 19 years. She was the secretary to the Social Work Department. Caroline attended her last student awards banquet this past Thursday evening that she helped put together.

Chris Carnohan, President of the Alumni Association Board, says "Caroline's knowledge of automation, faculty and staff, and how to get things done will be sorely missed."

An award is also given to a former faculty member and a former staff member. These awards are chosen by the HSU Fellowship, a group comprised of former employees.

Margaret Forrester was chosen as Former Staff Member of the Year. She was employed at HSU for 38 years as an assistant in the business office. Even though retired, she still works occasionally in the Alumni Office.

Dr. Julian Bridges was selected as the Former Faculty Member of the Year. Bridges retired in 2004 after 31 years at HSU. He was a Professor of Sociology and Social Work. He has been honored in Who's Who Among American Teachers and was elected to the Abilene City Council.

Below is a list of all faculty and staff who received pins for their dedicated service to the University: