CHENEY – Eastern Washington University takes pride in acknowledging the outstanding contributions and exemplary service of its staff members.
On November 16, 2023, during the Fall Recognition Luncheon held in the PUB’s Nysether Community Room, President Shari McMahan presented the Distinguished Service Awards to this year’s honorees.
The ceremony also celebrated the work anniversaries of numerous dedicated EWU employees, ranging from 5 to 45 years, all made possible through the generous sponsorship of longtime partner STCU.
This year’s recipients, Emilie Crawford and Rhianna Meyers, were recognized for their remarkable commitment to the university and their invaluable contributions under challenging circumstances.
Nominated by peers and members of the campus community, Crawford and Meyers exemplify the true spirit of Eagle grit.
The awards ceremony took place in front of a full house of faculty and staff members who enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal courtesy of the generous sponsorship from STCU.
Emilie Crawford’s journey with Eastern Washington University has been marked by dedication and excellence.
As the operations manager for the School of Nursing during its inaugural year, Crawford undertook the monumental task of creating and implementing systems crucial to the school’s successful launch.
Professor and Chair of the School of Nursing, Donna Bachand, commended Crawford’s achievements, listing a dozen accomplishments that included managing grants and budgets, developing a financial aid package for nursing students, and procuring the necessary equipment for classes and labs.
Bachand highlighted Crawford’s student-centered approach, stating, “She genuinely cares about how our students experience their nursing education.”
Crawford, an Eastern alumna, has been with the university since 2007, earning a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies in 2004 and a Master of Public Administration in 2011.
Currently serving as the assistant director for the Area Health Education Center at EWU, Crawford’s exceptional work earned her the 2023 Administrative Exempt Distinguished Service Award.
Crawford’s problem-solving skills and dedication were first recognized in 2020 when she worked as the operations manager for EWU Dental Hygiene.
Her resourcefulness during the pandemic, ensuring the continuity of the dental hygiene program and securing grant funding, demonstrated her commitment to going the extra mile to help others.
Rhianna Meyers, a familiar face on campus since she joined EWU in December 2013, plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of mail services for the entire university.
Juggling multiple tasks, Meyers serves as the go-to person for mailings, ensuring timely delivery of printed newsletters and other important correspondence across campus.
Even amid the challenges posed by Covid-19, Meyers demonstrated exceptional dedication. When most EWU employees transitioned to remote work, Meyers stepped up to accept FedEx and other deliveries for the entire campus, delivering mail, equipment, supplies, and even furniture to various buildings.
Jennifer Miller of the EWU Police Department praised Meyers, stating, “This exemplifies her exceptional dedication to the university and a willingness to take on additional duties during stressful times.”
Meyers, along with her husband Tim Meyers, forms a dynamic duo, handling Mail Services for the entire university.
Their outstanding service has been recognized through numerous nominations, acknowledging Meyers’ work ethic in taking on extra responsibilities to provide a high level of service. This commitment earned her the well-deserved 2023 Distinguished Service Award for Classified Staff.
Maria Szep, program support supervisor for Psychology, and Augie Hernandez, assistant athletic director for equipment services, both commended the Meyers duo for their exceptional service, emphasizing their quick response and willingness to assist in finding cost-effective shipping solutions.
Eastern Washington University is proud to celebrate the accomplishments and dedication of Emilie Crawford and Rhianna Meyers, whose exceptional service continues to shape the university’s success.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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