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15 Emory staff members honored with Award of Distinction
Emory University Award of Distinction recipients 2025

The 2025 Award of Distinction honorees are (L-R) Beth Davis, Lisa Loveall, Marcie Burnham, Arnita Howard, Maury Allums, Lot Bercasio, Vianca Marwaha, Jacque Pritz, Amanda Yu-Nguyen, Renee Sevy-Hasterok, Daniel Parson, Christopher Fox, Javier De Jesus, Kara Grant and David Morgen.

— Jenni Girtman, Atlanta Event Photography

Emory University celebrated the Award of Distinction honorees on April 17, recognizing 15 university staff members. The highest award available for staff, the Award of Distinction — which began in 1985 — recognizes employees for their outstanding contributions to the Emory community.

The 2025 honorees were honored at a reception with Emory President Gregory L. Fenves and other university leaders. Each received a $1,000 award.

The 2025 Award of Distinction honorees include the following:

For more than three decades, Maury Allums has been a pillar of spiritual and musical life at Emory University. Beginning as an accompanist for the Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir (VOIS) in 1991, he became its director in 1996 and later assumed the role of director of music for the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life in 2017. In this capacity, he leads VOIS, provides music for Emory’s Sunday Ecumenical Protestant Worship Service and contributes to a wide range of university events, from memorials and vigils to weddings and major celebrations. Allums’s impact extends beyond music; he has fostered a deep sense of community and belonging for generations of students. VOIS has long been a safe space, particularly for Black students navigating their Emory experience. Under his leadership, the choir has traveled nationally and internationally, performed service work and even recorded an album. His initiatives, including the annual Soul Food Gospel Fest and Midweek Musical Meditation, offer inclusive spaces for spiritual reflection and cultural celebration. Beyond his formal responsibilities, Allums’s generosity is boundless. Whether playing for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day events, interfaith programs or special university ceremonies, he never hesitates to serve. His influence spans generations, with alumni continuing to support and endow VOIS concerts in his honor. Through his music, leadership and commitment to student well-being, Allums has built a beloved community that embodies the very best of Emory.

Lot Bercasio is a solid financial leader at Emory, serving as the associate director of finance for the Division of Animal Resources. Since joining Emory in 2016, Bercasio has managed the division’s $15 million operating budget and other ledgers, ensured financial stability and advanced efficiencies. Her meticulous, transparent financial reporting has strengthened Emory’s compliance with federal cost accounting standards, earning praise from university leadership. Bercasio has spearheaded innovations in cost distribution through the implementation of systems that enhance financial predictability and operational productivity. Her expertise in financial modeling has not only optimized budget management but also garnered national recognition, positioning Emory as a leader in financial best practices for research support. She has also trained and mentored colleagues, further strengthening the university’s operations. Beyond her financial acuity, Bercasio is deeply committed to fostering a supportive and engaged workplace. As a former member of the University Senate and current Emory Staff Council Executive Board member and treasurer, she helps champion workplace flexibility, sustainability and community engagement. She has led initiatives such as the Move More Challenge, sustainability efforts and service projects benefiting local communities. Bercasio’s impact extends beyond Emory; she volunteers with the International Rescue Committee and Beloved Atlanta aiding refugees and survivors of human trafficking, and serves at the annual Love Atlanta Week. An embodiment of service and leadership, Bercasio continues to inspire and uplift those around her through her unwavering dedication and compassionate spirit.

Marcie Burnham has been an integral part of Emory since 2001, beginning her research administration career in an entry level pre-award role with the School of Medicine and rising to her current role as director of research administration at the Emory National Primate Research Center. With nearly 25 years of experience in research administration, she leads a team of 17 professionals managing annual grant expenditures of approximately $85 million, supporting nearly 600 employees engaged in groundbreaking scientific research. Throughout her career, Burnham has played a pivotal role in shaping research administration at Emory, including being instrumental in the development of the Research Administration Services (RAS) structure. Her leadership in policy updates, such as improvements to the Effort Certification Policy, has streamlined administrative processes, ensuring efficiency and compliance. Burnham is a dedicated mentor and advocate for research administrators. She has trained and guided countless professionals, many of whom have advanced into leadership roles. Her hands-on approach to leadership and her extensive professional network have been critical in ensuring smooth operations during staffing shortages, demonstrating her unwavering loyalty to both her team and Emory’s broader mission. Burnham’s commitment to excellence, integrity and service extends beyond her role, embodying the highest standards of leadership. Her dedication to research administration and unwavering support for faculty, staff and students embody the core values of Emory. Through her efforts, she continues to advance Emory’s research mission and inspire those around her.

Beth Davis has dedicated nearly 20 years to supporting the Carter family, The Carter Center and Emory University, leaving an indelible mark through her unwavering service, leadership and dedication. Throughout her remarkable career, Davis has become an integral part of The Carter Center’s operations, overseeing everything from logistics to high-profile public engagements. As the director of scheduling for The Office of Jimmy Carter, she was entrusted with managing the life of former President Carter, earning his deepest trust in the most personal and sensitive matters. Davis’s leadership was especially evident when she led the planning of President Carter’s state funeral. Managing moer than 5,000 participants, she meticulously coordinated with thousands of individuals, from military liaisons to volunteers, and worked alongside the Carter family to plan every aspect of the monumental event, ensuring every detail honored President Carter’s wishes. Her efforts were instrumental in ensuring the event’s success, marking a profound moment for the Carter family, The Carter Center and the Emory community. Beyond her work with the family, Davis serves as chief operating officer of The Carter Center, a role in which she continues to demonstrate her exceptional leadership and commitment. Known for her ability to navigate complex situations with grace and dedication, Davis is widely respected for her loyalty, vision and impact. Her work continues to leave a lasting legacy, touching countless lives and institutions for generations to come.

As associate director of digital communications at Winship Cancer Institute, Javier De Jesus has dedicated 12 years to exceptional service, making a profound impact on Emory through his digital innovation, leadership and unwavering commitment to the public good. De Jesus has played a key role in enhancing Winship’s digital presence, most notably through two separate redesigns of the Winship website in 2014 and 2024. His leadership throughout the recent process, which involved engaging diverse stakeholders such as patients, caregivers and clinicians, resulted in a user-friendly, comprehensive platform that increased page views by 16.5% and boosted visitors by 22%. This achievement speaks to De Jesus’s ability to transform digital communication to serve Emory’s mission effectively. In addition to his work with the website, De Jesus has demonstrated outstanding leadership in developing content strategies and coordinating social media efforts. His work not only supports Emory’s teaching and research mission but also strengthens Winship’s profile in the oncology community. De Jesus’s contributions extend beyond Emory, as he is a recognized leader in digital oncology communications, serving as a member of the Public Affairs and Marketing Network (PAMN) Steering Committee and leader and a charter member of its Digital Strategies Affinity Group, influencing national standards. De Jesus is known for his extensive knowledge, generosity and strong collaboration skills. He’s always the first to offer help and knows how to support his team, making him an exceptional part of the Emory community.

Christopher Fox has been a key figure at Emory University for nearly 19 years, earning recognition for his technical expertise, leadership and contributions to campus sustainability. Joining Emory in 2006 as a staff mechanical engineer, Fox played an integral role in the construction of specialized lab spaces, including BSL-3 labs, laser labs and electron microscopy labs. His work extended to large-scale projects, such as the second phase of the Health Sciences Research Building. In 2022, Fox took on the role of director of engineering services, rebuilding the team from the ground up while fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. His leadership has been pivotal in advancing Emory’s sustainability goals, including initiatives to reduce energy consumption and create a roadmap toward net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. His efforts included implementing energy-saving measures such as lighting curtailment in campus buildings and supporting the Sustainable Performance Program to ensure optimal energy efficiency. Fox’s technical contributions extend beyond sustainability, including his involvement in developing the BSL-3 labs and designing complex systems for electron microscopy and laser research. Additionally, Fox has been instrumental in addressing safety concerns across campus, including improving air quality in labs and ensuring electrical safety through arc flash assessments and labeling. Fox is widely admired for his kindness, collaborative spirit and generosity, earning the respect of colleagues and peers alike. His unwavering commitment has left a lasting imprint on Emory and its campus community, making him an indispensable part of the university.

As a senior program coordinator for the Barkley Forum for Debate, Deliberation and Dialogue, Kara Grant has played a pivotal role in the success and innovation of the forum’s programs over the last two and a half decades. She is the driving force behind the Barkley Forum for High Schools, an annual speech and debate tournament that attracts more than 1,800 participants and prospective students to campus. Grant’s leadership in this event has had a lasting impact, with surveys showing that 30% of participants are more likely to apply to Emory after attending the tournament. Grant also oversees the Emory National Debate Institute (ENDI), a summer program that brings together high school students from across the country. Her advocacy ensures that the ENDI remains accessible to rural and urban students who might lack opportunities for rigorous summer debate training. She developed initiatives such as the Melissa Maxcy Wade Social Justice Award, which annually recognizes high school students advocating for systemic change in their communities. Beyond program management, Grant fosters Barkley Forum alumni engagement through The Flowsheet, a quarterly newsletter that keeps more than 500 alumni connected. As the informal historian of the Barkley Forum, she has seen the program through three different directors of debate and remains indispensable to its success. Grant’s dedication to equity, collaboration and service embodies Emory’s values, making her an inspiration to students, colleagues and alumni alike.

Arnita Howard, senior assistant dean of student affairs at the School of Nursing, has dedicated more than 30 years to Emory University. She began her career at The Carter Center and later worked at the School of Law, where her innovative contributions set her apart. Since joining the School of Nursing in 2011, Howard has devoted herself to supporting student success and well-being, going above and beyond her role. She ensures students have the resources needed for success, offering support outside of office hours and building strong, trusting relationships with them. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she took the lead in coordinating student care efforts, organizing care packages and checking on students’ recovery. Howard has made a significant impact by expanding academic and career support services, developing wellness programs and overseeing student leadership development. In addition, she has served on key committees at the school, such as the Committee on Community and Diversity and the Equitable Student Experience Committee. Known for her kindness, integrity and leadership, Howard inspires those around her, creating a positive and inclusive work environment. She works closely with Emory’s Office of Events to coordinate signature events and with the Student Case Management and Intervention Services Department to ensure student success. Howard is a dedicated community volunteer, supporting organizations such as Little Debbie’s Second Chance Homes, SafeHouse Outreach and her church’s discipleship ministry. Howard’s dedication and leadership make her one of Emory’s most beloved employees.

Lisa Loveall has been a cornerstone of the Emory community for more than a decade, providing exceptional leadership and dedication to promoting open expression on Emory’s campus. As the director of open expression programs, Loveall played a pivotal role in shaping the university's approach to open expression during a transformative academic year in 2023-24. In this role, Loveall was the sole leader of the program, facilitating more than 130 acts of open expression on campus while balancing the complex needs of both students and the broader community. Their work required a deep commitment to the university’s Open Expression Policy, which aims to support students’ rights to freely express their beliefs while ensuring that others can pursue their studies without significant disruption. Loveall’s leadership, particularly during a 14-day period of intense, round-the-clock activity, required a creative and strategic approach to scale the program, originally designed for fewer events, to accommodate unprecedented campus activity. Loveall’s collaborative and compassionate leadership has made a lasting impact on the Emory community. They built deep relationships across the university, fostering trust and cooperation, and bringing together students, faculty and staff to navigate and fulfill the aims of the open expression policy. Loveall’s exemplary work and leadership has set a national benchmark for open expression programs which continues to shape how Emory fosters dialogue, inclusivity and respect for differing viewpoints, creating a model for other institutions to follow.

Vianca Marwaha’s dedication, leadership and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on the Emory community. As a supervisor of building and residential services, she goes above and beyond to ensure Emory’s facilities remain clean, safe and welcoming. Whether responding to emergencies, covering extra shifts or assisting with urgent cleanups, Marwaha’s tireless work ethic and reliability set her apart. She is known for answering calls at all hours and following up to ensure issues are fully resolved. Beyond her operational expertise, Marwaha is a true mentor and advocate for her team. She actively supports their career growth, assisting with resumes and guiding many into the Career Path Mobility Program. Her leadership fosters a culture of empowerment and professional development, ensuring her team thrives. Her impact extends across campus, particularly at Goizueta Business School, where she personally audited the entire school’s light fixtures to enhance safety and efficiency. At Emory Law School, she is a trusted partner, assisting with waste management and other major initiatives and events. Her ability to anticipate needs and communicate effectively makes her an invaluable asset. Marwaha’s commitment to sustainability is equally commendable. She collaborates closely with the Office of Sustainability and Recycling, working to reduce Emory’s carbon footprint and improve waste management strategies. Marwaha exemplifies professionalism and dedication, consistently enhancing the Emory community through her leadership and service. Her problem-solving skills, commitment to excellence and genuine care for those around her make her a truly invaluable asset to the community.

David Morgen has dedicated two decades of service to Emory’s Writing Program, where he has embodied the institution’s mission of knowledge in the service of humanity. As an instructional technologist, Morgen has made exceptional contributions far beyond his official role, impacting both the daily operations and long-term strategic initiatives of the program. His work as project manager for the Domain of One’s Own (DoOO) program — an initiative providing students, faculty and staff with affordable web hosting — has been transformative. He was instrumental in introducing DoOO at Emory, allowing students to create and maintain digital portfolios as part of the Rhetoric, Writing and Information Design minor, a program he co-developed. Morgen has been an essential mentor to faculty and staff across campus, providing support in course design, digital tools and pedagogical innovation. His work with more than 40 instructors on multimodal assignments paved the way for Emory’s new general education communication curriculum. Beyond his professional expertise, Morgen has been a steady presence in the Emory community, helping students in need, hosting Thanksgiving meals for international students and leading community outreach efforts such as the partnership with Arrendale State Women’s Prison. Known for his patience, deep listening and collaborative spirit, Morgen has been a pillar of support for both students and colleagues. His long-standing dedication, expertise in digital and multimodal pedagogy, and deep commitment to community service make Morgen an instrumental part of the Emory community.

Daniel Parson, the founding farmer-educator of the Oxford Organic Farm, has played an instrumental role in the farm’s creation, growth and success since its establishment. Under his leadership, the farm has become a nationally recognized model for sustainable campus farming and a vital part of Emory’s commitment to sustainability. His dedication to organic farming, education and community engagement aligns with Emory’s Sustainability Vision, making the Oxford Organic Farm a core component of the university’s environmental goals. Parson’s work extends beyond food production. He has seamlessly integrated the farm into Emory’s academic curriculum, creating hands-on learning opportunities for students across multiple disciplines, from biology to philosophy. This educational approach connects students with food systems and sustainability, preparing them to lead change in these fields. The farm, which produces food for Emory’s dining programs and community-supported agriculture (CSA), also serves as a tool for student recruitment and retention, with many Oxford College graduates citing it as a highlight of their time at the university. Parson’s leadership in sustainable agriculture has been recognized by Georgia Organics and Mother Nature Network, and his work continues to support Emory’s sustainable food procurement goals. Beyond campus, Parson has contributed to regional agricultural sustainability by supporting partnerships like the one with The Conservation Fund’s Working Farms Fund and teaching workshops at conferences and events across the Southeast. His dedication to sustainability, education and public service makes Parson an exceptional asset to Emory and the greater Atlanta community.

Jacque Pritz is recognized for her extraordinary contributions to the Emory community through her leadership and vision in the Arts and Social Justice (ASJ) program. As senior program coordinator for Emory Arts, Pritz has played an instrumental role in shaping the ASJ program, making it a signature initiative that continues to bridge Emory with the wider Atlanta community, fostering creativity, social justice and diversity. Since its inception in 2020, the program has provided a platform for students to engage in conversations around justice and equity, all through the lens of art. Her influence extends beyond her formal role. She was integral in co-developing partnerships with key organizations like Midtown Alliance and Spelman College, helping to expand the reach of the ASJ program. Her work with regional nonprofits and artists has enriched the experiences of hundreds of Emory students, faculty and community members, empowering them to make an impact through art. Pritz’s commitment is evident in her leadership from redesigning the program’s artist application process to be more inclusive and accessible to producing impactful events that lift community voices. As the founder of Catching Mangoes Dance Company as well as a performer and choreographer herself, Pritz creates space for marginalized artists and provides a platform for young dancers in the Atlanta arts scene. Her work goes beyond administrative duties; Pritz is a visionary, community leader and changemaker whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Emory and the arts community at large.

As the graduate program coordinator for the Department of Economics, Renee Sevy-Hasterok has transformed the department into a more welcoming and supportive space for students. Her work goes beyond administrative duties — she creates a home for students, ensuring they feel valued, supported and celebrated throughout their academic journey. Understanding the challenges graduate students face, Sevy-Hasterok has established initiatives that provide both tangible resources and emotional support. Many students describe her as someone they can turn to for guidance, encouragement and support. She spearheaded multiple food drives for the Emory Eagle Food Pantry and created a graduate student food drawer to help those experiencing food insecurity. Sevy-Hasterok brings a deeply personal touch to her role, remembering students' birthdays and organizing monthly celebrations with unique treats, making each student feel special. She initiated the annual Publication Celebration, designing personalized coffee mugs featuring students’ first peer-reviewed publications. Thanksgiving dinners at her home have become a cherished tradition, particularly for international students experiencing the holiday for the first time. Her compassion extends to helping international students transition to life at Emory, ensuring they are housed, supported and welcomed. As the first Safe Space Ally in her department, she fosters a culture of belonging for LGBTQ+ students. Sevy-Hasterok’s personal investment in students’ well-being is what truly sets her apart. She doesn’t just support students — she makes them feel at home, embodying the very best of Emory’s spirit.

Amanda Yu-Nguyen has dedicated more than 14 years to transforming the student experience at Oxford College. As director of the Center for Healthful Living (CHL), she has been instrumental in shaping the physical, emotional and social well-being of students through evidence-based initiatives that promote resilience, engagement and growth. Her commitment to inclusivity is reflected in her mentorship of peer health educators, leadership of multidisciplinary teams and campus-wide initiatives addressing the diverse needs of students. Yu-Nguyen’s ability to build, develop and support staff is evident in both retention rate as well as outward promotion. In addition to her departmental leadership, Yu-Nguyen has driven institutional change at Emory. As interim co-dean of Campus Life, she provided strategic direction during a pivotal time, emphasizing a holistic, student-centered approach. Furthermore, Yu-Nguyen has played a critical role in developing data-driven assessment strategies to measure student learning outcomes and enhance the effectiveness of CHL programming. By integrating research into program development, she ensures that Oxford College remains at the forefront of student well-being initiatives. Her service on university committees, including co-chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi Employee Network, demonstrates her commitment to supporting our community. Yu-Nguyen’s global reach extends through her role as a student experience professional, guiding students on travel courses, ensuring their success in diverse cultural and academic environments. Her lasting legacy at Oxford College is one of innovation, compassion and steadfast dedication to student well-being, making her a truly transformative leader in the Emory community.


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