The Beverly S. and Eugene M. Tobin Employee Awards Announced

Nominations are now being sought for The Beverly S. and Eugene M. Tobin Employee Awards, a new annual recognition for Hamilton College administrators, staff and maintenance and operations workers.

Monetary awards will be made each year from an employee-generated fund established in 2003 to honor Gene Tobin, Hamilton College's 18th president, and his wife Beverly. The fund honors the couple's 23 years of service to the Hamilton community.

"As president, Gene Tobin consistently emphasized the importance of all members of the Hamilton employee community," said Hamilton Vice President of Communications and Development Dick Tantillo. "The awards are meant to recognize the kind of exemplary service and commitment to Hamilton that the Tobins celebrated and personified."

One hundred and thirty donors contributed to the endowed fund that has grown to more than $100,000, enough to allow for annual awards of at least $500. Contributors include Hamilton employees and friends of the College.

One contributor, government professor Philip Klinkner, summarized why he felt the creation of this award was important.

"Gene Tobin was an outstanding college president, and every day I see the impact of his leadership," Klinkner said. "I see it in the fabulous facilities on campus.  I see it in the great colleagues with whom I work. And I see it in the great students that I teach. Furthermore, Gene and Beverly Tobin are two of the kindest and most decent people I've ever known.  Everyone at Hamilton owes them a huge debt, and my contribution is a small way to acknowledge that debt."

Senior Associate Dean of Admission Mary Karen Vellines, also a contributor to the fund, said the awards recognize the Tobins' Hamilton legacy.

"Gene embraced the Hamilton community and recognized that the greatness of Hamilton comes not only from its students and professors but from all the folks on campus who make the college run on a daily basis," Vellines said. "This award is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Gene and Beverly and to all the unsung heroes at Hamilton."

Awards will normally be given annually, beginning this spring, to one representative from each of the College's three non-faculty groups of employees: administrators, staff members and maintenance and operations workers. Nominations are currently being solicited and may be made by any employee or student. Nomination forms are available electronically or in paper copy at the Physical Plant. Completed nomination forms should be returned to Human Resources by no later than Friday, April 28th.

Award criteria include making significant improvements in College services; showing innovation, imagination or creativity on the job; taking significant interest in and participating in College activities; demonstrating job performance that consistently exceeds expectations; and exemplifying integrity and dedication to the College mission and goals.

The College's Cabinet will select the award recipients. The inaugural winners of the Tobin Awards will be announced at the Staff Recognition Luncheon on Monday, May 15.

Gene Tobin came to College Hill in 1980 as an assistant professor of history. In 1983, he was promoted to associate professor, followed in 1988 by his promotion to full professor.  During his tenure as a faculty member, he served as chair of the history department (1986-88) and director of the American studies program (1983-88).  From 1988 to 1993, he was dean of the faculty, serving as acting president for five months prior to being named Hamilton's 18th president in December 1993.