Brevard Sun

 Eastern Florida State College celebrated more than 340 employees Wednesday for their dedicated service to students and the community at the Employee Service Awards.

It was the first time the event had been held since 2019 because of cancellations caused by the pandemic and the time needed to return to normal operations after COVID restrictions ended.

Employees were recognized for service ranging from 40 years to five years, with honorees highlighted by each year during the four-year time frame from 2019 to 2022.

The person honored for the longest service was Dr. Sandy Handfield, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, who was cited for four decades of work in various roles at the college, which she achieved in 2019.

EFSC President Dr. Jim Richey thanked the employees for their commitment, saying they were the reason the college weathered the unprecedented pandemic shutdown successfully.

“You were the glue that held everything together, responding with innovation and a singular focus on making certain our students received the outstanding education they deserved,” said Richey.

“In fact, your efforts and those of many others led to what I firmly believe was our finest hour over more than 60 years as a college. For that, you have my enduring respect and admiration.”

The event was held on the Melbourne campus where employees also enjoyed a celebratory luncheon.

Original source can be found here.