From left: Professor Emeritus Rudolf K. Haerle Jr., Arlinda Wickland, Brent Simons, Cindy Leno, President Ronald D. Liebowitz, and Diane Munroe

Members of the Middlebury College community turned out in force to honor the recipients of the 2012 Staff Recognition Awards on September 19 in McCullough’s Crossroads Cafe/Juice Bar.

The recipients were Cindy Leno, team leader, custodial; Diane Munroe, coordinator, community based environmental studies; Brent Simons, Ross Commons dining manager; and Arlinda Ardister Wickland, director of student fellowships and health professions.

The award program was established by Professor Emeritus of Sociology Rudolf K. Haerle Jr. as a way to recognize members of the staff who contribute to the vitality of the College community and support the College’s academic mission. The criteria for selection are leadership, stewardship, attitude, and community service.

At the event President Ronald D. Liebowitz read a citation honoring each of the four recipients. Nearly 100 people attended and a buffet lunch prepared by Dining Services was served.

There will be spider plants, strawberry begonias, ivy, purple hearts, cape primrose and more — all raised in the greenhouse especially for this Earth Day event.

If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry: the greenhouse curator, Patti Padua, will be on hand to offer advice on how best to care for your new plant.

And if you know any students who would like a plant, tell them to be patient: there will be a “Take Me to Your (Dorm) Room” plant giveaway for students in September.

The project is made possible through a grant from the Environmental Council. If you have any questions, contact Robert Keren, keren@middlebury.edu, in the Communications Office.

Plants will be given away on a first come, first served basis. One per employee please.