As employees at UMW, we are all incredibly busy creating opportunities for students and improving the University in whatever ways we can. Jon Reynolds and Taryn Snyder both work for UMW Theatre as the Director of Marketing and Audiences Services and the Assistant to the Chair, respectively. Jon graduated in 2007 with a degree in theatre and has been working in the theatre department for 10 years; Taryn graduated from UMW in 2015, also with a degree in theatre.

If you’ve passed them on campus lately, you’re seeing far less of them. Both have been phenomenally successful at Weight Watchers, shedding pounds and gaining new perspectives. Oh – and in the process, they’ve received reimbursements from our state health plan.

Here, Taryn and Jon step out of their comfort zones to talk about their drive to stay healthy (and happy) while at work.

Jon Reynolds and Taryn Snyder are having fun with Weight Watchers on campus.

Jon: We find ourselves VERY busy during the academic year, and it is sometimes difficult to remember to be healthy in that environment. But I have made a dedicated effort to attend the Weight Watchers@Work meetings every Thursday.

Taryn: I, too, am committed to those Thursday meetings. Jon and I try to walk consistently in the morning before the day starts. The walk allows us to discuss the pending day and things we want to accomplish, while also giving us the opportunity to exercise and unwind before the day gets crazy.

Jon: Both Taryn and I used to go through periods of time where we were working six  days a week rehearsing. But when we started our current jobs, it kind of hit us both hard that performing was the thing keeping us active. What we do now is two-fold, serving the academic department during the day, and the production program during the evenings. Not a lot of people realize how hard people work in the field of theatre. It is not easy!

Taryn: And when the idea of doing WW@Work came up, Jon challenged my preconceived notions, explaining that it is not just about losing weight anymore. Even more than that, I’ve personally come to learn that it’s about being your healthiest and happiest self. We’ve tried new foods and recipes, new workouts, etc. because the meetings encourage us to live “beyond the scale.” I think a big reason people are so anti-WW is because they think it’s dated and just counting calories. It’s so much more than that!

Jon: I agree, and I think that it is helpful – even essential – to have another individual or group to hold you accountable and push you to keep making healthy choices. Sometimes Taryn will say “We can go to Chipotle for lunch, but we have to walk after work.” In other words, we have to earn that lunch!

Taryn: Don’t get us wrong: If that conversation takes place, we almost always go to Chipotle – so, we are getting in a lot of afternoon walks!

Jon: We made a commitment to do Weight Watcher@Work, and we really do look forward to the meetings each week. It gives us a chance to step out of the office for a little bit. Plus, the other people there are fun to be around, and our group leader is EXTREMELY inspiring and tolerant of Taryn and me laughing and joking around.

Taryn: But we contribute to the conversation, and we’re always able to reel ourselves back in if we get off track. We have a good time!

Jon: I can honestly say that after more than a year of going to meetings and having Taryn hold me accountable, I am in way better shape than this time last year.

Taryn: I agree 100 percent! We push each other, and we both feel better about ourselves. The sense of community at the meetings is amazing.

Thinking you’d like to shed a few pounds and feel better about yourself? Come any Thursday and check out UMW’s Weight Watchers@Work. We meet from 12:15 to 12:45 in Room 111 on the ground floor of the Hurley Convergence Center. You’ll find out how much fun we have! We’ll tell you all you need to know – and there may be some freebies thrown in!

SAC Unites with UFC and Student Leaders – The Staff Advisory Council of the University of Mary Washington strongly condemns the hateful violence and acts of bigotry that occurred in Charlottesville during a “Unite the Right” event earlier this month.  The Staff Advisory Council stands in solidarity with our student leaders and the University Faculty Council condemning these acts of intimidation, bigotry, and hatred.  We support the First Amendment rights of free speech and peaceable assembly, however acts of violence and terrorism are not protected by this amendment.  We support and encourage respectful civil discussion of varied viewpoints, opinions, and differences.  The Staff Advisory Council is committed to UMW values and to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment of mutual respect for students, faculty, staff, and community of all backgrounds and identities.

We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and friends of Heather Heyer and state troopers H. Jay Cullen and Berke M.M. Bates whose lives were lost.  Our thoughts are also with the dozens who were injured, the University of Virginia, and the Charlottesville community.

UMW United Statement

UFC statement on “Unite the Right” event in Charlottesville

Larry Atkins Award Nominations now Open – The SAC has opened nominations for the 2017 Larry Atkins Award.  SAC’s Larry Atkins Award recognizes UMW employees who are the unsung heroes of our offices.  Employees can be honored by their teammates and co-workers with this award, and they’ll receive $100.

The SAC chooses one wage, one classified, and one administrative professional faculty employee for the award.  Nominees lend a helping hand to their teammates, go above and beyond in each and every task while wearing a smile, and set a positive example for others.

You’ll find more information on the Larry Atkins page on the UMW website.  To nominate a colleague, complete the online nomination form by 5pm Friday, September 15^th.  If you have questions, please contact Christy Pack.

Winners will be announced at the Fall Employee Luncheon, October 17^th.

Annual Coleman & Hurley Award Nominations now Open – Nominations can now be submitted for University Recognition Awards.   We will continue our celebration of excellence with the announcement of this year’s nominees, their champions, and the award recipients at the fall staff luncheon event on October 17.  For more information on the awards, go to http://umweagleeye.wpengine.com/2017/08/14/annual-coleman-hurley-award-nominations/ or contact Terri Arthur (tlockhar@umw.edu).

SAC Bake Off – Save the Date Monday October 16^th for the SAC Bake Off!  More information coming soon!

Excellent Eagle Employee Program: Nominate your co-workers, supervisor or employees for the Excellent Eagle Employee award. It’s easy! Just complete the Excellent Eagle Employee nomination form on our website. Take some time to nominate someone today! Winners get reserved parking on campus for the month.

#1 F.A.N. (Fantastic Action Noticed) In addition to the Excellent Eagle program, you can also recognize a colleague using HR’s #1 F.A.N. program. Did you experience exceptional customer service or awesome collaboration? If so, nominate the person or people involved in that experience. Complete the #1 F.A.N. form on the HR website, and your colleague will be able to choose a UMW spirit item as a token of appreciation.

As President Paino noted in his opening address last Thursday, there will be a reception to celebrate Marty Wilder’s 38 years of service and to congratulate him on his retirement. Come send Marty off with stories and light refreshments at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24, in the Dodd Foyer of George Washington Hall. We hope to see you there!

Hundreds of first-year students called UMW home for the first time this week. Move-In Day, which took place earlier this week on the Fredericksburg campus, marked the official start of the fall 2017 semester. Photographer Norm Shafer  captured some scenes:

It’s time for nominations to be submitted for three of our University Recognition Awards. We will continue our celebration of excellence with the announcement of this year’s nominees, their champions, and the award recipients at the fall staff luncheon event on October 17.

Charles Coleman Memorial Service Award: (supervisor nominations only): Charles Coleman was an employee of 29 years who demonstrated pride, dedication, and loyalty throughout his many years of service. This award was established in honor of his memory and exemplary service.  All classified and hourly employees with at least 5 years of continuous employment are eligible for the award.  Nomination submission should be submitted by:  Noon, September 5, 2017

Richard V. and Rosemary A. Hurley Presidential Commendation: (nominate a colleague):  The intent of this award is to honor Mr. and Mrs. Hurley, who have consistently demonstrated a desire to recognize and reward outstanding service of University employees, and who have led by example in their work at Mary Washington.  The benefactors of the award, Elmer and Marceline Weatherly Morris, Class of 1950, hope this commendation will serve as a permanent reminder of the appreciation that the Mary Washington community feels for the Hurleys’ service and desire for it to be a source of inspiration for future members of the University’s staff to serve the institution in the dedicated manner epitomized by the Hurleys.  UMW employees, with preference for an administrative/professional faculty member are eligible for the award.  Nomination submission should be submitted by:  Noon, September 5, 2017.

Staff Advisory Council’s Larry Atkins Staff Awards: The Staff Advisory Council recognizes UMW employees who are the unsung heroes of our offices.  Larry Atkins was one of the first employees to receive the S.A.C. “We Couldn’t Do it Without You Award,” which has since been renamed in his memory. Any administrative faculty, wage, and/or classified employee may be nominated. Three UMW employees will be selected, one from each of the above classifications.

Please visit the University Recognition Awards webpage for award selection criteria, nomination procedures, and the online nomination form for each award above. For more information, contact Terri Arthur at tlockhar@umw.edu