Digital Specialist Condon receives Staff Senate award for advocacy
VCU Libraries’ Digital Specialist Katie Condon received the 2025 Executive Award for Staff Advocacy from the VCU Staff Senate.
The Award was announced in March at the annual Career Development Conference sponsored jointly by VCU Human Resources and Staff Senate. The Staff Senate represents employees on the VCU and VCU Health campuses, and it advocates for their professional development and shared university governance. In addition to proposing resolutions, its initiatives include employee appreciation programs, career development conferences and the annual Awards for Excellence.
Condon was nominated by VCU Libraries’ Staff Organization and the nomination letter brimmed with examples of her tireless efforts advocating on behalf of staff. One colleague wrote: “Instead of just talking about problems, she’s been taking real action to improve how staff members are treated and supported. She’s been great at speaking up about issues that matter and finding creative ways to boost morale and create opportunities for everyone. Her approach isn’t just about complaining – she actually comes up with solutions that make a difference. Colleagues really appreciate how she goes the extra mile to support people and make the workplace a community.”
Another nominator lauded Condon’s long history of advocating for staff throughout her career with VCU that culminated in 2020 when she became president of the newly formed Library Services Career Community. In that role, she helped provide staff with opportunities for professional development, facilitated a successful mentorship program and organized events designed to provide staff with additional information about library work. She also served on the Staff Org Implementation Work Group, that defined the organization’s structure and create bylaws. According to the nomination letter: “She has spent at least three years working toward getting the Staff Organization on its feet, and we’ve taken off running.”
While awards were given to 10 winners, all 63 of this year’s nominees were honored at the ceremony. Each received a certificate and had their names announced.
In addition to Condon, Daytime Information Services Supervisor Oscar Enriquez was nominated for the Staff Senate Benchmark Award for new employees. Events Manager Ryan Pander Larson was nominated for Exceptional Customer Service.
Categories Awards and Honors, Faculty/Staff