President John Delaney opened the ceremony by underscoring the role employees play in Flagler’s continued success.
“Flagler’s strength is built on the commitment of its people,” Delaney said. “We are grateful for the talent, passion, and care our employees bring to their work each day, shaping the lives of our students and the future of our College.”
Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer Kelly Toaston followed with a reminder that recognition is more than an annual event—it’s a reflection of Flagler’s culture.
“At Flagler, our employees are the heart of our community,” she said. “Their dedication, loyalty, and commitment to excellence not only sustain our mission but also create a culture where students and colleagues alike can thrive. Recognition helps people feel seen, valued, and connected. Celebrating these milestones is more than a marker of years; it’s a meaningful acknowledgment of the lasting impact our employees have on Flagler’s present and future.”
The ceremony spotlighted 40 honorees, representing a collective century of service. From Wade Spielman’s remarkable 40 years to the group of new five-year awardees, their loyalty and contributions have become chapters in Flagler’s story.
Honorees by Years of Service
- 40 Years: Wade Spielman
- 25 Years: Tracy Halcomb, Patrick Moser
- 20 Years: Belinda Fieldhouse, Mike Horn, John Jordan, Leslie Robison, Joseph Salce, Emily Splane, Adam Vargas
- 15 Years: Brenda Kauffman, Jessica Rutland, Melissa Southwell, Jessica Veenstra, John Wooldridge
- 10 Years: Benjamin Atkinson, Margaret Byrns, Sam Collazo, Jody Hamilton, Jorge Herrera, Nikki Liberatore, Jennifer Melvin, Leah Page, Nanette Sowersby, Kip Taisey
- 5 Years: Todd Bleak, Thomas Coombes, Brian Duncan, Grant Kelam, Timothy King, Hannah Leatiota, Nicholas Miller, Johanna Traverso, Iliana Vargas, Charles White
As part of its ongoing commitment to employee appreciation, Human Resources will build on this momentum in the months ahead. The next steps include:
- Reinforcing the message of appreciation shared during the event,
- Elevating recognition as a strategic driver of engagement and culture, and
- Gathering meaningful feedback to inform future recognition efforts.
The ceremony served as both a celebration of milestones and a reminder of the power of recognition in everyday work.
As Toaston reflected, quoting Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” At Flagler, taking the time to honor employees’ contributions ensures that everyone feels seen, valued, and connected, a feeling that leaves a lasting mark on the College community.
