Elizabethtown College recently announced the 2024-25 recipients of the third annual David C. Beidleman Exemplar Staff Award at the institution’s Employee Milestone Celebration. Director of the Learning Zone & Disability Services Lynne Davies and Senior Database Administrator Steve Wayde were selected for this year’s award.
This year, 23 Etown employees were nominated by the campus community, with a total of 46 nominations being submitted for the award.
The award was established in 2022 by former Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Elizabethtown College David Beidleman, who created the honor to recognize staff members for their selflessness and service to others for the benefit of Elizabethtown College and/or the greater community.
Lynne Davies, Director of the Learning Zone & Disability Services
Davies has served the campus community by connecting students with the services they need to thrive for nearly 15 years. She received numerous nominations that recognized her for going above and beyond in her role as Director of the Learning Zone & Disability Services to profoundly impact the lives of countless students, creating an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can succeed.
“Nominators, consisting of both colleagues and the students she has staunchly supported, championed Lynne’s tireless advocacy and dedication to student success,” Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider said. “Lynne was noted for her collaborative spirit and creative problem-solving in ensuring equitable access for students by blending humor, compassion, intelligence, social justice, kindness, tenacity, and accountability into her daily work.”
Davies’ role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including coordinating academic accommodations and facilitating dining and housing support for students. She has implemented and managed a highly effective test-proctoring system in the Learning Zone, overseeing the proctoring of over 250 exams per semester while prioritizing both the comfort of students and academic integrity. Davies also collaborates with faculty to provide training on accessibility equipment and converts educational materials to accommodate diverse learning needs.
Steve Wayde, Learning Zone & Disability Services Lynne Davies and Senior Database Administrator
As Senior Database Administrator, Wayde works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the seamless exchange of data across platforms with his work positively impacting departments across campus.
“Steve’s colleagues describe him as a ‘servant leader’ who ‘fosters communication and collaboration’ and approaches every challenge with ‘his notoriously calm demeanor and level-headedness,” Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider said. “Nominators explained how Steve’s positive attitude, unwavering support, and capacity to build relationships have garnered the respect and admiration of our campus community.”
In his role, Wayde works collaboratively across campus to provide departments with the necessary tools to streamline processes and become more efficient. Wayde exemplifies the College’s Educate for Service motto beyond campus by serving as a board member for the Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania.
Both recipients of the David C. Beidleman Exemplar Staff Award receive a $1,000 prize for their contributions.