Cheyney University News July 23, 2015 Cheyney's Longtime Student Activities Director Receives 2nd Award this Year Sharon Thorn, Director of Student Activities at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, is the University's latest recipient of The Cake Award, given to those individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty. She was honored at the end of a recent President's Executive Council meeting in Biddle Hall. The 27-year employee was completely taken off guard. "This was a great, great, great, surprise," she said quietly, scanning the faces of co-workers and administrators. LaMott Moore, also a director in the Student Activities office, nominated Thorn for the award, after watching her operate and interact with students and staff on a daily basis. "She's a Cheyney agent even though she's not a Cheyney alum. This lady here bleeds blue," he insisted. "She lives and breathes Cheyney and promotes an environment of inclusiveness. Her nurturing instills Cheyney pride in the students, the staff and creates an environment in the office where students want to be involved." This latest acknowledgement comes four months after Thompson Hospitality recognized Thorn as its Woman of the Year for making a difference on campus. Many students took part in that voting process. Thorn, who began working at CU in 1988 as Director of Tubman Hall, has mentored students for years, and consistently takes time to talk to students, listen to them, help them, encourage them and support them. Cherita Weatherspoon, Executive Director of University College, commended Thorn for supporting students who long ago graduated from Cheyney. "She attends events of former students who are being acknowledged for their accomplishments. They are still attached to her even 10 years after leaving here. This speaks to the impact you have on the lives of our students," she told Thorn. Dr. J. Michael Harpe, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs and Leadership Development, lauded Thorn for giving her all. "Unequivocally her work on campus is appreciated by everyone--faculty, staff and students. Students love to interact with her. Her office is always full." As Dr. Frank G. Pogue, Interim President of Cheyney, presented Thorn with The Cake Award certificate and the cake, the person who works closest with her, Rita Burke, Clerk Typist, said; "I love Ms. Thorn. We have worked together 19 years. She's a great leader who has always had my back. Simply put, you're awesome," she exclaimed, which led to a rousing round of applause. Sheilah Vance, Chief of Staff and Deputy to the President, called Thorn a true advocate for the students, while Tara Kent, Dean of the Keystone Honors Academy, thanked Thorn for her commitment to the students. Sharon Cannon, who has known Thorn for years, praised her as well. "She treats students like they're her children. She's protective of them but she holds them accountable. She's very collaborative and helps whenever asked." "I am so grateful for this recognition," Thorn remarked before making a vow. "I'm going to continue to work hard and very steadfast in moving this university forward and serving the students." SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.