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College of Arts & Sciences Gail Pascaris Award for Staff Excellence
The College of Arts & Sciences Gail Pascaris Award for Staff Excellence is designed to recognize and celebrate outstanding staff contributions across the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS). This award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication and service to CAS and the campus community.
This award is established in memory of Gail Pascaris, who served as the Senior Fiscal & Data Administrator for the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office. Gail was a dedicated team member and friend with a heart of gold who never hesitated to help someone in need, regardless of the size of her own workload. She approached every challenge with tenacity, grace, and positivity—qualities that inspired her colleagues and defined her professional legacy. By inaugurating this award in her honor, CAS seeks to institutionalize the kindness, dedication, and team spirit Gail embodied for the benefit of future generations.
Purpose
To acknowledge, elevate and value the impactful work of CAS staff members through formal recognition.
Eligibility
Any staff member in CAS (academic departments or programs, offices and units) who has been employed by the university for a minimum of 5 years.
Award
Two awards will be given annually, with a cash prize of $2,000 and a framed award and citation.
Criteria
Nominated staff will demonstrate initiative, collaboration and excellence in the following ways:
- Demonstrates proactive problem-solving, creative resourcefulness and self-starting leadership
- Breaks through silos to achieve a common university goal, working as part of a team, and fostering a positive work environment
- Consistently delivers work that is accurate, professional and sets a high benchmark for CAS
- Goes above and beyond to provide outstanding support to faculty, students and colleagues
- Maintains a solution-oriented mindset even during times of high-pressure
Nomination process
The Dean will call for nominations as part of the consolidated call sent out each fall at the start of the semester. Nominations may be submitted by any faculty, staff, or student in CAS. Nomination packets should include a letter of nomination by the nominee, and two additional letters of recommendation from members of the W&M community. No self-nominations will be accepted. A committee will review all nominations and give their recommendations to the Dean, who will make the final decision. Awards will be presented in May at a special reception.
Please complete the nomination process via no later than Wednesday, April 1, 2026.