Canter Honored for Ability to Bring Out a Smile in Everyone

(from L to R) Laura Pruitt, Mary Lee Canter, and President Rosalind Reichard

A Custodian for Emory & Henry College was recently honored by her fellow employees as the June recipient of the Blue & Gold Staff Award.

The recipient, Mary Lee Canter, has served the College for six years as a member of the Facilities staff.

The Blue & Gold Staff Award was created to recognize outstanding Emory & Henry employees who go above and beyond the call of duty -- not only in their respective positions, but in the College community as well.

“It’s just a joy to work here and I love all of the students and staff here,” said Canter. “I am proud to be an Emory & Henry worker. “

Canter was recognized for her ability to bring out a smile in everyone she meets. She takes pride in getting to know each and every one of the students in the buildings where she works. On one occasion, Canter used her own work break to fix breakfast for the residents of one dorm.

“I get to know the kids by name, and I love to support them,” Canter said. “I’ve gone to plays, baseball games and piano recitals just to show them how proud I am of them.”

Canter says each and every student is like one of her own children. She pays special attention and affection toward first-year students who might be missing home.

Canter herself has two children of her own, Ashley and Joseph. She has been married to her husband Jimmy for 28-years. Yet, if you have ever met Canter you are sure to know that the name she is most proud to be called is “Gammy” by her 2-year-old grandson Logan who Canter calls, “the light of my life.”

When asked about the importance of the Blue & Gold Staff Award, President Reichard said, “It’s so important to me that we support all of our employees. The quality of the learning environment here at the College is very dependent on the work of the staff. They influence our students in a multitude of ways, and it’s so important that we provide support to them.”

If you know an Emory & Henry staff member who has performed exceptionally in his or her role and would like to nominate that employee for the Blue & Gold Staff Award, contact the Human Resources Office by the last business day of each month.