PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — As a senior leader at Brown, Sarah Latham often marvels not just at the talent and expertise of staff members across campus, but at the level of dedication they bring to their work with students and faculty.

“The community of care that staff members advance distinguishes the culture at Brown,” said Latham, executive vice president for finance and administration. “Every day, I have the honor of witnessing the care our staff bring to their jobs, to our students and faculty, to the common goals we are working to achieve, and to each other. That community of care touches lives and advances the Brown mission in tangible ways.”

Brown honors the excellence and impact of its staff through a series of annual events in March. This year, those festivities culminated in a BEAR Day celebration for all employees in Sayles Hall on Wednesday, March 26, which included music, refreshments and a speaking program.

“Celebrating our staff and celebrating their impact is so important,” Latham said. “BEAR Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on our amazing campus community and honor the staff who every day contribute to advancing the impactful mission of Brown.”

BEAR Day capped off a series of events that championed and supported employees, including the annual Excellence Awards, a program that acknowledges individuals and teams for their exceptional contributions to Brown and the local community. During a breakfast on March 24, 11 individuals and four teams were recognized for their leadership, service, innovation and more.

“Innovation and creativity are two of the most fundamental behaviors that can drive organizational excellence,” Latham said. “As staff are recognized and rewarded for advancing these values, it can model for other staff that we care about their work, and it can have a multiplier effect on innovation and excellence.”