The ninth annual Office Support Staff Recognition Day luncheon was held yesterday at the Kent State Student Center Ballroom.

The Kent State Jazz Ensemble provided the entertainment supporting this year’s theme “All That Jazz.” The event was sponsored by Employee Relations and Development, Division of Human Resources.

President Carol Cartwright said this is a time for her to give gratitude to all of the staff at Kent State.

“There would be no music without each of you,” Cartwright said. “One of the greatest parts of my presidency is getting to know many of you.”

The purpose of this event is to recognize those employees who provide office support throughout Kent State’s eight campuses.

“The recognition luncheon is important to the classified staff because they are an integral part in the running of the university,” said Freida Boland, financial secretary in the graduate school of management. “I hope everyone attending the event understands and appreciates the purpose behind it.”

The Office Support Staff Recognition program is organized by a committee of about 25 employees from various departments, said Sandy Clark, a member of the committee.

“We start planning the event a full year in advance,” Clark said. “We start planning the theme and gathering sponsors. We received over 120 donations this year.”

Clark said her favorite part of putting together the event is seeing the people that day.

“I love seeing everyone so happy.” Clark said. “It is great to see the final product put together. This is a nice function that the university provides for us.”

Contact College of Business Administration reporter Nicole King at [email protected].