SSU Honors Staff Excellence with Fall 2025 Service Awards

Savannah State University (SSU) recently celebrated the dedication and ingenuity of its workforce by honoring three distinguished staff members for their outstanding contributions during the fall 2025 semester.

The awards recognize individuals who embody the university’s mission through innovation, behind-the-scenes dedication, and superior service. The recipients were selected through a peer-nomination and voting process, reflecting the high esteem in which they are held by the SSU community.

Mrs. McCall Roriex, assistant comptroller in the Office of Business and Finance, received the Innovation Award, which recognizes an individual who has developed an original idea or suggestion that improves the operations, policies, or procedures of Savannah State University.

Mr. Michael Sharpe, director of Housing and Residence Life, was honored with the Unsung Hero Award, which recognizes a staff member who tirelessly works behind the scenes and continues to go above and beyond the call of duty to improve the SSU experience for students, coworkers, faculty, and staff.

Mr. Desmond Stowe, assistant dean of students, was honored with the Service Excellence Award, which recognizes a staff member who has made exceptional contributions that exceed normal expectations and who delivers superior service to members of the campus community or the community at large.

“Recognition from one’s peers is the highest form of praise,” said Johnny McDonald, chair of the SSU Staff Support Council. “These awards highlight the incredible talent and dedication within our staff. I am immensely proud of our Fall 2025 honorees for their exceptional service to the SSU community.”