PBAU names Santiago-Ramos 2006 Employee of the Year

WEST PALM BEACH (PBAU)-Myra Santiago-Ramos, associate director of graduate and evening admissions, recently was named the 2006 Employee of the Year by Palm Beach Atlantic University.

"New generations of students come my way every year with hope and a promise for a better life for their families and their communities," Santiago-Ramos said. "Serving at PBA has been a God given opportunity to serve people, to give my life for others and to make a difference in the lives of others."

A native of Puerto Rico, Santiago-Ramos joined the University in 1997 as an admission counselor and earned subsequent promotions to senior admission counselor and assistant director of graduate and evening admissions. She holds a bachelor's degree in secondary education and a master's degree in school administration from the University of Puerto Rico.

She and her husband of 36 years, Jose, reside in Greenacres and attend First Baptist Church in West Palm Beach. They have three adult children and one granddaughter.

In addition, Gary Goss, professor of biology, was honored for 30 years of service at the University. A 20-year service award went to Maurice Thomas, professor of biology, and 15 year awards went to Bert Miller, associate professor of education; Carolanne Brown, dean of institutional research and reports; Charles Lester, professor of communication; Geneane Kelley-Miller, associate professor of education; Barbara Rugolo, library acquisitions coordinator; and Buckley James, vice president of enrollment services. Honored for 10 years of service were Laura Leinweber, Kathleen Anderson, Deborah McEniry, Emery Twoey and Henry Virkler. Five year awards went to Janet Cornella, Jamie Ressler, Eric Lowdermilk, Gene Sale, Seena Zierler-Brown, Cora Barnhart, Sharon Bohres, David Brauer, Judith Casey, Ann Langlois, Carmela Nanton, Linda Raeder, Stephen Selby, Pamela Sigafoose and Wagdy Wahba.