This was the inaugural President's Volunteer Award made at Hiram College.
I was surprised and honored. We attended the 23rd Annual Employee Recognition Celebration at Hiram College tonight. I knew something was up but was taken aback when I was named the inaugural recipient of the President’s Volunteer Award tonight! College President Thomas Chema had very kind words to say about my work with the college observatory and, as I understand it, this new honor was his idea. It was the result of a request by Physics Chair Dr. Laura Van Wormer that my work be somehow acknowledged. In private conversation I explained that I considered it a privilege to be allowed to run the observatory for the college but thanked all involved for the recognition. I was given a beautiful award piece made of heavy beveled glass, etched with the award wording. I’ve included a photo of the award here done in impromptu fashion; very nice to look at but very hard to simply photograph. What a night!
PhotonStopper 
Congratulations James! I’m sure you deserve it.
Thanks! It’s just nice when people notice the work you’ve been doing! — JG
Congrats! That is SO exciting!
Pretty darned nice, LBDD! I knew I was attending a recognition dinner but we sat at the President’s table and he handed me a nice award during the ceremony!
How wonderful James. I’m so proud for you! That is so nice and the award is beautiful!
Thanks, LadyWise! I was very pleased. It’s a pretty award but unless it is displayed against a dark background, it is nearly invisible! Not complaining, mind you.
Congratulations, James. Prizes and honors always please, no matter what people say :)))
Thanks, Maya! Sometimes those things mean more than others… and this one counted for a lot.