Treasured Pirate Award for Rappleyea

Dr. Damon Rappleyea was honored with a case iron bench by students, signifying the impact he’s had in their personal and professional lives.

Dr. Damon Rappleyea, right, accepts his award from ECU Provost Dr. Robin Coger.

This gesture was mentioned when Rappleyea, an associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science, was one of 14 employees to win a Treasured Pirate Award from the university. The awards ceremony also included recognition of faculty and staff members with 30 years or more of state service. In the Department of Health Education and Promotion, service awards went to Karen Vail-Smith (40 years) and Sue Raedeke (30 years).

For Rappleyea, the Treasured Pirate program annually recognizes the hard work of exemplary ECU employees and shines a light on the unique and special contributions of each award winner. Nominations are based on an employee’s accomplishments that exceed expectations. Recipients of the Treasured Pirate award are nominated based on distinguished accomplishments in the following categories: Customer service, Efficiency and innovation, Human relations, Outstanding government service, Public service, Safety and heroism, and Spirit of North Carolina. Here is an excerpt from the recognition ceremony: Our next winner is the former program director for the Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s Degree Program. Dr. Damon Rappleyea is known by his colleagues as an influential recruiter for high-quality applicants to his program, in no small part due to his focus on getting to know the applicants personally and professionally. He’s hosted numerous town hall meetings for students to address concerns, while meeting with students regularly to ensure their continued success in their programs. The class of 2023 recently honored Dr. Rappleyea with a case iron bench signifying the impact he’s had in their personal and professional lives. As an exemplar of student success, let’s congratulate Dr. Damon Rappleyea as a 2023 Treasured Pirate!

Judy Harrison received a watch from Chancellor Philip Rogers for 50 years of state service. Following retirement in 2000, she returned part-time to serve in areas including the HHP advising center. Full coverage of the awards ceremony is available by ECU News Services.