October 04, 2024

VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University faculty and staff play the prime role in helping the University achieve its mission, goals, and vision. Five VU faculty and staff have been honored with Peer Recognition Awards for their extraordinary achievements, leadership, service, and dedication to the University.

The 2024 Peer Recognition Award recipients are (in alphabetical order):

• Debbie Furnish, Warehouse Technician, Logistics Training and Education Center
• Shannon Hudson, Assistant Professor and Legal Studies Program Director, College of Business and Public Service
• Christopher Schneberger, Assistant Professor of Art and Design and Shircliff Gallery of Art Director, College of Humanities
• Jennifer Steffy, Agribusiness and Horticulture Program Director, College of Business and Public Service
• Malalai "Molly" Yawar, Workforce Training Coordinator, WorkOne, Region 8

VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson presented the 2024 recipients with their awards during a special reception in Governor's Hall on Oct. 3.

Johnson said, "We congratulate the extraordinary staff and faculty at Vincennes University who have been honored with well-deserved Peer Recognition Awards. Their passion and commitment  to excellence continue to shine brightly, and we are truly grateful for their dedicated efforts. The 2024 recipients inspire us with their outstanding contributions and impact, which makes VU a phenomenal place to learn and work. VU is proud of all staff and faculty nominated by their peers."

Peers nominate VU faculty and staff based on exemplary service and performance annually. The President's Advisory Committee selects the recipients.

See Photo Gallery of Peer Recognition Awards Reception

ABOUT THE RECIPIENTS - These excerpts were taken from each award recipient’s nomination submission.

Debbie Furnish, Warehouse Technician

Debbie’s job title is Warehouse Technician, and as such, her main duties were to keep the warehouse neat and to accept shipments as scheduled. Today, Debbie’s role is more warehouse and office manager. She maintains the warehouse management systems and creates simulations for high school and college students. Students learn the functions of a warehouse through the simulations that Debbie creates. She assists in getting each simulation ready, teaching the simulations, helping students when needed and evaluating the simulation once completed. Her skill in creating material helps the students understand and learn the course objectives. Companies like Toyota Material Handling have asked Debbie to touch-up some of their presentations. Debbie has improved on the Toys for Tots distribution system, as well as coordinating volunteers during peak season. She has left impressions on current partners with VU (Toyota, Starkey, Latinas Welding Guild, etc.) that promotes cooperation, friendliness and a get-it-done attitude. Debbie always promotes VU as an organization of "yes we can'' when discussing
future potential classes, simulations or warehouse utilization. She takes much pride in her work and her work reflects it.

Shannon Hudson, Assistant Professor and Legal Studies Program Director

Professor Hudson's dedication to her students greatly surpassed her official responsibilities, markedly enhancing their academic and personal accomplishments. She voluntarily devoted time to assisting students with the Law School Admission Test, leading to exceptional improvements; notably, one student achieved the 99th percentile and received a full scholarship to the prestigious University of New Hampshire Law School. She also helped students afford essential academic books, secure scholarships, and navigate complex personal crises, including legal and mental health challenges. Professor Hudson encouraged professional growth by organizing educational trips to observe oral arguments and facilitating impactful meetings with justices from the Indiana Supreme Court. She maintained strong connections with alumni, regularly discussing their career progress and successes, which ensured their ongoing professional development. In conclusion, Professor Hudson's extraordinary mentorship and personal commitment have left a lasting impact on her students' lives.

Christopher Schneberger, Assistant Professor of Art and Shircliff Gallery of Art Director

Christopher has led the recent Photography area expansion to include state-of-the-art lighting and digital photography studios and additional course development and offerings in VU’s new Occupational Photography concentration. Under his guidance, graduates from that program have been awarded special recognition and high honors in the Annual Student Art Exhibition. Chris has taken the initiative to introduce his students into the professional world of photography beyond the classroom setting. For the 2023-24 year, he successfully wrote grants to fund student travel and attendance at “Society for Photographic Education” (SPE) conferences in Chicago and St. Louis. These extracurricular experiences have enriched and broadened the academic and career horizons for his students. He has also collaborated with the university and the local community by orchestrating professional portrait photography services by his students. Chris was voted the top club advisor at VU for his work with the Photography Club. In his role as Shircliff Gallery Director, Chris consistently goes beyond the requirements of his job to include the University and greater Vincennes community in gallery receptions, artist talks, presentations, and workshops. He is a consummate professional and was selected to present his work in Japan at the Stereoscopic Photography International Conference in 2023. Chris Schneberger is an exceptional teacher, role model, master of his craft and an inspirational colleague.

Jennifer Steffy, Agribusiness and Horticulture Program Director

Jennifer’s dedication extends far beyond her role as a faculty member. She actively fosters connections with her current VU students and proactively cultivates relationships with prospective students. Jennifer oversees and leads the ABT (Agribusiness & Technology) Club with monthly meetings. Arranging guest speakers for the students, taking students to visit businesses, helping students with fundraising activities, coordinating fun activities with members. She also took members of the ABT Club to Omaha, Nebraska, for the Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference. Jennifer leads the Livestock Judging Team as well. Jennifer has been working extensively with these students on their judging skills and has arranged this trip for them to have this opportunity to compete against others. Jennifer spearheaded the FFA Leadership Day for area high school students to attend in coordination with John Deere Tech. Jennifer has also arranged and coordinated the Ag Olympics Day where area high school students are invited to participate in Ag related events and activities. She sits on five committees throughout the year as well as one subcommittee. She always strives to bring new and exciting opportunities to her students, and at the end of the day the students are what matters most.

Malalai “Molly” Yawar, Workforce Training Coordinator

Molly is originally from Afghanistan and experienced limited rights as a woman. She was not allowed to travel alone or lead an independent life. Molly still went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Kabul University. Molly came to the United States as a Fulbright Scholar and studied Intensive English Language. Molly then studied at Clemson University and received her master’s degree in English. Molly is fluent in English, Dari and Pashtu. When the United States withdrew forces from Afghanistan ending in 2021, many Afghan families relocated to the United States with an uncertain future and language barrier. In 2022, Bloomington was identified as an Afghan resettlement center. Region 8 worked closely with a local service provider, Exodus, to assist relocated Afghan families that found themselves in Indiana. Molly has distinguished herself by volunteering her services to act as a translator and mentor for the Afghan families relocated to the Bloomington area. Molly has been instrumental in putting families at ease and helping them with obtaining the proper help they need to support themselves in the United States. Molly exemplifies how commitment from one individual can create a positive impact not only for the person who has been faced with multiple barriers to workplace success, but for the workforce system as a whole. Molly’s tireless dedication makes her an excellent choice for this award as she does an outstanding job of representing Vincennes University, Region 8 and what the United States is meant to represent...HOPE!

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