The College of Southern Maryland has been recognized by the State of Maryland Department of Aging for its encouragement, hiring and support of older workers in Charles County. The Maryland Department of Aging defines older workers as those ages 55 or older.
A 2007 Employer of the Year award was presented to CSM, Sept. 21, by Gloria Lawlah, secretary of Marylands Department of Aging, during a ceremony at the Richard R. Clark Senior Center in La Plata. Marylands Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation was also a recipient.
CSMs Leonardtown Campus Vice President and Dean F.J. Talley served as the ceremonys guest speaker. Talley reflected that no matter ones age, people can learn new things, discover or reignite a passion, or make a difference.
Shenita Brokenburr, CSMs executive director of human resources, noted that of the colleges approximately 427 full – and part-time employees 30 percent are age 55 or older, and older workers remain at CSM on average for 14 years.
Older workers are valuable because they contribute to the overall success of the institution by nurturing and guiding our students and serving as mentors and role models for other employees. Their unique perspective, knowledge and work experience enable them to effectively engage in the office, classroom and community, said Brokenburr, who noted that CSM encourages all of its employees, regardless of age, to seek and promote a culture of lifelong learning, professional development and commitment to the community.