Lawrenceville Honors Staff with Day of Celebration and Camaraderie

On Friday, Feb. 28, Lawrenceville set aside a day to honor some of the School’s most dedicated staff on its annual Employee Recognition Day. On what he called “one of my favorite moments of the year,” Head of School Steve Murray was pleased to “honor our retirees, who are so deserving of our thanks and gratitude, recognize employees who have reached important years of service milestones … and reward those who have gone above and beyond to provide exceptional service to the School.” 

The day began with a breakfast and tree dedication in honor and memory of 50 years of service by Patrick J. Coughlan H’70 who, as Murray said, was “loved and respected by all who had the honor to work with him or for him.” At the dedication, Leigh Lockwood ’65 shared tributes from classmates Reid Byers ‘65 and Ken Williams, Jr. 65. Both lauded Coughlan’s extraordinary legacy as a member of Lawrenceville’s grounds crew and ultimately as Head Groundsman.

Employees then spent the morning at educational and enjoyable workshops where they learned everything from crocheting to gardening, from meditation to art, and from pickle ball to pickle making. In the afternoon, Murray presented awards for excellence, years of service, and to those retiring from the School.

“I want to express my gratitude for the collective work and dedication that it takes to make Lawrenceville such a successful institution,” said Murray. “It begins with caring for our students so thoughtfully, and in so many ways. And it also maintaining campus buildings and grounds with such pride, preparing and serving the wonderful meals that sustain us, raising the funding and support for so many campus initiatives, communicating internally and externally, proudly, about our school - the list goes on and on. The success of this place does not happen by accident, everyone plays a part, and for that, I am deeply grateful.”

The Pat Coughlan H'70 Award

The Coughlan Award was given by an anonymous alumnus in the Class of 1939 in honor of one of Lawrenceville’s most engaging personalities, Patrick J. Coughlan. Pat served the School for 50 years, from 1929 to 1979, during which time he rose from being a member of the grounds crew to the position of Head Groundsman. Remarkably, almost any alumnus who attended the School during Pat’s half century here counts him as a personal friend. He’s a School legend. Pat was made an honorary member of the Class of 1970, and a tree was planted on the Circle, in front of the Dickinson House, in commemoration of his lifelong service to the School.

The Pat Coughlan Award is given each year to a Facilities employee who merits special recognition and thanks for distinguished and dedicated service to the School.

This year’s recipient of the Coughlan award is Ed Rose.

Henry and Janie Woods Meritorious Service Awards

This award is given annually to eight members of the administrative, professional, and hourly staff who have consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty during the previous year and have been positive forces at the Lawrenceville School in the spirit of Henry and Janie Woods.

The awards were presented to Quentin Case, (facilities), Brian Cash (facilities), Mayra Giquinto (facilities), Carly Jornlin (health & wellness), Wei Liu (children’s center), Jonah Malvey (ITS), Colleen Martin (admission), Arthur Moore (public safety), Caitlin Radke (dean of students office), Danielle Rappaport (communications), and Kathleen Schaab (alumni & development).

Marc McClung Award

The Marc McClung Award is given annually to a dining center employee who best demonstrates the work ethic and dedication to the Lawrenceville School community that Marc McClung displayed.

Marc began his employment with the Lawrenceville School in the spring of 1990. As a young father, only 18 years old, he worked very hard to prove he was dependable and ambitious. Starting as a kitchen utility worker, Marc consistently showed his ability and willingness to take on new responsibilities. His talents and ambition contributed to his promotion to sous chef in 1997. His work ethic and personality made Marc an inspiration to all who knew him. He passed away in 2006.

This year’s recipient of the McClung Award is Donald Scott.

Meritorious Service Award

Given to a dining services member who has been nominated by the Lawrenceville School community. The 2025 award was presented to Janet Schuler (Big Red Store).

Service Awards

Five years part-time service

Donna Diani, educational support

Giuseppa Scarlata, Sustainable Fare

Ten years part-time service

Mkiyung Lee, music instructor

Gary Fair, public safety

Drew Yuhas, Big Red Store

15-years part-time service

Erika Merro, performing arts

20 years part-time service

Shawn McLaughlin, public safety

25 years part-time service

Katherine McClure, performing arts

55 years part-time service

Max Maxwell, educational support

Five years full-time service

Stephanie Bunin, health & wellness

Ron Conner, ITS

Yeini Estrada, Sustainable Fare

Kim Epstein, communications

Mayra Giquinto, facilities

Marcia Isaacson, legal & risk

Larisa Luca, ITS

Joanna Piatek, facilities

Phil Wilder Sustainable Fare

Ten years full-time service

Jeanne Panzitta, children’s center

Sean Ramsden, communications

Israel Soto, Sustainable Fare

Jason VanBrunt H’16, facilities

15 years full-time service

Ted Ives, science

Anthony Stephenson, Sustainable Fare

20 years full-time service

Karla Bethke, children’s center

Paul Karnavas, facilities

Jeff Thurston, facilities

Charles “Chuck” Wooding III, Sustainable Fare

25 years full-time service

Cindy Ehret ‘95, admissions

Robert Freeman, Sustainable Fare

Henry Hoffler, facilities

Ann Martin, health & wellness

30 years full-time service

Regina Cheston, public safety

40 years full-time service

Ted Wyckoff, facilities

Retirees

JoAnne Ashton, health & wellness

Evelyn Christie, facilities

Gary Doan, facilities

Fred Montferrat, facilities

Frank Ochanas, facilities

Rich Van Camp, facilities

For more information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.