Gay He has worked at ÁñÁ«app¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾Èë since January 2013. Gay maintains the Elon Technology wiki and manages the (the ticketing system used throughout all I&CT departments). Additionally, Gay completed the I&CT project management training and is helping plan the implementation of OneDrive and the new Canon copiers.

The Acorn Accolade recognizes Gay for his leadership in service management and his efforts to establish connections with other I&CT departments. Through his work at the service desk, Gay has worked with every I&CT department. Gay’s coworkers know him as a person who can “get things done” and who consistently exhibits excellent work performance.

“This award came as a surprise. I always try to put my best foot forward and accomplish work as quickly and efficiently as possible,” says Gay. “To me, this award … means my contributions to Elon are helping the university move forward on initiatives, as well as improving the student experience.”

The Acorn Accolade will reside in the recipient’s workspace for one month and then move on when the next awardee is named. A small, 3D-printed replica will remain with each recipient in their workspace.

Claudia Sparks, assistant director in teaching and learning technologies, was recognized for her leadership in September on a number of IT and ÁñÁ«app¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾Èë projects. Sparks was instrumental in creating and leading project management training for the IT staff. The Acorn Accolade award was created to provide recognition to one employee each month as recommended by the directors to the assistant vice president for technology. 

Sparks worked with a team to envision project management training that would be beneficial to IT staff members on campus. The training was instrumental in building connections across departments, increasing communication, laying the groundwork for best practices and creating a portfolio management process to increase awareness of enterprise level projects.

Christopher Waters, assistant vice president for technology and chief information officer, has been able to see the success of the program. “The staff feedback from these sessions has been overwhelmingly positive, and the learning that has taken place is evident,” Waters says.

In addition to her work with project management, Sparks’ other accomplishments include her leadership and work with Are You Ready, the creation of the  video portal and beautifying the Technology Plan into an elegant and reader-friendly document. “Every project I work on is a team effort,” says Sparks. “Every success I have is because I have a good team behind me.”

Sparks’ leadership skills are also apparent in other projects, such as developing I&CT’s branding initiatives, providing leadership to the Creative Services team, and challenging the TLT student staff to achieve professional-level work.

“Claudia challenges us all to be better, and we are grateful for her leadership and excellent work across the department,” Waters concludes.

The Acorn Accolade will reside in the recipient’s workspace for one month and then move on when the next awardee is named. A small, 3D-printed replica will remain with each recipient in their workspace.

Learn how to make stunning decorated cupcakes using piping bags and mold fondant. Bring friends, and your appetite, for the first ever Bakerspace!

Cupcakes and decorating supplies will be provided.

Hosted by Maker Hub.

Interested in a maker topic? Click the links below to learn more about each meetup, and feel free to stop by the Maker Hub in .

• w/ Warren Mitchell on Tuesdays 8-9 p.m.
• Mobile Wednesday w/ Ryan Lewis on Wednesdays 6-7 p.m.
• Maker-Gami w/ Lawrence Mullen on Wednesdays 9-10 p.m.
• Arts & Crafts for Tinkerers w/ Maddie Chili on Thursdays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Everything 3D w/ Connor TeVault on Fridays 4-5 p.m.
• Gamer Fix w/ Zach O’Connor on Saturdays 11 a.m.-1p.m.
• Knifty Knitters w/ Emma Boniche on Saturdays 4:30-6 p.m.

For more information about the Maker Hub, including project examples and a list of tools, visit .

Maker Hub Meetups are regular informal gatherings open to ÁñÁ«app¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾Èë students, faculty, and staff. The Maker Hub is in Harper Hall, in the Colonnades neighborhood. No registration needed.

Maker Hub Meetups are regular informal gatherings open to ÁñÁ«app¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾Èë students, faculty, and staff. The Maker Hub is in Harper Hall, in the Colonnades neighborhood. No registration needed.

Maker Hub Meetups are regular informal gatherings open to ÁñÁ«app¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾Èë students, faculty, and staff. The Maker Hub is in Harper Hall, in the Colonnades neighborhood. No registration needed.

Maker Hub Meetups are regular informal gatherings open to ÁñÁ«app¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾Èë students, faculty, and staff. The Maker Hub is in Harper Hall, in the Colonnades neighborhood. No registration needed.

Maker Hub Meetups are regular informal gatherings open to ÁñÁ«app¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾Èë students, faculty, and staff. The Maker Hub is in Harper Hall, in the Colonnades neighborhood. No registration needed.

Maker Hub Meetups are regular informal gatherings open to ÁñÁ«app¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾Èë students, faculty, and staff. The Maker Hub is in Harper Hall, in the Colonnades neighborhood. No registration needed.