Four staff members, whose collective experience as members of The University of Scranton community spans nearly a century, were celebrated as the newest winners of the Sursum Corda (Lift Up Your Hearts) Awards.<\/p>\n
The awards, presented Feb. 19 at the McIlhenny Ballroom inside the DeNaples Center, recognized the dedication, service and outstanding contributions the four individuals have made in performing their duties, nurturing a sense of a belonging and playing an important role in supporting members of the community as they strive to embody the University\u2019s mission and values in their daily lives.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s recipients of the Sursum Corda Awards are:<\/p>\n
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David Caffrey, public safety officer for the University Police Department<\/strong><\/p>\n Caffrey began working at Scranton in 1989, policing the Hill section out of his own car.<\/p>\n In the 35-plus years since, Caffrey has been a steady and dependable presence who\u2019s led by example through his consistency, reliability and commitment to excellence. Caffrey\u2019s longevity stands as a testament to his devotion to law enforcement and the University.<\/p>\n Caffrey takes great care to ensure that University facilities, equipment and grounds are always secure, creating a safe and supportive environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. He has a deep sense of duty and pride in public service, going far beyond what is expected.<\/p>\n A U.S. Navy veteran, Caffrey enjoys spending time with family, including his sister, her children and grandchildren.<\/p>\n Hugh Doyle \u201917, G\u201920, director of undergraduate admissions within enrollment management<\/strong><\/p>\n Just two weeks after graduating, Doyle joined the admissions staff and has since served in several leadership roles at the University.<\/p>\n Doyle brings exceptional dedication, creativity and intentionality to his duties and considers the University\u2019s mission and the needs of its students in all he does. Bringing a philosophy of \u201cmission first, people always,\u201d Doyle manages his team with compassion and care and consistently models integrity, trust and mutual respect.<\/p>\n Doyle volunteers with a local nonprofit organization that supports individuals with mobility limitations. Similar to his interactions with students and colleagues, he approaches his voluntary work with humility and a genuine love for others.<\/p>\n A fan of the great outdoors, Doyle enjoys spending time with his wife, Elizabeth \u201917<\/strong>, and their son, Finnen.<\/p>\n Melissa Eckenrode, administrative assistant to the Department of English and Theater<\/strong><\/p>\n Known for her compassion and unwavering support of students, offering encouragement and guidance to all who come through the department, Eckenrode has served the University for more than a decade.<\/p>\n Since 2021, she has been an active member of Staff Senate and now co-chairs the Social Events and Community Building Committee, strengthening connections across campus while also volunteering with additional committees.<\/p>\n Deeply committed to service, Eckenrode chaperones annual student service trips. This past year, she generously chaperoned two international service trips.<\/p>\n Eckenrode and her husband, Paul, volunteer for the Feed a Friend program, providing essential resources to individuals and families in need. She and Paul are the proud parents of four children \u2014 Monica, Abigail, Matthew and Isabel.<\/p>\n Diane Kennedy, IT client services analyst in the division of information technology<\/strong><\/p>\n For nearly three decades, Kennedy has been an influential, reliable and dedicated University community member who has played key roles in several major technological transitions.<\/p>\n Notably, Kennedy assisted in the University\u2019s move to Microsoft email and calendaring and the redesign of an outdated asset tracker system.<\/p>\n Kennedy\u2019s commitment extends far beyond her professional responsibilities. She has long visited nursing homes, hospitals, youth groups and libraries with her therapy dogs, Opel and Uwe, offering comfort and connection.<\/p>\n Kennedy\u2019s service took on new meaning in 2024 after her husband, Rob, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer\u2019s. Together, they have become advocates for dementia awareness and caregiver support, helping raise funds and engaging in various outreach activities and initiatives.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Group](\"https:\/\/news.scranton.edu\/articles\/2026\/02\/images\/1sca-1.jpg\")
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