Employee Recognition Event Salutes Years of Bulldog Service and Excellence

On May 12, 2026, Bowie State University honored 83 dedicated staff, faculty and retirees for reaching career service milestones in 2025. Several hundred guests gathered in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center auditorium for lunch, laughter and a celebration of longevity at the annual Employee Recognition Ceremony.

Billye Pounds, chief human resources officer, hosted the event alongside Bowie State University President Aminta H. Breaux, Ph.D. who delivered remarks to the distinguished guests and presented the Presidential Achievement awards. The program also included salutations by Bowie State governance representatives from the Staff Council, Faculty Senate, the Graduate Student Association and the Student Government Association.

"This is truly my favorite time of the year, when we come together to celebrate our faculty and staff for their years of dedicated service and for the distinguished achievements and contributions they have made to our university's culture, mission and strategic plan," said Pounds. "Their commitment is the foundation of our continued community of excellence and impact."

Annette C. Wedderburn, assistant director of special events, was honored for 15 years of service. She said everyone reaching milestones can be proud of their significant accomplishments.

"Their commitment reflects years of dedication and leadership to the campus community. The day was marked by appreciation, respect and recognition for the many contributions employees have made to the university over the years."

During the ceremony, the university recognized two staff for 25 years of dedicated service: Velma Latson, assistant professor in Technology and Security, and Otis Thomas, chair and professor in the Department of Communications.

The university honored James Gil De Lamadrid, a professor in the Department of Computer Science, for 30 years of service. Dr. Marymal Holmes, who has been a music educator in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts for 40 years, was honored for her long-term commitment to the institution.

In addition to service milestones, the Presidential Achievement Award Program recognized 12 faculty and staff members for excellence in teaching, research and grants, service and performance. Recipients received a plaque and a $750 monetary award for demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence and continually elevate standards that enrich the university and the campus community: