The annual Service Recognition Luncheon celebrates the service and accomplishments of Princeton staff. This year’s event, held on March 26 at the Racquet and Recreation Fieldhouse in the Meadows Neighborhood, honored 420 employees who reached service milestones in 2024, totaling a combined 8,040 years of service to the University.

Romy Riddick, vice president for human resources and the Luncheon’s host, described the event as a “heartwarming reminder of what makes working in higher education and at Princeton so truly special.”

“As Princeton staff members, you represent a dedicated, talented and diverse group of employees who rightfully deserve recognition today for your years of service and for your unique contributions to make this institution a truly great one,” said Riddick. “You make more impact than you can imagine.”

President Christopher L. Eisgruber joined Riddick on stage to share his sentiments on the day. “Together, the 420 employees we celebrate today have devoted a staggering 8,040 years to our University community,” Eisgruber said. “This remarkable dedication is inspiring, not only because of the many lifetimes it represents but also because of the myriad ways in which you have contributed to Princeton.”

Celebrating service at Princeton

Four employees who reached milestones in 2024–Gail Ramsay, Patricia Brown, Orlando Murgado and Keisha Craig–were featured in the video “Celebrating Service At Princeton,” shown at the Luncheon. In the video, they shared how working at Princeton has profoundly impacted their lives and shaped their journeys.

Women’s squash coach Gail Ramsay emphasized her passion for coaching student-athletes and aiding their growth on and off the court. During her 30 years at Princeton, one unforgettable highlight was the emotionally significant 2008 National Team Championship victory for both the athletes and Ramsey.

“Princeton provided for me and my kids,” said Patricia Brown, a custodian honored for 40 years of service. “They gave me a life because I wouldn’t be able to raise three children without having this job.” Brown also shared her pride in creating welcoming spaces for students and spoke of the strong bonds she has formed with coworkers who continually motivate her.

“My Princeton experience has been edifying,” said Orlando Murgado, a sculpture shop supervisor in the Lewis Center for the Arts recognized for 15 years of service. “Something that is edifying is something that is life-affirming and informing you in a holistic sense; that would be how I describe my time here.”

Keisha Craig, an events and office coordinator in the Department of Philosophy, recalls her most memorable Princeton moment being when the University named a building in honor of Laura Wooten. Wooten was a beloved Campus Dining employee for over 27 years and the longest-serving election poll worker in the United States. Craig, honored for 20 years of service, shared her connection to the community icon, reflecting on growing up with her grandchildren and how the University recognizing Wooten’s legacy left a profound impact on her.

Service by the numbers

• 1 employee with 55 years of service 
• 2 employees with 50 years of service 
• 9 employees with 45 years of service 
• 17 employees with 40 years of service 
• 17 employees with 35 years of service 
• 24 employees with 30 years of service 
• 45 employees with 25 years of service 
• 93 employees with 20 years of service
• 76 employees with 15 years of service 
• 136 employees with 10 years of service 

Totaling 8,040 years of combined service to Princeton University.

All honorees received a certificate of recognition embossed with a copper-engraved rendering of Nassau Hall by the late Michael Graves, the Robert Schirmer Professor of Architecture Emeritus and a renowned architect and designer, along with a commemorative pin for their specific years of service. Those with 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30 and 25 years of service also selected gifts from the special Princeton Service Recognition Program collection at Hamilton Jewelers.

For the complete list of honorees and group photos, visit the Service Recognition Program page.