Rebecca B. Stickney Award

Five years following her graduation from Bennington in 1943, Becca returned to Bennington at the invitation of Bennington president Fred Burkhardt to establish an alumnae office. Becca continued to work at the College wearing, as she often put it, “several hats.” She served two stints as Director of Admissions for a total of 15 years, directed Public Relations and the Development Office, and established the Student Services Office in 1970. She became Assistant to the President in 1975 and, at the request of president Elizabeth Coleman, deferred her retirement to work part time in the President’s Office. She continued in that role until her death at 86 in 2008. In 1980, Becca was invited to become a member of the Board of Trustees and subsequently became its corporate secretary.

Becca was not only deeply committed to the well-being of those who studied, taught, and worked at the College, but also to its trees and grounds. She was often found laboring with the grounds crew planting trees, pruning shrubs, and keeping track of and maintaining the 15 bluebird houses she placed around and about the College’s fields and meadows. She was an avid bird watcher and every morning rain or snow or shine, she left her campus house, with dog and binoculars, for the two-mile walk to check on that outside world she loved.

Employee Recognition Nominations

Each academic year, the College invites nominations for the Rebecca B. Stickney Award from across the institution. A selection committee of staff and managers reviews nominations based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated commitment to providing excellent service—works diligently and creatively to make positive changes;
• Strong sense of community—works well with all members of the College;
• Going above and beyond—job performance typically exceeds expectations; and
• An appreciation of and belief in the College and its mission.

Nominations and award ceremony paused due to COVID-19.