Behind every groundbreaking piece of research is a long and careful process needed to get the project off the ground. And working together alongside faculty members and graduate students at the forefront of cutting-edge discovery are people making everyday contributions to the procedures, systems and processes that are necessary to the operation of a complex institution like the George Washington University.
For decades, science-specific researchers in GW’s Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) have been fortunate enough to have Grants Management Coordinator Gary Reynolds do the behind-the-scenes work to tackle key administrative work so they can focus on pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
Reynolds, who started working full-time at the university in September 1989, was honored Wednesday for his 35 years of service to the university along with other employees recognized for 20-plus years of dedication to GW at the annual Career Milestones luncheon, held in the City View Room of the Elliott School of International Affairs. Those celebrating five-, 10- and 15-year milestones were honored in a ceremony Thursday.
In 1993, Reynolds began his journey assisting researchers when he took on a new role in the Office of Sponsored Projects. At that time, GW was just starting to expand its research and attract more grants, and his office at Rice Hall was small.
“I handled payroll, consultant agreements, service agreements—you name it,” Reynolds said. “It was a lot of work, and the university wasn't yet ready to make significant changes to the office.”
But the evolution of his work, and the university, has been dynamic. By 2005, Reynolds wound up in his home at CCAS, where he would oversee research administration in the physics and chemistry departments. He’s had a front-row seat and has played a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in seeing GW grow into an R1 research institution and member of the prestigious Association of American Universities that comprises North America’s 71 leading research centers.
From ushering a new era of research with P-cards to the shift to collaborative pods several years ago, Reynolds has learned that research administration comes in many forms. There’s always something new to learn, and no two days are alike.
“None of us really set out to become research administrators; it’s just one of those things that happens,” he said. “We touch on a lot of different areas, from HR to travel and policy updates, and we need to stay on top of all the changes.”
He is proud to have assisted on some groundbreaking projects, most notably helping Professor of Chemistry and Research Emeritus Akos Vertes administer a DARPA grant that led to the development of a system that can detect chemicals in the air, which entities such as the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority use to help make the DMV’s public transportation safer.
But above all, it’s been the people—from faculty members to fellow staff members to graduate students—who have kept Reynolds energized all these years.
“One thing that’s always been consistent is the people at GW. I’ve made a lot of good friends here,” Reynolds said. “We even go out socially outside of work, which makes it easier to enjoy coming in every day.”
President Ellen M. Granberg joined Vice President and Chief People Officer Sabrina Minor in toasting Reynolds and fellow honorees at the Career Milestones luncheons for their outstanding contributions to the university and its mission to educate young people, prepare them to make an impact in the world, perform meaningful research that makes a difference in people’s lives and provide outstanding patient care to surrounding communities.
“I truly believe there is no research, no education, no outstanding patient care and no public service without staff, and that’s why it’s such an honor to be here today and thank you personally,” Granberg said. “Your contributions are invaluable, and I cannot overstate that. The entire administration is deeply aware and grateful for everything you do for our community.”
Granberg specially recognized staff members who reached 40 years or more of service to the university and provided pins to those present, which included Sylvia Graham from the Division of Safety and Operations and Marva Jennings from the Office of Enrollment of Student Success. Shmuel Ben-Gad of Libraries and Academic Innovation and Janice Wilkins also of Safety and Operations were also celebrating 40 years but were not present Wednesday.
Elliott School Senior Undergrad Adviser Debbi Washington celebrated her 50th year of service and received a standing ovation after she said a few words to fellow honorees. Washington shared Reynolds’ reason as to why she’s stayed at the institution for her entire career.
“When you say 50, I sometimes ask myself, 'Can I stay here that long?' But it's always about the people you meet along the way,” Washington said. “It's the makeup of this university that matters. I'm an undergraduate adviser at the Elliott School, and every year, I make 400 new friends. Where else can you say that? That keeps me going.”
The annual Career Milestones luncheons allow time for reflection on the significant contributions people have made to the university and how their continuity has helped strengthen the institution. Their legacies, Minor said, are what helps GW build and grow into the world class institution it is today.
“Reaching this milestone is a testament to your resilience, loyalty and sense of purpose,” Minor told milestone honorees. “You’ve been through challenges and celebrations with GW, and you’ve helped shape the culture of this university. Whether through your direct involvement with students, your collaboration with colleagues or your behind-the-scenes efforts, you’ve contributed greatly. What you do every single day forms the foundation of what this university is all about.”
