Director of Human Resources Operations and Analytics Nicole Lambusta, and Dan Kim, vice president of marketing and communications co-hosted the 2025 recognition event, which transformed the Lender Basketball Court.

Kim said he was honored to join in celebrating a night of important milestones highlighting employee dedication to the institution and work excellence.

“I’m honored to be a fellow Bobcat with you,” said Kim.

Olian welcomed her “family of Bobcats” helping to celebrate the university’s “fantastic faculty and staff.”

“We thank all of you for being the heart and soul – the DNA – of our university,” said Olian. “You have shaped Quinnipiac into the special environment that we are, one that’s physically beautiful on the outside and is beautiful on the inside, too, because you’re the heart that beats in the body of Quinnipiac. You bring generosity, selflessness, aspirations for excellence to our students and to ourselves.”

Olian said Quinnipiac’s recent commencement events are a reminder of why the university family comes together in the enterprise of higher education.

“They are such a vivid display of our mission, which I have called a noble mission; one that’s nurturing future generations towards their lives that are going to be meaningful and fulfilling,” said Olian. “They’ve been transformed, incredibly positively, because of their time at Quinnipiac, because of you. I want to thank each of you for molding this community into a special family that doesn’t just benefit our students, but benefits each of us.”

Olian said Quinnipiac is indebted to all who have helped to foster and enrich the university’s culture and traditions, including this year’s 171 milestone anniversary employees, who have served a combined 2,920 years; and Quinnipiac’s 33 retirees, who have given a combined 835 years of service.

“To those retiring, we extend a special note of admiration and gratitude for your dedication, your impact, your countless contributions that went above and beyond anything expected in the role you were hired for,” said Olian. “Yours are the shoulders we stand on. You set the tone for our community with your ethos, ideals and sense of purpose. You show us not only what it means to be devoted to our university, but to be invested in it as Bobcats for life.”

In addition to screening the names of every employee marking anniversary milestones of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 55 years; a video presentation celebrated all of the night’s retirees. Several leaving the Bobcat family expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to work with students, enjoy the support and camaraderie of talented peers, and to form friendships that will last a lifetime.

Retiring upon 35 years of service, Associate Professor of Law Carolyn Kaas said it has been an incredible privilege to be a coach and guide to students, and to have had the opportunity to work alongside esteemed colleagues to develop the School of Law’s Dispute Resolution programs to inspire students.

“Those students have thrown themselves in with deep commitment, and it’s been such an honor to work with them,” said Kaas.

Professor of Legal Studies Jill Martin said it was an honor to see students grow and succeed during her 39 years at the College of Arts and Sciences, and that she was grateful for the many friendships she’s formed with colleagues. In 1985, Martin and two friends helped to found Quinnipiac’s annual Undergraduate Holiday Dinner, which has become a beloved Bobcat tradition.

“One of the great things about the holiday dinner is that it’s open to everyone in the community – students, faculty, administration, staff. It’s wonderful to see everyone come out and participate,” said Martin.

Retiring Professor of Biology Dennis Richardson said a transformative element of his 28 years with Quinnipiac has been the university’s support of his research at the College of Arts and Sciences. Richardson said it has enabled him to undertake substantial, meaningful research and to engage students in the teaching-scholar model.

“In terms of the students, it’s all about the students,” said Richardson. “That’s something I really would like to make sure everyone remembers. That’s why we’re here. I have had such amazing students who have gone on to do amazing things. They’re really what makes it all worthwhile.”

The event also shared a special video recognizing Olian’s contributions to Quinnipiac during her seven-year tenure, and the legacy she will leave. Following its presentation, Provost Debra Liebowitz said working alongside Olian in partnership has been a master class in bold, future-oriented leadership.

“Your legacy is not just in buildings or in the programs we’ve built and launched; it’s in the culture of excellence, inclusion, and innovation that you’ve helped to nurture. It’s in the lives you’ve touched, including mine, and the futures you’ve helped to shape,” said Leibowitz. “You’ve reinforced the value of leading as a team, of managing both within and beyond the university, with a clarity and conviction that is unmatched.”

Liebowitz also presented Olian with a special parting memento; an aerial photo of a project Olian had championed, the newly constructed South Quad. Handwritten wishes from faculty and staff filled the mat surrounding the framed image.

“It’s a symbol of our collective gratitude,” said Liebowitz. “And while the South Quad stands as a visible legacy of your presidency, the signatures surrounding this photo represents something that is even more enduring. It represents the impact you had on the people of this community.”

Olian thanked Liebowitz for her meaningful partnership and friendship through the years and also thanked her Bobcat family.

“What is so important to me is about people, about what we’ve built together, and what will stay here and continue,” said Olian.  “And these are not just people who represent excellence. These are people who are kind, generous and warm; people that you want to be with and see flourish. That has been the greatest privilege that I have had -- to see the way this institution has been transformed, through you.”