06/01/2026
Staff Excellence nominators described Video Communications Specialist James Sanny as someone who goes “above and beyond” to capture Newman’s mission through compelling storytelling as the campus videographer.
Beyond campus, he leads the Wheat State Ghostbusters, a Kansas-based group of “Ghostbusters” fans that supports charities like the Starlight Children’s Foundation, whose mission is “delivering happiness to seriously ill kids and their families.”
One student nominator shared, “When I see his videography and camerawork, I feel proud of the school that I go to. He truly tries his best, and it shows, to capture the feelings, emotions and spirit that Newman embodies.”
When President Kathleen S. Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, announced Sanny as the 2026 Staff Excellence Award recipient, Sanny said two questions flooded his mind: “How is this happening?” and “Why is this happening?”
The words of his nominators, followed by a surprise visit from his wife, Abi, and three daughters, also brought tears to his eyes.
After six years as a Newman employee, Sanny said he has learned that “there’s so much more that happens here for those who look beyond the classroom.”
“I’ve met some really incredible people in my short time here and, as cheesy as it always sounds, the community here at Newman really is different,” Sanny said. “I want our students to know that the people who work at Newman want to see people cared for. You’re safe here, you’re important here and you’re wanted here. When the time comes to cross that stage and move forward with your next chapter, I want it to feel bittersweet because you’re leaving a piece of yourself behind that will be cheering for you as you go.”
Congrats, James! 🥳
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