SMC Campus Safety & Transportation Celebrates Historic Promotion
On February 16, Saint Mary’s Campus Safety and Transportation celebrated an important first: Executive Director of Campus Safety and Transportation Manjit Sappal announced formally the promotion of Lyla Leath-Lauren to the rank of lieutenant.
Leath-Lauren’s promotion carries historical significance for the College, as it is believed that she now becomes the first woman, and first woman of color, to rise to a management rank within SMC Campus Safety and Transportation.
“We value the ability of our employees to not only keep people safe, but to connect with our community through values of compassion, kindness, and empathy,” says Sappal. “Lyla is an exceptional part of our team and she exemplifies these values each day. She has an amazing work ethic, is dependable, and puts her heart into everything she does. Her promotion is a milestone as she is the first woman to be promoted to a management rank within the organization. We should all be proud of her accomplishment.”
Rising to the Occasion
Leath-Lauren joined the Saint Mary’s community in 2020 as a Campus Safety Officer. In August 2022 she was named interim lieutenant. While holding that title, in December 2022 she was appointed Parking & Transportation Coordinator. Her title of lieutenant now becomes permanent.
During the same ceremony recognizing Leath-Lauren’s promotion, Saint Mary’s also celebrated the promotion of Arlo De Guzman to the rank of sergeant. De Guzman was promoted in December.
For Leath-Lauren, the promotion comes as a result of hard work and dedication—and rising to the occasion.
“Every day at Saint Mary's, I learn something new. It's knowledge and wisdom at its best.”
“My intention was to fulfill the interim lieutenant position, then revert to my parking coordinator position,” says Leath-Lauren. “But, while I was busy working and creating my life, someone took notice of my strong work ethic and decided to give me a chance at a permanent lieutenant position.”
As Leath-Lauren carries on responsibilities for looking after the safety and security on campus, she also points out the value of being part of a place of learning. “Every day at Saint Mary's, I learn something new. It's knowledge and wisdom at its best.”
For video clips of the ceremony courtesy of Skye Ward, click the links below.
Promotion Ceremony Introductory Remarks
Promotion of Lyla Leath-Lauren
Ben Enos is the Director of Media Relations for the Office of Marketing and Communications at Saint Mary's College. Write him.