VIP Employee Appreciation Campaign

Lorie Brewer (ISAS ’98)

“Lori has worked diligently to assist the students in the Family Empowerment Program in her role as the staff assistant. She helps to guide the single-parent students to programs and services that help to ensure that they continue their course of study and successfully complete their education. She is very student-centered and clearly cares very much for SUNY Broome students.” – Anonymous

Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart

“We are fortunate to have Elisabeth as part of the SUNY Broome family. She has a positive outlook and is a very caring and supportive colleague. She is an excellent writer and a true ambassador of the College when interacting with alumni and friends of the campus. She is always bubbly and goes the extra mile to serve in any capacity that is needed. Elisabeth is a wonderful person who truly embodies the qualities of a Very Inspiring Person!” – Anonymous

Penny Delfavero

“Penny is always willing to lend a helping hand. From her involvement in Toastmasters, to her duties as Secretary for College Assembly her commitment to her colleagues and our students is truly remarkable. As a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service recipient her dedication to the College and desire to see those around her excel enhances the value she brings to everything she does. “How can I help” is a true way of life for Penny and it is a pleasure to work with her.” – Anonymous

Frances Gill

“Frances is always kind, friendly and welcoming. Students can count on her for her calm and willingness to always help them, especially when they are most stressed. Our staff also counts on Frances for her work efficiency but for helping to create welcoming work environment. She also organizes our monthly birthday celebrations, creating birthday cards for each member of the department, as well as our holiday sock exchange. She also just introduced our Positivity campaign for Thanksgiving. We thank and appreciated her so very much.” – Anonymous

Melissa Martin

“Melissa is an absolute joy to be around! She makes work so fun with her humor and wit. She brightens the day of anyone lucky enough to cross paths with her; as her smile and laughter are contagious! I am thankful to have met such an amazing person, and am glad to call you a friend (and my other partner in shenanigans)! Thank you for being you!” – Rae Palmer-Jones (CJPO ’10)

Michael Sullivan

“Michael works very diligently with his team to ensure that the College remains financially solid, especially in this post-pandemic economy. Michael and his team financially support many positive upgrades to the campus physically and allocate funds for innovative academic and social programming. He doesn’t hesitate to promptly answer questions and offer suggestions to help. Often the data/numbers/finance employees on any campus unfairly get a bad rap, but in my years working with Michael, he has solidly remained a respectful and supportive colleague. He’s quiet, but funny, so stop him and say hello the next time you see him taking laps around the campus!” – Anonymous

Nicholas Wagner

“It has been my pleasure to work with and get to know Dr. Nick over the past year. I have learned so much from him, and he makes work a ton of fun! Nick is so much more than my boss; he is my teammate, my partner in shenanigans, and most importantly, my friend. They say “do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” but no one tells you, “find a boss you love, and work won’t feel like work.” I can’t imagine doing this without you. Thank you for being a friend!” – Rae Palmer-Jones (CJPO ’10)

Would you like to submit a VIP nomination?

Submit your story of a co-worker who regularly inspires others, is kind, and goes the extra mile!

Angela Bergholtz

“She has been a staple of the school for as long as I have been here.” – Peter Brenchley

John Covert (BIMW ’14; OTGC ’14)

“To say that John goes above and beyond is an understatement. John has a calm and patient approach that he consistently demonstrates when assisting students with learning assistive technologies. John is constantly researching new technologies that would benefit our students. John is always willing to lend a helping hand and is a true VIP.” – Anonymous

Justine Dadamio (LAAA ’12)

“Justine goes above and beyond to make sure every event across campus is wonderful. She does everything from the planning to setting up speakers and projectors for the events. Without her dedication events like faculty staff assembly, open house, and graduation would not be as spectacular as they are.” – Anonymous

Allison Ellis

“Allison has been working as an adjunct at SUNY Broome for 18 years. She is always willing to go above and beyond for our students and staff. Allison continues to learn and share what she learns with our students whether in the form of yoga, Pilates, dance, or sharing her experience and knowledge of nutrition. She is the reason some of our students come to campus. Her energy and passion is always a great motivator to get moving and have fun in a class. She is a driving force for the health and wellness of our campus community.” – Heather Hoffman

Dr. Christina Hasemann (LAAS ’88)

“Tina constantly goes above and beyond to help students, faculty, and staff! Her great attitude, sharp-witted nature, and infectious smile can always be found in the classroom, meeting room, or the TRC helping everyone see the bright side of Brightspace. Thank you for all you do!” – Erin O’Hara-Leslie

Noreen Millen

“Noreen is a an asset to our campus and to the LAD. She is one of the first people that our students see when entering the area and she is always kind, compassionate, and professional. She works to schedule all students efficiently and is so helpful when they are unsure who they need to meet with. She is a wonderful coworker and true VIP…I don’t know what we would do without her!” – Anonymous

Ashley Blackwell (LAGS ’04; ISAT ’13)

“Although I only worked with Ashley for a short time, she proved to be a valuable asset to SUNY Broome Community College. You will now see Ashley behind a camera and/or video equipment getting the best shots at an event.
She is very creative and helps draw in students. Her attitude is fantastic – willing to learn, positive, funny, and just a pleasure to work with. She is respectful and dedicated – She is a VERY INSPIRING PERSON!” – Kelly Page (PL ’93)

Mary Gilbert (BIM0 ’13; EXIB ’18)

“Mary and I had just gotten started [on some training] when another employee ushered in some visitors, who were looking for answers to some complicated Financial Aid questions. Mary dropped what she was doing. Rather than send the visitors to another building where they would have to start over again, Mary took it upon herself to welcome these visitors and take the time to help them find the information they were looking for.” – Anonymous

Martin Guzzi (BA ’83)

“Marty is an amazing person to work with. With every project or task we have worked on through the years, he has been a team player, he does the testing, and when running into issues, he has the patience of a saint. Marty also shows his appreciation with his kind complimentary emails. His presence makes SUNY Broome a happier place to be.” – Anonymous

Julie Lakin

Julie Lakin has amazing commitment. She is here later than about 3 other people. I know, I’m here [that late]. – Peter Brenchley

Heidi Melzer (ISAS ’12; EXIL ’16)

“Without Heidi’s patience, knowledge and expertise, willingness to expend whatever time was needed with families, we would not have had such a successful onboarding and transition of residential students [to our new strategy]. Heidi readily worked with the housing staff [and goes] to the Village to work with students. Her commitment and support of students will ensure that our students are more educated about their financial obligations and thus more successful in their academic endeavors.” – Anonymous

Samantha Potter

“Makes more hard decisions than anyone on campus other than finance people.” – Peter Brenchley

Jeanette Tillotson

Jeanette is the backbone of the college. She’s a late night worker. – Peter Brenchley

The Custodial Services, Grounds-keeping and Maintenance team

“I nominate David Ligeikis and the entire maintenance, grounds-keeping, and custodial crews as our VIPs. David’s positive leadership together with the personal commitment and hard work of the entire department have transformed our campus and physical facilities into objects of beauty and pride. The shrubs and trees and flowers along with our athletic fields and the well maintained grass make our campus visually appealing. The paint job the crew has done on campus is fantastic. Our classrooms, hallways, and floors have never been so clean & attractive. Our facilities crew make it easy to be proud when we drive on campus or enter a campus building.” – Professor John Pierog

The Custodial Services, Grounds-keeping and Maintenance team

“I nominate David Ligeikis and the entire maintenance, grounds-keeping, and custodial crews as our VIPs. David’s positive leadership together with the personal commitment and hard work of the entire department have transformed our campus and physical facilities into objects of beauty and pride. Our facilities crew make it easy to be proud when we drive on campus or enter a campus building.” – Professor John Pierog

The Custodial Services, Grounds-keeping and Maintenance team

“I nominate David Ligeikis and the entire maintenance, grounds-keeping, and custodial crews as our VIPs. David’s positive leadership together with the personal commitment and hard work of the entire department have transformed our campus and physical facilities into objects of beauty and pride. Our facilities crew make it easy to be proud when we drive on campus or enter a campus building.” – Professor John Pierog

Kevin Bryant

Technical Assistant IIA, ITS

“Kevin is a great addition to the IT Support team. It is always hard to lose an IT Technical Assistant, but Kevin has stepped right in and is continuing to provide us with prompt IT support. He has quickly acclimated to the college and our department needs. His positive approach and patience in helping those of us who are not high-tech people is greatly appreciated!” – Anonymous

Sandra Hackel (BUMM ’06; RIM ’98)

Sr. Duplicating Center Worker, Copy Center

“I have worked with Sandi for several years here at SUNY Broome, and she has been AWESOME! Every copy project, supply request, etc. Student Activities or Athletics has ever needed has always been processed and returned quickly and correctly. If there are any questions asked, Sandi is pleasant and funny! Always nice to work with! Very deserving of the VIP award!” – Kelly Page (PL ’93)

Richard Kazmark (ET ’85; CSCT ’91; CSAS ’91)

Systems Analyst, ITS

“Rick is a kind, generous and supportive VIP. You can always count on him for a good laugh, a good cry or staying super late to work on technical damage control. One time an angry student talked to Rick and left happily talking about his pets. He’s someone you can rely on to get the job done. His kindness goes beyond the campus to every aspect of his life.” – Anonymous

Robert Lofthouse

Associate Professor, Engineering Science & Physics Chair

“To say that Robert goes above and beyond for students is an understatement! To share just one example, he recently emailed a student offering to open the Physics lab facilities on campus on a weekend or evening to help him do in-person labs. He also told the student to call or text with questions – this student is not even taking Robert’s online class; it is another section!” – Maureen Breck (ISAS ’13)

Kenneth C. Mansfield, III

Technical Assistant II – IT Security

“I would like to nominate Ken Mansfield. He has been so helpful and patient as I struggled every day and evening with my remote access. He even offered to be available after hours so we could have a zoom meeting with the hope of figuring out the problem. After several weeks, my problem is solved, and it is because of Ken. Thank you, Ken, for your support and patience with me.” – Susan Wellington

Jacqueline Nichols

Operations & Finance Assistant, Faculty Student Association

“I have worked with Jackie now for several years, between Student Activities and Athletics. Jackie is the BEST!! Athletics works with the FSA for several things, and Jackie is the one who greets you with a smile!! She’s smart, caring, works hard and does a GREAT job! If we have any questions, Jackie will find answers quickly and pleasantly. She is a pleasure to work with and a deserving VIP!” – Kelly Page (PL ’93) – Anonymous

Rae Palmer-Jones (CJPO ’10)

Student Activities Staff Assistant

“Rae and I go way back. In 2005, when she was a student here, I worked for Student Activities. She was the Student Assembly president. Even then, her work ethic was fantastic! She is very loyal, hard working and caring. To see her now as the Student Activities Staff Assistant is AWESOME! She knows what the students like/dislike and knows how to entertain them.” – Kelly Page (PL ’93)

Brittney Richardson

Staff Associate, Fast Forward / Early College & Orientation

“Brittney has always been a true and wonderful asset to campus ever since she came in early 2018. Her willingness to help wherever someone needs it, is above and beyond expectations. She is able to relate with anyone especially students. I knew the moment I met her, that she was special and will go far in her career in higher education. Broome is lucky to have her here.”– Susan Wellington

Peter Sicilian

Music Programs Adjunct Instructor

“Peter is an inspiration to both the music faculty and students. He is a positive and encouraging person and it is a joy to work with him. He is always thinking of new and creative ways to improve the teaching environment for our students. SUNY Broome is so fortunate to have him uplifting and nurturing our students.”– Anonymous

Heather Worden

Adjunct Instructor, Music and Theater Arts

“Heather Worden has been an adjunct professor in the music department for approximately ten years. Her commitment to her students has been constant and so many graduates talk about the influence she made on their lives, as well as how prepared they were for future study, because of her tutelage. We appreciate everything she does for SUNY Broome and our students.” – Anonymous

Caitlin Davidson

PT Staff Assistant, Admissions Office

“Caitlin is truly a hidden gem in the Admissions Office! The majority of the applications that are submitted to SUNY Broome are reviewed, processed, and accepted by Caitlin! She is a genuinely solid, efficient, quality employee. SUNY Broome needs a hundred more Caitlin’s! Though she is quiet, she is a powerhouse!” – Anonymous

Brenda Dawe

Associate Professor & Chairperson of Music and Theater Arts & Coordinator of Music

“Brenda is a tireless advocate for music at SUNY Broome, a talented vocalist, and a dedicated teacher. She has overseen the expansion of the music department from a modest basement facility in the Public Safety building to a more professional setting in the Campus Services building. She encourages her staff and is always looking for ways to improve.” – Joe Roma

Lynn Fedorchak (LA ’80)

Human Resources Officer

“Besides her work in human resources, Lynn has been a friendly and welcoming presence in the Wales building for many years. Lynn was certainly a VIP and we shall miss her!” – Anonymous

Meigo Fitzpatrick

Programmer/Analyst II, Information Technology Services

“Meigo is a VIP because she will drop everything to assist a student coming in looking for help. On more than one occasion, she has brought a student and or their family to her office or contacted someone to make sure they are able to get all their questions answered before they leave her presence. Meigo is an absolute treasure, and we are lucky to have her as a campus member!” – Anonymous

Justin Hawley

Custodial Worker, Custodial Services

“From the first day that Justin started at SUNY Broome, he has made a difference! Justin is responsible for maintaining the Titchener building, and in my 36 years at the college, I have never seen it this clean! Our building sparkles, all due to Justin’s hard work and dedication! The floors shine, the classrooms and restrooms are cleaned continuously, and we all take pride in our building. This is due to Justin’s “can do” attitude and daily dedication to his position.” – Carla Michalak

Lisa Hughes

Sr. Accessibility Specialist & Coordinator of Accessibility Resources Office

“I consider Lisa the heart of our Accessibility Resources Office. Her compassion for our students is the BEST I have ever witnessed in my 21+ years with BCC. Her continued fight for campus accessibility for our students is inspirational. BCC is not just a BETTER place to be because Lisa works here, but the BEST place to be!” – Frances Gill

Kelly Page (PL ’93)

Secretary, Athletic Office

“She is the best! She is always there when you need. She works hard everyday to support and encourage our student athletes to do their best. She is fair and upbeat and generous and always willing to help others no matter what. Plus, she has the best holiday decorations on campus!” – Ashley Blackwell (ISAT ’10; LAGS ’04)

Timothy Shea (ARTS ’15)

Technical Assistant IIA, ITS

“Tim Shea has been a significant technical support person to the Foundation since he first joined the IT team. He is a pleasure to work with – and assisted with so many different technology needs that we have had over the years.” – SUNY Broome Foundation

Robert Snyder

Custodial Worker, Custodial Services

“Bob gives 150% every day he works in AT. He’s always willing to take on any project, and consistently goes above and beyond to help everyone out. It’s obvious that he cares not only for the building and doing a great job, but also for the people who work there.” – Anonymous

Susan Backo

Personnel Assistant, Budget and Finance Office, Payroll

“Susan is a giant ball of sunshine with a great sense of humor. She really cares about how you’re doing and is ever grateful. Her positive attitude helps everyone around her to get through the day.” – Meigo Fitzpatrick

Maureen Breck (ISAS ‘13)

Academic Advisor, Academic Advising Department

“She volunteers to attend events that will support students, but are not directly related to her advising duties, stays late to meet with students, and has taken extra time to learn from program chairs. She is dedicated to making sure students feel supported and to me, that makes her a VIP!” – Erin Marulli

David Capodaglio

Courier, Mail Room

“David is always kind, welcoming and polite. Always greeting people by name with a smile on his face, and asking if he can help in any way.” – Anonymous

“David does way more than deliver the mail, although he does that very well. He also answers questions about mail delivery, postal deadlines, shipping methods and costs…He does all this and more with a smile and a sense of humor.” – Anonymous

Brian Croteau (ISAT ‘17)

Technical Assistant IIA, Accessibility Resources Office

“Brian always goes above and beyond to help not only students, but faculty and staff. He was in the ASL Club performance at our annual giving of the toys at Christmas. He won a gift card to our campus bookstore for winning the ugliest sweater contest, and he turned around and gave it to a student to get supplies they needed.”– Frances Gill

Ryan Dempsey (CJPO ‘09; CSF ‘15)

Courier, Mail Room

“Ryan is genuinely a VIP. He greets me with a huge smile and his happy-go-lucky charismatic personality every day. Ryan does a fantastic job as a mail carrier, he goes above and beyond anytime you need help, and he does an even better job at keeping everyone he talks to smiling!” – Anonymous

Steven Fetterman (BUBA ‘08; ISAS ‘19)

Student Records Specialist, Admissions

“Steve Fetterman is the heart of the Admissions Office. He never hesitates to stop what he is doing to help a colleague or student. Steve is often in the background due to the nature of his professional position, but it is unquestionable that the office would not function without him.” – Anonymous

Dr. Diana (Lee) Heron

Associate Professor/Coordinator of Business Programs, Business Department

“Dr. Heron regularly goes the extra mile for her students. She provides them with interesting and fun classroom exercises – sometimes, they include toilet paper or marshmallows. Mentors them not only when they are attending Broome but also after they graduate – they often reach out to her with exciting stories of their successes… I could go on and on, but you get the picture.” – Anonymous

Laura Hodel (ISAS ‘15)

Director of Student Financial Services

“Laura Hodel is a VIP. She provides exemplary leadership. She leads her office by example in being able to execute all of the processes, procedures and tasks. She shows genuine compassion for students and everyone on campus. SUNY Broome is fortunate to have Laura Hodel on staff.” – Anonymous

Barbara Hughes

Programmer/Analyst II, Information Technology Services Department

“[When a student needed help to get back to NYC, Barb] offered to drive her to the bus station downtown [so she could] catch her bus home. Barb has a genuine kindness in everything she does.” – Meigo Fitzpatrick

“She is a very dedicated employee [and] a wonderful person.” – Tina Tomassetti (CSCT ‘89)

“Barb has the ability to solve complicated reporting and data issues with patience and with kindness. Barb is truly the most pleasant person to work with.” – Larry Allen (BUBC ‘01)

Kathleen M. McKenna, J.D.

Professor

“Kathleen teaches in three departments and gives 100% in all three! Any time we need help, Kathleen is the first to volunteer! She also is the COIL Coordinator and invited the international students and their professors to participate in the Russia-Ukraine presentations. Because she included our international partners, our conversations were richer and our students…were provided a broader perspective. She is a VIP!” – Carla Michalak

Maria Montemagno

Associate Professor & Chairperson of Hospitality Programs

“Maria has worked tirelessly during her first semester as department chair. She has focused on enrollment, with the development of multiple articulation agreements. She has hosted events which truly showcase the amazing work that her department’s students do. Kudos to the amazing work she is doing.” – Anonymous

Venessa Rodriguez

Director of EOP, Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

“Venessa always has her door open for her EOP students, and does amazing work with the President’s Task Force and Men of Excellence. Long days are spent here supporting our students. She is always cheerful and encouraging to her students.”– Loreta Paniccia

Andrea Roma

Director of EOP, Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

“Andrea Roma is such an asset here at SUNY Broome. She came here in July of 2009 and worked in Admissions until she joined the Foundation staff in 2013. In 2018, she followed her heart back to the student affairs side of the house where she excelled in her role of Director of Fast Forward and in Shared Governance. She is inspiring in many ways – and one of the most organized people we have ever worked with.”– The Foundation

Dr. Carol Ross-Scott

Vice President for Student Development & Chief Diversity Officer/Executive Director

“Dr. Carol Ross-Scott is one of the most supportive people I have ever met. She reaches out with care and concern. I have been given tools, and advice, and freedom to learn and grow, and also challenged to do more and be more.”– Evan Bigam

Dr. Michele Snyder

Associate Vice President and Dean of STEM and Health Sciences

“Michele started her job with SUNY Broome Community College with a smile on her face. She was never unable to accommodate your question or concern. She took on the many facets of her employment with professionalism and determination to make a difference. Michele is my VIP because she always inspired me with words that made me feel appreciated and empowered.” – Darlene Kanuk

Carine Surdey

Senior Instructional Designer and Adjunct Instructor

“Carine goes above and beyond to support faculty use of Blackboard in their courses. She possesses a vast wealth of knowledge and always helps with problems and provides suggestions for how to best use technology in every type of course. Her influence and help have improved and enriched my courses and my time at SUNY Broome. She is absolutely a SUNY Broome VIP and we are lucky to have her!”– Jen Musa

Justin Tabeek (LAAA ‘05)

Campus Peace Officer, Public Safety

“[During a heavy snowstorm,] I saw a campus public safety officer cleaning off all the cars in the lot. I doubt Justin was asked to do that, but it’s clear he was compelled by kindness to help out his fellow campus employees. I would like to recognize him as a VIP for his efforts to make sure we could leave campus quickly and safely during the heavy storm.” – Valerie Pitcher

Dr. Harold H. Trimm (CH ‘02)

Professor, Chemistry Department

“[While I was giving a family a tour of CAM], Dr. Trimm walked past us. He offered to take the family into a CAM Building class/lab to look around. He made them feel really comfortable. The family was very appreciative and spoke of the visit with the professor the rest of the tour.” – Susan Wellington

Would you like to submit a VIP nomination?

Submit your story of a co-worker who regularly inspires others, is kind, and goes the extra mile!