Kelly Watson, Sean Hohn, and George Westby

Paper Science Instructional Staff

Thanks for helping to support all the k-12 programs we host in our office. The paper science crew is always ready and willing to make paper with the kids, talk to them about the process of paper making, and to encourage them in STEM.

Nominated by Maura Stefl
Program Manager

Trades Crew

Mike Hile, Bill Frawley, Bob Kelly, Jose Camacho, John Detor, Earl Bazydlo, Greg Bresette

The hard work and determination from this crew has been such an asset to the ESF campus. This outstanding work has to be acknowledged. The brass signs out in front of Bray Hall (Quad entrance) now look like brand-new pennies. Thank you very much to my crew for making campus a great place to be. I enjoy working with you all daily. Thank you BIG UPS.

Nomiated by Earl Bazydlo
Trades Supervisor 1

Rustan Petrela

Executive Director of Sustainable Facilities Operations

Shout out to Rustan Petrela and the trades, grounds, and custodial teams for their work with the campus spring cleaning! Rustan worked with faculty and staff across campus to coordinate an efficient way to bring our first spring cleaning event to ESF.

The project offered opportunities for individual office cleanouts, recycling of personal electronics, and a thorough cleaning and organization of ESF’s campus storage spaces.

We are pleased to see that ESF’s storage spaces are now much cleaner and safer for our employees who access them and are happy that we will be able to create a more comprehensive storage plan that allows us to better use these spaces.

Nominated by President Mahoney and Mark Lichtenstein, Executive Operating Officer

Susan Nevins

Assistant to the Executive Vice President and Provost

We often talk about how institutional knowledge goes a long way, and Sue certainly has that. But what she also exemplifies is consistent grace, care, and fortitude. Sue holds up so many tangled structures and does so with the utmost respect for others. She is a thorough problem-solver who is adept at change and challenge and the quiet but endless labor she does is one of the reasons our faculty can do the great work they do to keep ESF's mission up front and shining. Thanks for everything you do, Sue!
 
Nominated by Tyler Dorholt
Assistant Professor, Director of the Writing Program

Naerissa Strossner and Steve Morrison

Food and Beverage Manager and Assistant Manager, The Trailhead Café

Thanks to our incredible food service team, who not only focuses on quality food service but also sustainable practices! The attention, care, and pride Steve puts into catering events while keeping food/zero-waste top of mind is incredible. Naerissa’s commitment to the success of reusable vs. compostable programs at Trailhead is greatly appreciated. Even though Steve and Naerissa are technically SU employees, they have fully embodied the mission and values of ESF, implemented sustainable initiatives to their fullest, and are always open to new ideas and collaborations! Thanks for all that you do!

Nominated by the Office of Sustainability

James Sitnik

Administrative Captain

Shout out to James Sitnik on his promotion from Lieutenant to Administrative Captain of University Police. He earned the promotion through his unwavering support and work on ESF's Emergency Response Plan, implementing best practice and NYS accreditation-compliant policies for the department, facilitating internal promotion within UPD, the recruitment of a former ESF student as an employee,  serving as administrative liaison for UPD, patrol supervisor, and dispatcher, and becoming a certified firearms instructor. He also serves in the Air National Guard as a commissioned officer in the 174th Security Forces Squadron. Captain Sitnik makes ESF and ESF UPD a better and more professional place to work, live, and learn. Thank you, Jim!
 
Nominated by Robert Dugan
University Chief of Police

Jules Findlay

Coordinator of Education Abroad

For the Study Abroad Fair, Jules had a strong focus on Sustainability throughout the planning process! Most notably, they included the below blurb in the email that went out to all Study Abroad Fair vendors/participants:

"As an environmental college, ESF is dedicated to eliminating the use of single-use plastics and other single-use items. There is a water bottle refill station in Gateway, so please bring your reusable water bottle! There will be compost and recycling bins available in the venue. You may also wish to bring a container in case there are leftovers from lunch. We will provide reusable dishes and cutlery to use at lunch."

Coming across this in an event info email was so exciting for us in the Office of Sustainability to see! Thank you, Jules, and The Office of International Education for "Practicing What we Teach!”

Nominated by Rochelle Strassner
Sustainability Outreach and Engagement Manager

John Stella

Vice President for Research, Office of Research Programs

Dr. John Stella has been at the helm of the Office of Research Programs since 2021 and in that time has brought a joyful influence to the ORP team and all who work with him. While he always stresses the fundamentals of service excellence and nimble processes, he also fosters deep, perpetual learning and encourages smart work/life balance practices. John leads by example and has passion, and goodwill.

John: Your team wishes you much success, well-deserved rewards, and most of all adventure!

We are grateful for your leadership. While we will miss our daily interactions over treats in the front office, we’re grateful we’ll be able to continue to support your research efforts through the award lifecycle.

Thank you for everything!
The ORP Team

Lauren LaTray

Special Events Manager

A special shout out and huge thank you to Lauren LaTray, along with the Special Events staff members Emily Wheeler and Kaija Dockter, who successfully led us through the end-of-semester activities culminating in a successful Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2024. These events were orchestrated under the exemplary leadership of Lauren LaTray with assistance from the Commencement Planning Committee, Student Affairs, Communications & Marketing, various Facilities staff, and the many staff volunteers who helped bring us across the finish line on Commencement day. There were many offices pulling together the various pieces throughout commencement week: the Provost’s Office, the Graduate School, Executive Administrative Assistants, Alumni Affairs, Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, academic departments, Trailhead catering, etc. It truly is an all-hands-on-deck celebration that takes all of us to accomplish. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Thank you!

Nominated by President Joanie Mahoney and
Ragan Squier, Executive Director for Administration

Jill Rahn

Forest Resource Analyst

Jill organized and helped run the successful Heiberg Maple Weekend. Events included sugarbush tours, maple education stations, maple syrup sales in reusable containers, and a pancake breakfast for more than 200 students, alumni, staff, and the general public. Great job Jill!
 
Nominated by Bob MacGregor
Director of Forest Properties


Jill has crushed it this past semester! She takes on events big and small, and is so educational and friendly.

Nominated by Kristen Beyer
Social Media Manager

Matt Smith

Director of College Libraries

Matt has a vision for Moon Library that encompasses the needs of the student body while improving the campus. His wealth of knowledge about many things is invaluable and sensible. He leads our staff in a way that makes us want to be the best we can be. He never asks students, librarians, or staff to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. As the UUP president, he works tirelessly to make sure his members are paid correctly and treated with dignity and respect. To his credit, he has an open-door policy (that sometimes interferes with his daily workload, but he greets everyone with enthusiasm and patience). Our students are impressed at how much he gives to so many. Matt truly deserves a massive shout out and the campus’ deepest appreciation for his dedication.

Nominated by Library Clerk Nan Clark on behalf of the Moon Library Staff

John Detor

Trades Generalist

John has a great attitude every day and takes pride in his work. This can be seen in the new club storage lockers in Moon Library and the kitchenette in the Communications and Marketing office, both hand-crafted custom projects that required great skill. He also is working longer hours to meet with students from the ESF Woodworking Club, provide guidance, and facilitate their ability to grow and learn as a club. This is above and beyond his required job duties. Thank you, John, for all your hard work!

Nominated by Michael Amadori
Energy Manager

Kelly Pitcher

Police Administration and Parking Services Coordinator

Kelly never fails to make on-campus parking logistics run smoothly, even when last-minute changes and communication "oopsies" get in the way. She's a huge part of why K-12 Outreach is able to carry out all the activities, visits, and collaborations that we do. Thank you, Kelly!

Nominated by Olivia Whitmarsh
Outreach Coordinator, Open Academy

Div Kirti

Equal Opportunity Program (EOP) Counselor

Div deserves all the accolades! She is a powerful advocate for opportunity program students in particular and ESF students as a whole. Div always makes time to create the best learning and living experience for her students, and she goes above and beyond with her resources. She is a wise counselor, a supportive colleague, and a treasure to our community. I'm so grateful to work with Div!
 
Nominated by Aley O'Mara
Coordinator of Academic Success

Jeremy Hall

Institutional Research and Assessment Coordinator

Jeremy has been hard at work the past year responding to our Middle States report. Without his dedication and persistence we would not have made it through! We are so lucky that he shepherded us through these complex issues and the campus will be positively impacted for years to come because of his work. Thanks, Jeremy!
 
Nominated by Erin Tochelli
Associate Director of Academic Administration

Sean Korbas and Kialey Day

Undergraduate Admissions Assistants

A shout-out to two of our Sustainability Ambassadors who are working hard to make Accepted Student Receptions sustainable certified events! The most recent Accepted Student Reception was a sustainability success, and we look forward to how the receptions will continue to evolve and showcase sustainability and ESF’s mission to new students!
 
Nominated by the Office of Sustainability

Office of Career Services

John Turbeville and Meredith Chase

Career Services continues to make the ESF Career Fair as sustainable as possible! Asking vendors to Lug Their Mugs & Pack Their Plates, clearly and proudly showcasing the proper disposal of compostable products, and providing bulk drink stations instead of aluminum water bottles – are among the ways they foster sustainability at their signature event! 

Nominated by the Office of Sustainability

Lauren Becksted

Administrative Assistant

Lauren is the first point of contact for students at the Counseling Center. Her friendly demeanor, sense of humor, and extensive knowledge of all things ESF help students feel welcomed and cared for when they enter our space. Lauren's care and dedication to ESF students is unwavering! As a new staff member at ESF, I cannot thank Lauren enough for all she has done to help me feel welcomed and acclimated to our campus community!
 
Caroline Goldschein
Staff Therapist

Renee McNamara and Erica Allen

Dean of Students and Director of Counseling, respectively

A shout-out to Renee McNamara and Erica Allen! They have gone above and beyond in creating a supportive campus environment. While they are beyond busy, they are willing to make time for our students to help them solve their problems in creative ways. Their innovative solutions help our students academically and personally. I am grateful to work with Renee and Erica because they are great leaders and create a fun work environment. It's a pleasure to work with them, and our campus is lucky to have them!
 
Joelle Conant
Staff Therapist

Ranger School Facilities Team

Eric Wixon, John Russell, Brian Whitford, Tim Johnson, Anne Pickering, Bradley Fiske, and  Justin Duchano

When a major break occurred in a water line supplying the buildings at the Ranger School, Eric Wixon and his team (John Russell, Brian Whitford, Tim Johnson, Anne Pickering, Bradley Fiske, and  Justin Duchano) responded quickly to find and fix the leak, get a clean water test and have the system back up and running for the students, faculty and staff. A wonderful response that minimized disturbance to Ranger School activities.

Bob MacGregor
Director of Forest Properties

Stephen Morrison

Food and Beverage Manager

Steve is phenomenal to work with and we are so lucky to have him at ESF! He is always going above and beyond when it comes to all of our catering needs, and I really enjoy working with him. He is extremely kind and radiates positivity in everything he does. Thank you for all of your hard work, Steve!!

Emily Wheeler
Special Events Coordinator

Diana Jaramillo Keane

Division of Sustainable Facilities and Operations (Physical Plant)

I am a new employee in this department and was petrified on my first day. It was scary leaving my previous employer. Everyone I have encountered at ESF has been so kind and patient as I learn my way around. Diana Jaramillo is a very effective leader: fair, patient, empathetic, and knowledgeable. 
 
Anonymous Employee

John Kaftan

Senior Network Administrator

Heiberg Forest officially has internet service and is part of the Evergreen network. John coordinated the installation of cable lines and getting internet service up and running in the main office/maintenance garage and both classrooms. Thanks, John for bringing us into the 21st century!
 
Jill Rahn
Forest Resource Analyst

Liz Parsons

Assistant Facilities Program Coordinator

A shout out to Liz Parsons who works in Physical Plant! Since Liz started, she has helped the Trades Department out with the new signage around campus, along with other important projects. Big Shout Out, Liz! We appreciate you big time!

Earl Bazydlo
Maintenance Supervisor 1 

Ken Stvan

Manager of Information Systems

Ken went out of his way to assist new Centennial Hall staff by training them on bulk-loading student information into Banner to prepare for spring billing. A long and arduous process was made easy and efficient thanks to Ken's time, patience, and efforts! We are extremely grateful for Ken being a part of the ESF community! 

Bob Brophy/Steph Mecca
Centennial Hall staff

Jennifer Webb

User Services Manager, Information Technology/Computing and Network Services

Jennifer Webb's exceptional support deserves recognition. Facing critical computer issues three weeks ago, she spent over five hours helping me - working through what should have been her lunch break - reinstalling software and data. Two weeks later, during the winter break week, she met with me on 45-minute notice for another two-plus hours to address a different computer issue.
 
Beyond her professional and accommodating demeanor, Jennifer embodies ESF's ethos by infusing a great sense of humor into her assistance. Jennifer’s expertise, generosity, and dedication exemplify ESF's commitment to faculty support. She stands as a testament to ESF's exceptional support specialists.
 
Bob Malmsheimer
Distinguished Teaching Professor

Mona Maharjan

Lead Programmer/Analyst

Sending a shout-out to Mona for her invaluable contributions to enhancing our webpage content. Her dedication to providing feedback and promptly responding to inquiries has greatly improved our overall online presence. Thank you, Mona, for your outstanding support!
 
Hui Chen
Coordinator of International Student and Scholar Services

John Turbeville

Director of Career Services and Corporate Engagement

John deserves a shoutout for a bevy of reasons — his unparalleled and consistent dedication to the College, coupled with his strategic and intentional insights, have allowed him to greatly contribute to ESF and the student experience for the past 20 years. He positively adds to the ethos of ESF by consistently embodying the College’s core values, demonstrating commitment to our mission, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture while inspiring his colleagues to do the same. In addition, his leadership is inspirational. He sets a high standard for professionalism, ethics, and dedication, motivating the entire team to excel. His open communication fosters a collaborative work environment where ideas are valued, and innovation thrives.

Casey Duffy
Associate Director of Career Services

Hui Chen

Coordinator of International Student and Scholar Services

Hui goes above and beyond daily for the students she works with and her colleagues. For international students, she is a welcoming presence, a mother figure, an advocate, and so much more. Hui puts tremendous effort into her daily support of international students and planning social events, field trips, and cultural celebrations for the entire campus. As a colleague, she is always there to support,  listen, and help with anything she can. Much of the hard work she does is behind the scenes, and she deserves recognition for the international community she helps create and supports on campus.
 
Kerrie Findlay
Coordinator of Education Abroad

Aley O'Mara

Coordinator of Academic Success

The Academic Success Center (ASC) is the backbone of this campus. It's a place that has to be safe for students to come in and talk about some of their most vulnerable academic challenges. Aley does an excellent job running the ASC while going above and beyond supporting the Peer Tutors and the students who go there for academic help. Aley's relationships with students keep them at ESF and keep them going. Thank you for all your work, Aley!
 
Div Kirti
EOP Counselor

Dr. Timothy Volk

Professor and Associate Chair, Sustainable Resources Management

Tim goes above and beyond as a mentor to new faculty in Sustainable Resources Management (SRM), including myself. He reaches out and follows up with research, teaching, and other opportunities. Tim gives his time and cares about our success at ESF and as individuals, which helps make ESF mightier. He does not hesitate to support us where he can but does not take the lead, rather allowing us to grow and encouraging collaboration within and outside of the department. He is action-oriented and highly collaborative beyond the walls of academia, contributing positively to our community and putting the ESF mission into action.

Cole Gross
Assistant Professor
Sustainable Resources Management

Pete Vandermark

Asst. Director of Environmental Health & Safety Services

Pete Vandermark has flown under the radar for too long! He is an incredible leader who is always willing to lend a helping hand. Pete has been an excellent collaborative partner and is always willing to find ways to enhance and beautify the campus. Pete starts from a place of yes, and I have always appreciated every opportunity to work with him and the team.

Amelia Hoffman
Director of Student Success and Engagement

Terrance Caviness

Undergraduate Advisor & Curriculum Assistant, Environmental Biology | Assistant Director, Cranberry Lake Biological Station

Terrance Caviness embodies the concept of "going above and beyond." Not only does he perform his job superbly, he is so attentive to what needs doing that he applies his incredible skills to whatever problem arises — an invaluable approach in the remote setting of Cranberry Lake. All summer long you'll see him developing student research, writing creative grant proposals, improvising equipment, as well as comforting students, bailing boats, planting trees, and making breakfast for the campus if the cooks are fogged in. All of this he does with a ready laugh and spirit of service and compassion that is a rare gift to our ESF community.

Robin W. Kimmerer
Distinguished Teaching Professor

Student Success & Engagement Team

Christopher Card, Aley O’Mara, Ebby Adukkalil, Amelia Hoffman

The Student Success & Engagement team has been CRUSHING it this semester! The Barbie Disco was a blast, the TGIF event was awesome, and the time and effort put into Family Weekend shows the level of dedication this group has to ESF. We're so lucky to have a team that will go all out to provide our students with opportunities to let loose responsibly!  

Div Kirti
EOP Counselor 

Dave “Dz” Dzwonkowski

Director of Business Affairs

Dave has gone above and beyond for me numerous times while sorting out awards and finances. He is communicative, reliable, and he truly cares about the student experience at ESF. I'm thankful to Dave and his team for helping to get things done (sometimes on a tight timeline)! 

Abby Webster
ESF Student

Mark Poupore

Supervising Janitor

Mark is upbeat, exudes positivity, goes above and beyond and is supportive of his team. He is a pleasure to work with at ESF!

Rebecca Hoda-Kearse,
Executive People Officer