Ken Stvan, left, and Jim Sahm, far right, were honored by the National Guard. 1LT Ian Gallagher, pictured second from right, nominated them for the award.

ESF Employees Honored for Support of U.S. Guard and Reserve

07/31/2023

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – July 31, 2023 – Two employees of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) were recognized by the United States Department of Defense for their support of employees serving in the U.S. Guard and Reserve.

Chief Information Officer Jim Sahm, and Manager of Information Systems Ken Stvan were honored by the Department of Defense for their support of employees in the armed services. When an employer is forthright and supportive of a guardsman/reservist, they are nominated by the soldier and presented with an award from the United States government in recognition of extreme support for service members. Sahm and Stvan were nominated by 1LT Ian Gallagher, a senior systems developer at ESF who also serves in the New York Army National Guard. 

“At ESF, we understand by fostering an environment that embraces and supports those who serve, we not only honor their dedication but also enrich the entire institution,” said Danushi Fernando, chief diversity officer. “Our nation and even communities abroad will increasingly rely on the National Guard for recovery and efforts and expertise as we face a growing climate crisis. Those in need are often the most marginalized. We’re not only proud of Ian’s service, but also of Jim and Ken’s commitment to providing him with the necessary resources, flexibility, and understanding to fulfill his dual responsibilities.”

“Jim and Ken have supported me since day one,” said Gallagher. “Every time I've asked for time off due to military commitments, they’ve always been flexible, supportive, and helped me build my career, which means a lot.” 

Gallagher was accompanied by his Commanding Officer, CPT Paul Kramarz, who said, “It’s important for service members to have employers that are supportive of our additional duties as part-time soldiers. The Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recognizes this support as important for the wellbeing of the soldier, and the overall mission of the New York Army National Guard.”

About SUNY ESF

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.