MCC Daily Tribune

TCC Gratitude Series, Day 9: Kudos from Colleagues-to-Colleagues Part 2

MCC students, faculty, staff, and administrators are supported by many wonderful people working in offices all over our campuses. Please join the TCC in thanking the following individuals whose good work was nominated by their colleagues:

Kudos from Colleagues-to-Colleagues Part 2

Beth Krowl (Advising and Transfer Services)

Beth is the glue that keeps our office running. She responds to in-person and phone inquiries with grace, patience, and kindness. Beth greets students, 4-year college representatives, guests, and colleagues with respect and gives them thorough information. For anyone knowing our office, this is no easy task! In addition, she is detail oriented and incredibly organized. She tracks our 4-year college visits to campus, making sure our website information is accurate and the representatives have needed information ahead of time. She is amazing, and we are so fortunate to have her on our team.

Christyn Sanagursky (MCC Foundation)

Christyn welcomed me into my new role and has been a consistent support to me since I started in July. Christyn assumed my job responsibilities along with me, helping me access all the tools I would need and setting me up to be comfortable and confident in my role. I couldn't ask for a better supervisor or mentor and am very grateful for her dedication to ensuring my success here.

Darrell Jachim-Moore (Administrative Services)

Darrell did an outstanding job facilitating a yearly training plan with Maxwell Leadership, the premier leader in leadership training for all of our directors in Administrative Services as well as key personnel from other divisions, including EDWIS, Chief of Staff, IA Director of Research,, and ASA AVP. On Nov 15, we launched a year roadmap that we focus on leading from the middle, VUCA (Volative, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) and VUCA Prime and striving to achieve the 5 Levels of Leadership as we invest in leadership development to ensure our leaders are prepared to meet the challenges and demands at Monroe Community College to ensure student success.

Denise Thomas (Academic and Student Affairs)

Denise does so many remarkable things on a routine basis that it's difficult to find just one for this Kudo. As a Senior Budget Specialist, Denise embodies excellence at MCC and plays a pivotal role behind the scenes as she secures funding for diverse opportunities across the College. Denise’s leadership showcases innovative thinking and a steadfast dedication to professionalism. Denise is a valuable member of our community, ensuring the smooth functioning of MCC and her dedication deserves our appreciation and applause.

Donna Utter (Administrative Services)

Donna has epitomized selfless service. She is truly valued added to Administrative Services. She puts in countless hours without recognition to ensure that our division is running smoothly and appropriately represents the college and college employees in such events as employee recognition day, scholar day, BOT meetings, and forums. She is a model for others to follow and has absolutely provided dedicated selfless service to Administrative Services and to Monroe Community College.

Eric Wheeler (Veteran Services)

Eric is an office of one and serves a very special population at MCC—students who are currently serving in the military, those who have served, and family members of service men and women. Eric helps students enroll at the college, understand their benefits, develop a plan for success and serves and the main point of contact for this whole population. He advises the Veterans Club and, in doing so, assists students in developing community service projects and helps students develop their own leadership skills in the process. He orchestrates benefit fairs and has connected MCC to community service providers we would not have developed partnerships with otherwise. The work he does in the community for military service members cannot be overstated; his service on multiple boards in the greater Rochester community and across NY State demonstrate his commitment to assisting population and keeps MCC at the forefront of conversations regarding military-connected students. Whether he’s the emcee for MCC’s Veterans Day or taking veterans to Washington DC as part of Honor Flight, Eric is an inspirational leader, a dedicated and enthusiastic colleague, and a demonstrated collaborator and innovator.

Jodi Oriel (Office of Student Life and Leadership)

Scholars' Day would not be what it is without you especially during the pandemic. Also Student clubs and organizations are thriving. What would we do without Jodi as a leader and as an advisor to Phi Theta Kappa and Holocaust Genocide and Human Rights Project. Thank you for your dedication to student and faculty work. Your help to lead and example to serve is exemplary!

Marisa LaSpina (Academic Student Affairs)

Marisa works tirelessly to support the operations of the Academic and Student Affairs division. Her unwavering dedication and outstanding performance have had a significant and lasting impact on our faculty, staff, and especially our students. Marisa has a wonderfully even temperament which is perfectly suited to the ever-changing world of Academic and Student Affairs. Notably, her exceptional skill in handling student complaints with determination and empathy, along with her unwavering commitment to resolving issues, sets her apart. Additionally, Marisa's flexibility and willingness to take on added responsibilities, such as overseeing complex faculty load processes, demonstrate her valuable contributions to MCC. We are lucky to have Marisa at MCC!

Matt Lawson (Admission)

Matt is so dedicated to Monroe Community College and our Peer Navigators. Whether it is collaborating with the Library for open houses or supporting student events and activities he is here for us! Thank you for building a better foundation of student tours and bringing so many amazing community members and students into our campus with your enthusiasm and friendliness.

Meryll Pentz (Financial Aid)

Meryll does a tremendous job helping to administer scholarships and MCC Assist for students. Reviewing applications, making awards, counseling students on their financial aid, understanding the nuances of dozens of scholarship funds, and providing data for donors - Meryll does it all! She is a wonderful partner who brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the whole process. My colleagues at the MCC Foundation and I are super appreciative of Meryll. Thank you, Meryll, for all you do every day for MCC students.

Michelle Skehan (Print Services)

We use the print shop for so many things, posters and marketing. Michelle and the print shop staff so creative and productive. Thank you!

Mike Quinn (Controller)

Mike has led succession planning not only for his dept, division but for the College. Vision 2027 5.1. Strengthen employee recruitment, onboarding, retention, technology training, professional development, and succession planning. Just in the past year, Mike Bates promoted to Procurement Director, Kristen Reed to Asst Dr Procurement, Jennifer Caruso to Director Student Accounts, Christina Stewart to Asst Dr Student Accounts, Jennifer Mastri to Asst Dr Payroll, Deb Oliver to Payroll Manager and Kathryn Weiner to Head Cashier. The succession planning led by Mike has allowed payroll and student accounts, procurement and contracting to continue to run seamlessly and provide uninterrupted services to the college. Definitely outstanding leadership and succession planning done at its finest.

Nicole Meyer (Financial Aid)

Who got us through some deep doo doo, of course Nicole did! We could count on her for helping students navigate tough situations that are unspeakable and off the chart difficult. But with Nicole's expert counsel and life coach attitude so many students finished their semester and got through another day. Thank you Nicole. We love you!

William Dixon (Institutional Research)

Data is critical to the success of MCC's grant applications for external funding. William goes above and beyond every day, every week, every month, every year to provide timely, accurate data that is used in grant applications and in grant-funded project reports. His level of expertise is superior in linking data to impact and to outcomes. Every day, I appreciate his critical thinking and insight. I am truly grateful that William chooses to share his talent with the MCC community.

Yolanda Johnson (Campus Events)

Who know that a presentation about Campus Events would be so informative and engaging?! Thank you for a great workshop for 3AG. Well, done!

Melis Kural
Teaching & Creativity Center
12/18/2023