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<p>Entries are arranged alphabetically by first name. Two entries mention pairs of colleagues, and&nbsp;one highlights several departments.</p>

<p>Well done, all!</p>

<p>Look for another call for kudos towards the middle of the semester. Between now and then, take a moment each day or each meeting to tell someone you appreciate them and why. Don&rsquo;t assume they know. Make it a habit to express your gratitude.</p>

<p><em>[Update: This announcement has been revised since original publication to correct a mistake with the list of SUNY Online-participating departments. The list numbers eleven, not ten, and that entry has been moved to the top now to reflect alphabetical order with the change to the heading.]</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>The&nbsp;Academic Departments Supporting SUNY Online Programs: </strong><em>Anthropology/History/Political Science/Sociology,&nbsp; Biology, Business, Chemistry/Geosciences, English/Philosophy, Health and Physical Education, Mathematics, Psychology, Transitional Studies, Visual and Performing Arts, and World Languages and Cultures</em></p>

<p>&ldquo;In the time of enrollment decline, we have one area of strong growth - SUNY online.&nbsp; These department chairs and faculty have taken on extra work, many meetings, two course systems, and lack of clarity about the unfolding plans.&nbsp; I thank them for their efforts and flexibility.&nbsp; I also want to thank <strong>Provost Andrea Wade</strong> for her leadership and vision.&nbsp; She made sure that MCC led the state in this program.&nbsp; Thanks also to <strong>AVP Terry Keys</strong> for his positive attitude day after day on the potential of these programs.&nbsp; Thank you to all who are working towards the future!&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Andrea Gilbert [Instructional Technologies]</strong></p>

<p><em>Andrea received three (3) submissions!</em></p>

<p>&ldquo;Andrea has always been an integral part of the MCC team, but in the last year, she has been vital to the success of our faculty, and thereby, our students. She works tirelessly to ensure that faculty and students have the knowledge and confidence to not merely manage, but actually thrive in this precarious virtual learning environment. There are no thanks suitable for her invaluable contributions, but we should all try, nonetheless! Thank you, Andrea.&rdquo;</p>

<p>&ldquo;Andrea is the MVP of the school during this hard time. She is always willing to help anyone and bend over backwards for faculty. With all of the stress she must be under she always has a sweet attitude.&rdquo;</p>

<p>&ldquo;She is my role model for professionalism. Andrea is a very knowledgeable and friendly online and remote faculty support designer who is extremely helpful in assisting with faculty needs in online/virtual course design in Blackboard, Zoom and other learning platforms.&nbsp; She is always professional, patient, and flexible; her special support has enabled faculty to provide the most effective and efficient way to offer our students virtual learning platforms that assist them in achieving their academic goals.&nbsp; Her ongoing support has been invaluable, and especially helpful during an arduous transition this past year to new and challenging teaching modalities.&nbsp; She is helped make this transition as seamless as possible for the faculty and our students.&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Anne Kirkpatrick [Education &amp; Human Services]</strong></p>

<p>&ldquo;Anne is always ready with a smile and the question, &lsquo;how can I help?&rsquo; She keeps our department moving forward and will work hard to find the resources necessary to make things happen. Anne is kind and supportive, and she has the right words when things don't seem to be going quite right. We appreciate how much she is willing to take on any new initiative with optimism - thank you, Anne!&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Betty Mandly [Education &amp; Human Services]</strong></p>

<p>&ldquo;Betty has worked tirelessly over the last semester and intersession to create an accelerated, online format of our addictions counseling certificate program. Her hard work demonstrates her commitment to the field and her dedication to students. Betty is such a team player, and she is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure her students and her colleagues are supported. We appreciate you, Betty!&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Colleen Caruana [Department of Nursing]</strong></p>

<p>&ldquo;Colleen has been a touchstone for me, and many others throughout this Pandemic.&nbsp; For me, her moral support, as well as tech support has been invaluable.&nbsp; For her students, she has nothing but compassion, respect and high hopes for them.&nbsp; For the Department of Nursing, she has stepped up as a thoughtful, hard working and devoted leader. While many of us have seen the Pandemic as an obstacle to our old ways of doing things, Colleen has stepped up and is finding ways to do things bigger and better in this new paradigm. Thank you to her for her passion and positivity!!&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Donna Burke and Renee Dimino [ESOL/TRS and SUNY Guided Pathways]</strong></p>

<p>&ldquo;If you haven't seen <em>@mcc.collegesuccess</em> [on] [I]nstagram, you are missing out.&nbsp; Renee and Donna started this account in the fall and I was so impressed by the well-designed, creative, and motivating content.&nbsp; I know it was designed for our students but there were many posts that were just what I needed to hear and when I needed to hear it!&nbsp; Thank you for your innovation during a time when it is challenging to simply maintain.&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Erin Strobl [Biology]</strong></p>

<p>&ldquo;As Chair of the Downtown TCC Committee, Erin showed leadership and strong organizational skills in coordinating the 2021 Winter Teaching Institute. The event was a huge success thanks to Erin's diligence and tireless efforts. Way to go Erin!&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Jamie Hoover [Instructional Technologies]</strong></p>

<p>&ldquo;Jamie is so dependable and competent.&nbsp; That might not seem like an effusive enough statement for this platform, but as the primary tech support in academic services for the MCC portal and the Blackboard course management system that is exactly what we've needed.&nbsp; She has supported the new CircleIn studying app and whatever I requested, she delivered, and more.&nbsp; Always looking for what she can do, she is able to put tech concerns into the student context and designs what is best for the college long-term.&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Janet Waasdorp [Education &amp; Human Services]</strong></p>

<p>&ldquo;Janet always has a kind word or uplifting thought for her colleagues and students. She works hard to ensure that students have the support they need in order to be successful, and she genuinely gets to know her students on a personal level. I appreciate her willingness to step in when a student or a colleague is in need. Thank you for all that you do to make those around you feel valued, Janet!&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Jessica Saltzberg [Student Advocate for Strong Foundations and Pathways to College]</strong></p>

<p>&ldquo;Kudos to Jessica Saltzberg for the heroic job she did recruiting, advising, and registering students for Strong Foundations, a brand new program funded by a grant from ESL Credit Union. Strong Foundations allows students to complete developmental and ESL coursework for free, without the need for financial aid or tuition. It is modeled after CUNY Start, and has robust wrap-around supports, which include Jessica&rsquo;s advisement and academic coaching. Jessica managed to fill two cohorts of a new, unknown program during an enrollment crisis. Kudos for an amazing job!&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Lena Shiao [Education &amp; Human Services]</strong></p>

<p>&ldquo;Lena goes above and beyond to support her students as they find success with remote learning. She is responsive to their needs and takes the extra time necessary to make sure that each student knows someone cares about them and that there are resources available to help them meet their needs. This even extended to students in her cohort from Head Start who took a course outside of our department last semester; if the students had any questions, Lena was there to answer them, and she went the extra mile to ensure that they had what they needed to be successful, including working with them on their professional requirements outside of their coursework at MCC. Your students and colleagues appreciate you, Lena!&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Rick Costanza [Education &amp; Human Services]</strong></p>

<p>&ldquo;Rick is incredibly helpful in answering colleagues' and students' questions, particularly complicated questions about advisement and transfer options. He contributes fresh ideas to our department and has a strong ability to analyze opportunities from various perspectives. His insight and experience are valuable, and I really appreciate his willingness to support me anytime I approach him with a question. Rick, thanks for being a supportive colleague!&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Robin Richardson [Education &amp; Human Services]</strong></p>

<p>&ldquo;Robin is the newest member of our team and started as our fieldwork coordinator only months before the pandemic started (after working in other areas of MCC for a number of years). Robin has been incredibly dedicated and flexible as she has navigated both a new position and our constantly changing world. She has stepped up and been willing to support our faculty and students with ongoing changes in our traditional face-to-face field placements, and she has helped us make connections with schools and agencies for alternative assignments. Robin has also added on to her many responsibilities as she worked with schools and agencies to provide agreements outlining how they would ensure our students' safety. We appreciate Robin's positive energy and optimism during a very uncertain time!&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Tom Pollizi [Shipping/CSEA President]</strong></p>

<p>&ldquo;The pandemic hit us all hard and unexpectedly.&nbsp; Some employees had issues in their lap that they never had to deal with before.&nbsp; As Union President, Tom Pollizi, has gone way above the call of duty to fight for the union, the employees, the MCC family.&nbsp; Without losing a beat in his full time job, he worked hard to try and secure all CSEA union members.&nbsp; Not knowing all that he went through, and only experiencing the support I received, Tom has proved over and over again that he is here to support staff, and support them well.&nbsp; Thank you Tom!&nbsp;&nbsp; I am one of the fortunate employees that are still employed at MCC and grateful to work with such supportive hardworking members.&rdquo;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Tracey Britton &amp; Carmela Bilby [Admissions]</strong></p>

<p>&ldquo;Tracey and Carmela have been incredibly supportive as our department began offering a new accelerated format for one of our programs. Tracey responded to many student inquiries and follow-up emails, as well as to the requests of our department as we navigated admitting the students on a tight timeline. Carmela happily applied transfer credits for these students and was helpful with any questions related to this process. Throughout this time, both Tracey and Carmela were responsive and kind, even when their support meant working long hours on top of their existing responsibilities, and they joined in our excitement when we reached the point of registering an official cohort of students. Thank you both for your dedication to our students, and for being great colleagues!&rdquo;</p>

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MCC Daily Tribune

TCC: Colleague Kudos

It’s my pleasure to share the following names and write-ups of those who received recognition last week when the TCC solicited calls for kudos.

Entries are arranged alphabetically by first name. Two entries mention pairs of colleagues, and one highlights several departments.

Well done, all!

Look for another call for kudos towards the middle of the semester. Between now and then, take a moment each day or each meeting to tell someone you appreciate them and why. Don’t assume they know. Make it a habit to express your gratitude.

[Update: This announcement has been revised since original publication to correct a mistake with the list of SUNY Online-participating departments. The list numbers eleven, not ten, and that entry has been moved to the top now to reflect alphabetical order with the change to the heading.]

 

The Academic Departments Supporting SUNY Online Programs: Anthropology/History/Political Science/Sociology,  Biology, Business, Chemistry/Geosciences, English/Philosophy, Health and Physical Education, Mathematics, Psychology, Transitional Studies, Visual and Performing Arts, and World Languages and Cultures

“In the time of enrollment decline, we have one area of strong growth - SUNY online.  These department chairs and faculty have taken on extra work, many meetings, two course systems, and lack of clarity about the unfolding plans.  I thank them for their efforts and flexibility.  I also want to thank Provost Andrea Wade for her leadership and vision.  She made sure that MCC led the state in this program.  Thanks also to AVP Terry Keys for his positive attitude day after day on the potential of these programs.  Thank you to all who are working towards the future!”

 

Andrea Gilbert [Instructional Technologies]

Andrea received three (3) submissions!

“Andrea has always been an integral part of the MCC team, but in the last year, she has been vital to the success of our faculty, and thereby, our students. She works tirelessly to ensure that faculty and students have the knowledge and confidence to not merely manage, but actually thrive in this precarious virtual learning environment. There are no thanks suitable for her invaluable contributions, but we should all try, nonetheless! Thank you, Andrea.”

“Andrea is the MVP of the school during this hard time. She is always willing to help anyone and bend over backwards for faculty. With all of the stress she must be under she always has a sweet attitude.”

“She is my role model for professionalism. Andrea is a very knowledgeable and friendly online and remote faculty support designer who is extremely helpful in assisting with faculty needs in online/virtual course design in Blackboard, Zoom and other learning platforms.  She is always professional, patient, and flexible; her special support has enabled faculty to provide the most effective and efficient way to offer our students virtual learning platforms that assist them in achieving their academic goals.  Her ongoing support has been invaluable, and especially helpful during an arduous transition this past year to new and challenging teaching modalities.  She is helped make this transition as seamless as possible for the faculty and our students.”

 

Anne Kirkpatrick [Education & Human Services]

“Anne is always ready with a smile and the question, ‘how can I help?’ She keeps our department moving forward and will work hard to find the resources necessary to make things happen. Anne is kind and supportive, and she has the right words when things don't seem to be going quite right. We appreciate how much she is willing to take on any new initiative with optimism - thank you, Anne!”

 

Betty Mandly [Education & Human Services]

“Betty has worked tirelessly over the last semester and intersession to create an accelerated, online format of our addictions counseling certificate program. Her hard work demonstrates her commitment to the field and her dedication to students. Betty is such a team player, and she is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure her students and her colleagues are supported. We appreciate you, Betty!”

 

Colleen Caruana [Department of Nursing]

“Colleen has been a touchstone for me, and many others throughout this Pandemic.  For me, her moral support, as well as tech support has been invaluable.  For her students, she has nothing but compassion, respect and high hopes for them.  For the Department of Nursing, she has stepped up as a thoughtful, hard working and devoted leader. While many of us have seen the Pandemic as an obstacle to our old ways of doing things, Colleen has stepped up and is finding ways to do things bigger and better in this new paradigm. Thank you to her for her passion and positivity!!”

 

Donna Burke and Renee Dimino [ESOL/TRS and SUNY Guided Pathways]

“If you haven't seen @mcc.collegesuccess [on] [I]nstagram, you are missing out.  Renee and Donna started this account in the fall and I was so impressed by the well-designed, creative, and motivating content.  I know it was designed for our students but there were many posts that were just what I needed to hear and when I needed to hear it!  Thank you for your innovation during a time when it is challenging to simply maintain.”

 

Erin Strobl [Biology]

“As Chair of the Downtown TCC Committee, Erin showed leadership and strong organizational skills in coordinating the 2021 Winter Teaching Institute. The event was a huge success thanks to Erin's diligence and tireless efforts. Way to go Erin!”

 

Jamie Hoover [Instructional Technologies]

“Jamie is so dependable and competent.  That might not seem like an effusive enough statement for this platform, but as the primary tech support in academic services for the MCC portal and the Blackboard course management system that is exactly what we've needed.  She has supported the new CircleIn studying app and whatever I requested, she delivered, and more.  Always looking for what she can do, she is able to put tech concerns into the student context and designs what is best for the college long-term.”

 

Janet Waasdorp [Education & Human Services]

“Janet always has a kind word or uplifting thought for her colleagues and students. She works hard to ensure that students have the support they need in order to be successful, and she genuinely gets to know her students on a personal level. I appreciate her willingness to step in when a student or a colleague is in need. Thank you for all that you do to make those around you feel valued, Janet!”

 

Jessica Saltzberg [Student Advocate for Strong Foundations and Pathways to College]

“Kudos to Jessica Saltzberg for the heroic job she did recruiting, advising, and registering students for Strong Foundations, a brand new program funded by a grant from ESL Credit Union. Strong Foundations allows students to complete developmental and ESL coursework for free, without the need for financial aid or tuition. It is modeled after CUNY Start, and has robust wrap-around supports, which include Jessica’s advisement and academic coaching. Jessica managed to fill two cohorts of a new, unknown program during an enrollment crisis. Kudos for an amazing job!”

 

Lena Shiao [Education & Human Services]

“Lena goes above and beyond to support her students as they find success with remote learning. She is responsive to their needs and takes the extra time necessary to make sure that each student knows someone cares about them and that there are resources available to help them meet their needs. This even extended to students in her cohort from Head Start who took a course outside of our department last semester; if the students had any questions, Lena was there to answer them, and she went the extra mile to ensure that they had what they needed to be successful, including working with them on their professional requirements outside of their coursework at MCC. Your students and colleagues appreciate you, Lena!”

 

Rick Costanza [Education & Human Services]

“Rick is incredibly helpful in answering colleagues' and students' questions, particularly complicated questions about advisement and transfer options. He contributes fresh ideas to our department and has a strong ability to analyze opportunities from various perspectives. His insight and experience are valuable, and I really appreciate his willingness to support me anytime I approach him with a question. Rick, thanks for being a supportive colleague!”

 

Robin Richardson [Education & Human Services]

“Robin is the newest member of our team and started as our fieldwork coordinator only months before the pandemic started (after working in other areas of MCC for a number of years). Robin has been incredibly dedicated and flexible as she has navigated both a new position and our constantly changing world. She has stepped up and been willing to support our faculty and students with ongoing changes in our traditional face-to-face field placements, and she has helped us make connections with schools and agencies for alternative assignments. Robin has also added on to her many responsibilities as she worked with schools and agencies to provide agreements outlining how they would ensure our students' safety. We appreciate Robin's positive energy and optimism during a very uncertain time!”

 

Tom Pollizi [Shipping/CSEA President]

“The pandemic hit us all hard and unexpectedly.  Some employees had issues in their lap that they never had to deal with before.  As Union President, Tom Pollizi, has gone way above the call of duty to fight for the union, the employees, the MCC family.  Without losing a beat in his full time job, he worked hard to try and secure all CSEA union members.  Not knowing all that he went through, and only experiencing the support I received, Tom has proved over and over again that he is here to support staff, and support them well.  Thank you Tom!   I am one of the fortunate employees that are still employed at MCC and grateful to work with such supportive hardworking members.”

 

Tracey Britton & Carmela Bilby [Admissions]

“Tracey and Carmela have been incredibly supportive as our department began offering a new accelerated format for one of our programs. Tracey responded to many student inquiries and follow-up emails, as well as to the requests of our department as we navigated admitting the students on a tight timeline. Carmela happily applied transfer credits for these students and was helpful with any questions related to this process. Throughout this time, both Tracey and Carmela were responsive and kind, even when their support meant working long hours on top of their existing responsibilities, and they joined in our excitement when we reached the point of registering an official cohort of students. Thank you both for your dedication to our students, and for being great colleagues!”

Amy Burtner
Teaching and Creativity Center
02/01/2021