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<p>This spring we had 15 nominations, 10 of those from MCC students. Some professors were nominated several times and those tributes are listed together. Join the TCC in congratulating these effective educators!</p>
<p><em>Spring 2019 Kudos for Teaching Excellence</em></p>
<p>Nominated by Students</p>
<p><strong>Mark Bellavia, Mathematics</strong></p>
<p>We, the students of Mr. Bellavia, would kindly like for you to give special consideration in recognizing and nominating Mr. Bellavia for his outstanding performance while he has been tenured here at Monroe Community College. Mr. Bellavia is a model ambassador to what MCC has to offer to its students and future students as he consistently displays the highest level of professional excellence and knowledge in his field of work. As a result he is able to not only break down the most complicated of math situations into something so simple that even a small child could understand, but also answer even the most difficult of questions without ever once having to resort to weak teaching statements like "just do it this way because it's what we want you to do." He will always give you an answer and show you how and why this or that does or does not work and always does so with a thoughtful positive attitude and charismatic quality that does not leave a student feeling dumb for asking questions or making mistakes. When it comes to homework and exams, Mr. Bellavia carefully reviews the work you submit to see how you come to the answers that you do and then shows you step-by-step the best way to solve each problem that you get wrong so you don't make the same mistake in the future. Mr. Bellavia ensures that his students have some kind of access to him when they need help or are struggling. In closing, there is no doubt that the contributions that Mr. Bellavia has made during his tenure here at MCC not only benefit our College as a whole but will continue to benefit both MCC and us, his former students, long after his retirement and our graduations, for these reasons we humbly request that you nominate and recognize Mr. Bellavia.</p>
<p><strong>Mary DiSano, Chemistry</strong></p>
<p>Mary DiSano is a terrific professor. She makes her students (or at least I felt this way in her course) feel very welcomed. She makes time for her students when they need a little or even a lot of extra help. She tries her best to make her class fun and yet make sure that the information being taught will stick with us. Professor DiSano has been one of the best professors I have had at MCC.</p>
<p><strong>Douglas Henneberg, Health and Physical Education</strong></p>
<p>Doug has helped us immeasurably at the police academy (PSTF). From training and teaching a number of individuals who deliver PT to police and fire recruits to always being there when needed formulates the impetus for this nomination. One recent example, occurred on Friday, February 15, 2019. It was a very special day for us. Sixty (60) recruit police officers took their final PT test (push-ups, sit-ups, flexibility, fat caliper testing and the 1.5 mile run). The wintry weather was ominous with ice and snow in the forecast. Doug facilitated the use of three rooms and the indoor running track. Additionally, he attended the testing and volunteered to help out when he observed that we were really stretched for time. This is not the first time we have had to call Doug for assistance. Doug Henneberg rocks. He is everything that is good about Monroe Community College.</p>
<p><strong>David Jacome, Engineering Sciences and Physics</strong></p>
<p>Professor Jacome has the ability to help students and go the extra mile to assist them with all their needs. Professor Jacome has been so involved with the MCC community since moving from New York City. He tutors at the Downtown campus, teaches many courses this semester and will be participating in the Upward Bound Program during the summertime. In addition, he has been caring and understanding of students during his time at the college.</p>
<p>Professor Jacome has been a great role model for me since he came to MCC. He has helped me with my drone project and given me great advice on careers. Furthermore, he has been involved in different things at the college. He is a remarkable professor and that's why I wish to nominate him.</p>
<p>Dr. Jacome helps me with my assignments at the tutoring center. He is a remarkable young man with enthusiasm and passion for sharing his knowledge with other people. I highly recommend him for recognition.</p>
<p><strong>Dina Giovanelli, Sociology</strong></p>
<p>Professor Giovanelli, who insists on her students calling her Dina, is absolutely the best professor that I've had the pleasure of taking a class with. Her understanding of and ability to teach about social issues in the United States is incredible. Taking her introductory sociology course inspired me to devote my life to helping others. Taking her social problems course only strengthened my desire to improve the material conditions of the disprivileged. She is my favorite professor and I'm sure will be my friend for many years to come.</p>
<p>Dina made my first semester in school a very rewarding experience. She has allowed freedom to speak your thoughts, and she thrives on diversity and inclusion. You can count on Dina to be an advocate for anyone or any group who is in need. Dina's dedication to her students does not end in the classroom. I have witnessed her help individuals with real life situations, she will walk through fires with you!</p>
<p>This professor is awesome. She takes the time with her students to give them the knowledge and understanding of our social world. She is a compassionate professor and a great resource in the college experience.</p>
<p><strong>Olga Tsukernik, Mathematics</strong></p>
<p>I really appreciate Professor Tsukernik and the way that she presents material in class. She has a great way of making the class pay attention to what she is saying. At the beginning of the year I really struggled with math and I did not enjoy it; however, I have come to really appreciate math and have actually done really well this semester! She is firm and direct and keeps us on our toes. She truly cares about her students' success and pushes us to do our best. I appreciate her and will be taking future classes with her if I have the chance to!</p>
<p></p>
<p>Nominated by Faculty and Staff</p>
<p><strong>Diane Clements, ESOL/TRS</strong></p>
<p>Diane is a passionate, masterful teacher and an indispensable member of the ESOL/TRS team who is deeply committed to meeting her students' affective needs as well as their academic needs. In the affective realm, she brings food to class nearly every day, and is always available to help her students navigate their way to the resources they need and advocate for them if necessary. She is an active member of the College Resource Committee, which works to support students in myriad ways. In the academic realm, Diane runs a tight classroom that requires students to think and engage. I have observed her classes a few times, and each time, I was impressed with the level of engagement and commitment among her students. The texts that she uses often engage students in discussions about the affective issues with which they are struggling, such as poverty and inequality, so that high level of engagement is not surprising. Diane is always willing to take on new projects and try new things in her classroom. She was one of the first faculty involved in the TRS 100 Accelerated pilot, and was one of the first to pilot new TRS 200 materials that were developed through the Summer Acceleration Institute in 2016. She is also an active member of the COS Committee, and is teaching the course online this semester, along with a hybrid version of TRS 200. In addition to that, she is also teaching ALP, and is developing a learning community with Addictions Counseling for fall 2019. She is also immensely supportive of our adjunct faculty, and mentors any DC faculty who are in need and willing; as a result, the quality of teaching and consistency in our developmental reading and writing courses downtown have increased notably. Diane is a true dynamo. Her energy and enthusiasm are boundless, and her effect on the department and our students is immeasurable. I cannot think of someone more deserving of this award than Diane Clements.</p>
<p><strong>Laura Tepper, ESOL/TRS</strong></p>
<p>Laura Tepper is an adjunct assistant professor in the TRS and Education departments and also serves as a tutor in the Tutoring Center at the Downtown Campus. She is a creative and dedicated instructor who focuses on student success. She works tirelessly with students to provide enriching learning opportunities and ensure that they have to ability to reach their academic goals. In addition to her hard work with students, Laura also spends countless hours working with and mentoring new and returning adjuncts. She makes herself available so that other adjuncts can ask questions and seek guidance for lessons, student issues, and any other questions they may have. Laura's dedication and hard work has improved the lives of many students and reaches beyond her classroom. MCC is fortunate to have Laura Tepper on the faculty and the TRS department is grateful for all she does for student success.</p>
<p><strong>Thomas Marino, Engineering Science/Physics</strong></p>
<p>Tom is a new technical assistant in the Engineering Science / Physics department this year, and has done an outstanding job organizing all of the laboratories. No matter how busy he is, he will stop what he is doing and take his time to answer questions, set up equipment, and in general make my job as a lab instructor much easier. He has been incredibly helpful and patient with me, and has saved many a lab for me by quickly finding replacement equipment or providing technical assistance. Tom's dedication, positive attitude, and hard work have made life in the laboratories a great experience for both me and my students. Keep up the great work!</p>
<p><strong>Mary Timmons, Library Services</strong></p>
<p>Mary has worked very hard to make the learning commons a familiar and accessible place for our wonderful students. She hosts informational sessions, visits classrooms, and makes handouts to help students become acquainted with all the ways their educational experiences can be enhanced through all the various resources that are available to them. They find learning how to research topics, write papers, and find tutoring are less challenging or mysterious because of the dedication she freely displays to them. In addition, she is an excellent colleague to faculty and staff, always willing to help secure teaching and research materials we might need to make our classrooms more engaging.</p>
<p><strong>Diane Dinkens-Lourette, ESOL/TRS</strong></p>
<p>Professor Dinkens-Lourette noticed that when her TRS 092 students retook tests, they typically scored the same. She knew that they weren't getting tutoring or studying, but just retaking the test. Now, before students are permitted to retake a test, they need to get tutored by her or someone in the tutoring center. This means that some weeks she spends up to 10 hours working with students outside of class to help them learn the material. She encourages a growth mindset by first quizzing them and then telling them they were "not ready" to retest if they couldn't self-correct previous mistakes. As a result of her extensive commitment to make herself available to them, and her high expectations, her students are doing significantly better and feeling successful as math students!</p>

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MCC Daily Tribune

TCC: Congratulations to the Spring Nominees for Kudos for Teaching Excellence!

Each semester, the Teaching and Creativity Center (TCC) solicits nominations for "Kudos for Teaching Excellence" from students, faculty and staff. Thank you to those of you who took time to recognize someone who made an impact. To submit a nomination for next semester, visit: https://qeasttrial.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1N4PF9rFTIunUIl.

This spring we had 15 nominations, 10 of those from MCC students. Some professors were nominated several times and those tributes are listed together. Join the TCC in congratulating these effective educators!

Spring 2019 Kudos for Teaching Excellence

Nominated by Students

Mark Bellavia, Mathematics

We, the students of Mr. Bellavia, would kindly like for you to give special consideration in recognizing and nominating Mr. Bellavia for his outstanding performance while he has been tenured here at Monroe Community College. Mr. Bellavia is a model ambassador to what MCC has to offer to its students and future students as he consistently displays the highest level of professional excellence and knowledge in his field of work. As a result he is able to not only break down the most complicated of math situations into something so simple that even a small child could understand, but also answer even the most difficult of questions without ever once having to resort to weak teaching statements like "just do it this way because it's what we want you to do." He will always give you an answer and show you how and why this or that does or does not work and always does so with a thoughtful positive attitude and charismatic quality that does not leave a student feeling dumb for asking questions or making mistakes. When it comes to homework and exams, Mr. Bellavia carefully reviews the work you submit to see how you come to the answers that you do and then shows you step-by-step the best way to solve each problem that you get wrong so you don't make the same mistake in the future. Mr. Bellavia ensures that his students have some kind of access to him when they need help or are struggling. In closing, there is no doubt that the contributions that Mr. Bellavia has made during his tenure here at MCC not only benefit our College as a whole but will continue to benefit both MCC and us, his former students, long after his retirement and our graduations, for these reasons we humbly request that you nominate and recognize Mr. Bellavia.

Mary DiSano, Chemistry

Mary DiSano is a terrific professor. She makes her students (or at least I felt this way in her course) feel very welcomed. She makes time for her students when they need a little or even a lot of extra help. She tries her best to make her class fun and yet make sure that the information being taught will stick with us. Professor DiSano has been one of the best professors I have had at MCC.

Douglas Henneberg, Health and Physical Education

Doug has helped us immeasurably at the police academy (PSTF). From training and teaching a number of individuals who deliver PT to police and fire recruits to always being there when needed formulates the impetus for this nomination. One recent example, occurred on Friday, February 15, 2019. It was a very special day for us. Sixty (60) recruit police officers took their final PT test (push-ups, sit-ups, flexibility, fat caliper testing and the 1.5 mile run). The wintry weather was ominous with ice and snow in the forecast. Doug facilitated the use of three rooms and the indoor running track. Additionally, he attended the testing and volunteered to help out when he observed that we were really stretched for time. This is not the first time we have had to call Doug for assistance. Doug Henneberg rocks. He is everything that is good about Monroe Community College.

David Jacome, Engineering Sciences and Physics

Professor Jacome has the ability to help students and go the extra mile to assist them with all their needs. Professor Jacome has been so involved with the MCC community since moving from New York City. He tutors at the Downtown campus, teaches many courses this semester and will be participating in the Upward Bound Program during the summertime. In addition, he has been caring and understanding of students during his time at the college.

Professor Jacome has been a great role model for me since he came to MCC. He has helped me with my drone project and given me great advice on careers. Furthermore, he has been involved in different things at the college. He is a remarkable professor and that's why I wish to nominate him.

Dr. Jacome helps me with my assignments at the tutoring center. He is a remarkable young man with enthusiasm and passion for sharing his knowledge with other people. I highly recommend him for recognition.

Dina Giovanelli, Sociology

Professor Giovanelli, who insists on her students calling her Dina, is absolutely the best professor that I've had the pleasure of taking a class with. Her understanding of and ability to teach about social issues in the United States is incredible. Taking her introductory sociology course inspired me to devote my life to helping others. Taking her social problems course only strengthened my desire to improve the material conditions of the disprivileged. She is my favorite professor and I'm sure will be my friend for many years to come.

Dina made my first semester in school a very rewarding experience. She has allowed freedom to speak your thoughts, and she thrives on diversity and inclusion. You can count on Dina to be an advocate for anyone or any group who is in need. Dina's dedication to her students does not end in the classroom. I have witnessed her help individuals with real life situations, she will walk through fires with you!

This professor is awesome. She takes the time with her students to give them the knowledge and understanding of our social world. She is a compassionate professor and a great resource in the college experience.

Olga Tsukernik, Mathematics

I really appreciate Professor Tsukernik and the way that she presents material in class. She has a great way of making the class pay attention to what she is saying. At the beginning of the year I really struggled with math and I did not enjoy it; however, I have come to really appreciate math and have actually done really well this semester! She is firm and direct and keeps us on our toes. She truly cares about her students' success and pushes us to do our best. I appreciate her and will be taking future classes with her if I have the chance to!

Nominated by Faculty and Staff

Diane Clements, ESOL/TRS

Diane is a passionate, masterful teacher and an indispensable member of the ESOL/TRS team who is deeply committed to meeting her students' affective needs as well as their academic needs. In the affective realm, she brings food to class nearly every day, and is always available to help her students navigate their way to the resources they need and advocate for them if necessary. She is an active member of the College Resource Committee, which works to support students in myriad ways. In the academic realm, Diane runs a tight classroom that requires students to think and engage. I have observed her classes a few times, and each time, I was impressed with the level of engagement and commitment among her students. The texts that she uses often engage students in discussions about the affective issues with which they are struggling, such as poverty and inequality, so that high level of engagement is not surprising. Diane is always willing to take on new projects and try new things in her classroom. She was one of the first faculty involved in the TRS 100 Accelerated pilot, and was one of the first to pilot new TRS 200 materials that were developed through the Summer Acceleration Institute in 2016. She is also an active member of the COS Committee, and is teaching the course online this semester, along with a hybrid version of TRS 200. In addition to that, she is also teaching ALP, and is developing a learning community with Addictions Counseling for fall 2019. She is also immensely supportive of our adjunct faculty, and mentors any DC faculty who are in need and willing; as a result, the quality of teaching and consistency in our developmental reading and writing courses downtown have increased notably. Diane is a true dynamo. Her energy and enthusiasm are boundless, and her effect on the department and our students is immeasurable. I cannot think of someone more deserving of this award than Diane Clements.

Laura Tepper, ESOL/TRS

Laura Tepper is an adjunct assistant professor in the TRS and Education departments and also serves as a tutor in the Tutoring Center at the Downtown Campus. She is a creative and dedicated instructor who focuses on student success. She works tirelessly with students to provide enriching learning opportunities and ensure that they have to ability to reach their academic goals. In addition to her hard work with students, Laura also spends countless hours working with and mentoring new and returning adjuncts. She makes herself available so that other adjuncts can ask questions and seek guidance for lessons, student issues, and any other questions they may have. Laura's dedication and hard work has improved the lives of many students and reaches beyond her classroom. MCC is fortunate to have Laura Tepper on the faculty and the TRS department is grateful for all she does for student success.

Thomas Marino, Engineering Science/Physics

Tom is a new technical assistant in the Engineering Science / Physics department this year, and has done an outstanding job organizing all of the laboratories. No matter how busy he is, he will stop what he is doing and take his time to answer questions, set up equipment, and in general make my job as a lab instructor much easier. He has been incredibly helpful and patient with me, and has saved many a lab for me by quickly finding replacement equipment or providing technical assistance. Tom's dedication, positive attitude, and hard work have made life in the laboratories a great experience for both me and my students. Keep up the great work!

Mary Timmons, Library Services

Mary has worked very hard to make the learning commons a familiar and accessible place for our wonderful students. She hosts informational sessions, visits classrooms, and makes handouts to help students become acquainted with all the ways their educational experiences can be enhanced through all the various resources that are available to them. They find learning how to research topics, write papers, and find tutoring are less challenging or mysterious because of the dedication she freely displays to them. In addition, she is an excellent colleague to faculty and staff, always willing to help secure teaching and research materials we might need to make our classrooms more engaging.

Diane Dinkens-Lourette, ESOL/TRS

Professor Dinkens-Lourette noticed that when her TRS 092 students retook tests, they typically scored the same. She knew that they weren't getting tutoring or studying, but just retaking the test. Now, before students are permitted to retake a test, they need to get tutored by her or someone in the tutoring center. This means that some weeks she spends up to 10 hours working with students outside of class to help them learn the material. She encourages a growth mindset by first quizzing them and then telling them they were "not ready" to retest if they couldn't self-correct previous mistakes. As a result of her extensive commitment to make herself available to them, and her high expectations, her students are doing significantly better and feeling successful as math students!

Eugenia Merliss
Teaching & Creativity Center
05/16/2019