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MCC Daily Tribune

TCC: Day 4 of TCC Gratitude Series: Kudos to You, MCC's Student Support Team

Happy Monday, Everyone!

As we head into a week filled with final exams and celebrations, I want to take a moment to share some kudos from our students to the incredible MCC Student Support team—and from MCC colleagues who go above and beyond to support our students on their academic and learning journeys. You all rock!

Career Services:

Thank you for supporting our students' post-completion success. We appreciate your efforts to connect students with employers and transfer institutions.

Chloe Allen; Jodi Oriel; Morganne Madonia (Department of Student Life and Leadership Development)

Chloe, Jodi, and Morganne, have been very helpful with everything regarding clubs/orgs, classes, or personal things. Their impact is enormous and motivates to keep going and making a change. I am very grateful for everything they do for MCC Students! They are the best!

Nicole Reinholtz (Educational Opportunity Program), Receiving Two Nominations

  • Ms. Reinholtz, my EOP counselor, has been a constant source of support in college, helping me overcome challenges and grow more confident in my academic journey through her guidance, encouragement, and belief in my potential.
  • I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible support you provided me during my first year at MCC. Looking back I realize what a challenging time it was for me and I truly don't know where I'd be without your guidance. What truly stood out was how you genuinely listened to my aspirations, especially my desire to major in psychology on a pre-health track. This was particularly meaningful to me because other institutions had even discouraged me from pursuing this path suggesting I explore other options. Your open mindedness and belief in my goals were incredibly validating and gave me the confidence to move forward with what I truly wanted.

    You have a remarkable ability to truly listen and understand and I always felt heard and validated during our meetings. You didn't just offer advice you helped me identify the root of what I was going through and empowered me to find my own way forward. The strategies and perspectives you shared were invaluable in helping me navigate those initial hurdles. The positive changes in my grades this year are a direct result of your support and encouragement. You helped me get out of a real rut, and I'm now feeling so much more confident and motivated as I continue my studies, pursuing the psychology and pre-health path that feels so right for me. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for going above and beyond. You are a truly exceptional counselor, and I am so grateful for the positive influence you've had on my academic journey and overall well being.

Hanan Gahi (Learning Support Services, TRIO)

This is my first semester at MCC, and Hanan has been incredibly sweet, welcoming, and supportive from the very beginning. She has become like a mother figure to me on campus. No matter what challenges I face, I know I can always go to her, and she will listen, give advice, and help in any way she can. She makes me feel safe, comfortable, and valued as a student and as a person. It’s rare to meet someone at college who makes you feel truly at home, but Hanan does that for me and so many other students in the TRIO program. Her kindness and dedication have made my transition to MCC so much easier and more positive. I truly thank her from the bottom of my heart for all that she does.

Aysel Akkilic (Learning Support Services, TRIO)

This is my first semester at MCC, and Aysel has been incredibly welcoming, kind, and supportive since the first day. She makes me feel like I have a family member at school. No matter what I am dealing with, I know I can always go to her, and she will listen, give advice, and do whatever she can to help. She has truly made me feel safe, comfortable, and cared for at MCC. I can tell her anything, and she always supports me with patience and understanding. Her kindness and dedication to students are remarkable, and she has made a huge positive difference in my college experience. I truly thank her from the bottom of my heart for all that she does.

Shay Nowak (Supplemental Instruction)

Shay has been an exceptionally supportive, caring, and dedicated figure throughout my college journey. Whenever I needed assistance, he was always there, making himself available at any time. His commitment to helping in every possible way truly goes above and beyond.

Not only does Shay provide invaluable academic support, but he also brings joy and laughter into our learning environment. His ability to make every interaction fun and safe has made a significant impact on my educational experience. Shay's personal stories about his struggles with learning and mental health have been particularly inspiring. By sharing these experiences, he shows us that we are not alone and that we matter. His empathy and understanding create a nurturing atmosphere where we feel supported and motivated.

Ann Bauer (TAAC)

Ms. Ann has been very helpful to all. Not just myself but to several students. She goes above and beyond to ensure all student and staff needs are met. She will ask questions and not just about classes but how you are doing personally. To make sure not only are your needs met as a student or staff member but your mental health and welfare is okay. If anyone should get a Kudos it should be Ms. Ann

Lilia Frank (Tutor, English)

Ms. Lilia is an outstanding writing tutor—her remarkable ability to unlock creativity and hone expression establishes her as a true mentor. She goes beyond mere grammar and structure corrections; she actively fosters depth, clarity, and originality in your writing. Most importantly, she instills unwavering confidence in you, inspiring you to write from the heart, ensuring that every word you craft is authentic and resonant. With Lilia, writing transcends being just words on a page; it transforms into an art form where each sentence carries significance and emotion. She's the kind of tutor who empowers you to fully recognize the strength of your voice.

Mary Slifer (Library)

Mary is one of the most genuinely impactful and beloved individuals on our campus. Her presence at the Library is not just a source of support but a source of warmth and reassurance for everyone she encounters. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or visitor, Mary treats each person with kindness, respect, and unwavering dedication. Her helpfulness is matched only by her grace and efficiency, and she consistently goes far beyond the scope of her duties to ensure that others are cared for and supported.

What sets Mary apart is not just what she does, but who she is, a compassionate, selfless, and deeply committed member of our community. For the past 14 years, she has quietly and humbly served Monroe Community College with extraordinary devotion, and it’s long past time her contributions received the recognition they so richly deserve.

Pam Cjaza (Library)

Pam has gone out of her way to be responsive to needs regarding research and reliability of sources for our classes and our students.  She has a quick turn-around with requests and is very professional, friendly, and a pleasure to work with. Thank you Pam!

Eric Wheeler (Veteran Services), receiving 2 Nominations

  • Eric Wheeler has gone well and beyond his call of duty to help me out.  He initially gave me the motivation to continue my education to the highest level possible.  I not only consider him as my mentor, but also a true friend.
  • Over the course of my time at MCC Eric has always been willing to put his best foot forward when it comes to advising, facilitating, and supporting not just me but every veteran and student he interacts with! Eric not only is he excellent professionally but personally and characteristically! He is what every staff member should strive to be!

From MCC Colleagues to Student Support:

Demetrius Rhodes (Admissions)

Demetrius is a very dedicated staff member—he will respond to emails even on weekends! Over the last year that I have worked with him, he has been supportive of the work my colleagues and I do. Demetrius has collaborated with us to help students and advocated for changes to make work processes more streamlined for all. Demetrius has also been a good communicator, checking in with us about students and going the extra mile to make processes easier for students, as well. He is an MCC treasure!

Matthew Lawson (Admissions)

Matt has been a rock star this year, he has organized and execute so many events that have connected students to the MCC community.  Whether it's open house days or orientation and registration events for local high schools, Matt always seems to have everything run so smoothly!

Rebecca Mack (Transfer Services)

Rebecca, what could have been a routine trip turned into something truly fulfilling and memorable. I really enjoyed our time together during the Cortland visit. You are an absolute gem to MCC, and I’m so glad we got to share that experience.

Meryll Praller (Financial Aid)

Meryll's work with helping students through the MCC Emergency Assist process is extraordinary.  She has helped students with new tires, electric bills, car insurance, emergency housing, books, supplies, and many more situations that created barriers for success for our students.

Colleen Dolce (Financial Aid)

Colleen is the single reason our office was able to navigate the craziness which was the new FAFSA, aid calculations, and requirements pushed through with the FAFSA Simplification Act.

Lori Bartkovich (Financial Aid/Veteran Services)

Lori's tireless work on behalf of our veteran students, whether helping them through the process or deciphering VA or DOD requirements is awe-inspiring!

Eric Wheeler (Veteran Affairs)

Sending heartfelt appreciation to Eric Wheeler for his tireless advocacy on behalf of our student veterans and their families. His dedication ensures that those who have served our country receive the support, respect, and resources they deserve at MCC. Beyond this vital work, Eric continually volunteers his time and talents to college-wide efforts such as awards ceremonies and Commencement. I thank him for his commitment to both our students and our broader campus community.

Student Success and Advising Services

Thank you for supporting our students and their success and for embracing change! Your work and efforts are greatly appreciated.

Martha MacDonald (TAAC)

Martha keeps the whole TAAC flowing. She knows which students are coming when and what kind of special help they might need. She communicates well with tutors and knows where we often get confused.

Christine Tickyj (Counseling, Disability and Health Services)

Chris is the main clerk in our office. On a daily basis, Chris greets every person who walks through the door with a big smile and warm greeting. She handles difficult or emotionally distraught students with kindness and finesse. She is an energetic and positive role model for all employees and a great asset to MCC!

Jodi Oriel (Department of Student Life and Leadership Development)

I have worked with Jodi on various projects over the past years. She is one of the people in the college who exemplifies what it means to be "student centered". Always positive, always thoughtful, always there for someone, she makes me want to be a better professor/worker/person.

We need more people like her at the college.

The team, Juslannie, Melissa, Chloe, Morganne, Tracy (Department of Student Life and Leadership Development)

The Student Life Team is a very talented group of Student Affairs professionals. They guide and help students develop leadership skills while creating a vibrant campus life. They are kind, patient, and compassionate. I am very fortunate to work with all of them.

Melis Kural
Teaching & Creativity Center
05/19/2025