MCC Daily Tribune
TCC Gratitude Series Fall 2025: Day 4
Today’s Kudos Gratitude series highlights MCC Professional Staff. We work together as a collaborative team, deeply committed to the learning, growth, and well-being of our students. It is truly an honor and a joy to review and share kudos across our community.
Edwin Ortiz (Custodial Operations)
Edwin does such a great job taking care of our offices and hallway. He waters our plants and always makes sure they have what they need to thrive, whether it's sunshine, fertilizer, a bigger pot, or just some extra attention. He goes above and beyond by creating an environment where we too can grow and thrive. Thank you, Edwin!
John Morrill (Environmental Health and Safety)
In July I started here at MCC, and John has been very helpful teaching me the ins and outs of my position and guiding me in the right direction for success. He has taught me a lot about his side of EHS as well as things that I had never thought of on the Fire side of things. John has also been my go-to guy for quick computer questions and always willing to help me out and sit with me and show me things on the computer. I am very grateful for all his help since I was hired on.
Andy Freeman (Curriculum and Assessment)
Andy continues to be a valuable resource for faculty in the often-confusing and ever-changing world of curriculum. He consistently provides clear guidance, ensures proposals are complete, and helps shepherd them through each stage of review. Andy also reaches out to SUNY and peer institutions to gather insights that strengthen our work. We are truly fortunate to benefit from his expertise, responsiveness, and steady support.
Jen Kinslow Curriculum and Assessment)
Curriculum and Program Development Jen is amazing! Among other things, she keeps Degree Works and the Entrance Requirement book accurate. She has an "eagle-eye" and excellent problem solving skills. Jen responds quickly to questions about program changes and course substitutions. Jen is creative and incredibly knowledgeable. She knows so much about MCC curriculum! I am so thankful she is our colleague. Jen makes MCC better!
Meryl Praller (Financial Aid)
Meryll has done so much this year with her work on scholarships, MCC Emergency Assistance, eligible non-citizenship document processing through DHS. Yet what truly stands out to me, is her mentorship of some of our newest professional staff members. Meryll is always there to lend a guided hand and help with professional development whether it's professional photos, business cards, appropriate messaging, etc. That extra effort is really appreciated.
Colleen Dolce (Financial Aid)
It's safe to say that without Colleen we would be lost in regards to the new SUNY ReConnect program. She built our system to identify eligible students, and provided training for staff on SUNY ReConnect. This added work which often required her to start days earlier than 8:45 was taken on without complaint even though she has already been tasked with so much in our department. We would be lost without her. Thank you Colleen.
Elina Belyablya (Institutional Research)
Elina Belyablya has been an invaluable contributor to the work of the Developmental Education Advisory. It's clear that Elina is invested in student success and she demonstrates this in her work everyday. She is a wealth of skill and knowledge, and she is generous in sharing these gifts with her colleagues. The Developmental Education Advisory is grateful for all of the support it has received from Elina over the last year.
Helen Post (Purchasing)
Helen has been supportive of my role since I began working here as a temporary secretary in 2023. I was new to the position and unfamiliar with the various departments and their processes, but Helen led me through every purchasing task and beyond with kindness and patience. She's an asset to her department, and I'm grateful to have her as a colleague!
Sarah Hagreen, Lyndsey Presutti, Rick Sadwick (Records and Registration)
Thank you for making me feel welcome as a new member of the department and for always being willing to step in and help out where needed.
Lynn Griepp, Holly Upson, Betsy Hoffmann (Records and Registration)
Thank you for making me feel welcome as a new member of the department and for always being so supportive and answering all of my questions.
Melis Kural (Teaching and Creativity Center)
I appreciate all the work Melis does to provide thoughtful and relevant professional development sessions for all of us. In particular, I want to highlight the work she does to support adjuncts through her supper series. I know that support is invaluable to them to learn all things MCC.
Tracy McKinney (The Office of Student Life and Leadership Development)
Tracy goes above and beyond to make all students feel welcome and make sure their basic needs are met. Her continued support in the DWIGHT food pantry is much appreciated, and I feel so lucky to have her as a colleague. She shows up for her team and students always willing to go the extra mile, and anyone that is lucky to have worked with her knows just how special she is!
Lori Bartkovich (Veteran Services)
Many are aware of Lori's tireless efforts in meeting and supporting our veterans, yet I dont think many are aware of just how much backend processing she does to make sure our veterans get every benefit they are eligible for. There are audits, updates, new reporting that needs to be done to satisfy SUNY, DOD, VA, etc. She is a shining star, and we are lucky to have her!
Melis Kural
Teaching & Creativity Center
12/11/2025