Alfred University honors employees at 8th Annual Recognition Event

Alfred University held its 8th Annual All Employee Recognition Event on Tuesday, May 13. The event-which honored retirees and employees for years of service-was held in Ade Hall and included lunch and refreshments.

The University also recognized the following recipients of three awards:

Cathy Johnson Service Award, which recognizes high standards of professionalism; proactive engagement with tasks; and attention to detail and the utmost care for quality in presentation while completing tasks. The award is named for the late Cathy Johnson, assistant to the Dean of the School of Art and Design, who passed away in November 2017 at the age of 53.

The 2025 winner is Crystal Henshaw, Executive Assistant to the Provost and Chief Operating Officer.

One colleague who nominated Henshaw for the award cited her positive attitude. "Crystal is the sunshine every day. She greets everyone professionally, puts them at ease, and brightens every person's day. She is generous and she looks out for all Alfred University people and for the university as a whole," the nominator wrote.

Two others cited Henshaw's ability to collaborate with others to handle large assignments, such as planning for events like commencement.

"Every day, Crystal comes to work with an infectious can-do attitude," wrote one. "Working closely with her, I see her juggle multiple challenging assignments with confidence and ease. She works closely with all areas of the university and has the exceptional ability to lead in a collaborative way, gaining the respect of those around her."

Added another, "Crystal is fantastic to work with and always on point with the large events. These major events she is tasked with producing pull in many areas of the University and go off without a hitch, every....single.....time, and that is reflective of the effort she puts toward them as well as the coordination she has with the departments that make these possible."

Other nominees for the 2025 Cathy Johnson Service Award were Shawn Murray, Ceramics Kiln Technician; Laura Johnson, Director of Education Abroad; Herb Schmidt, Custodian; Janet Lynch, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Enrollment Management; Maria Planansky, Collection Management Librarian; Tim Steffey, Custodian; Michele Doorley, HEOP/EOP Director; Lisa Weaver, Secretary to the Division of Psychology; and Sean Kenyon, Director of Sponsored Research Administration.

The Saxon Service Award, which honors employees who foster a positive attitude, demonstrate initiative, stand out among the Alfred University community, and exemplify the purple and gold Saxon spirit. The 2025 winner is Rob Freeland, Assistant Director, Capital Projects.

Nominators on Freeland's behalf noted his positivity and willingness to help others.

"Whenever I have had to approach Rob to ask a question, he's always friendly and willing to help explain things as needed. I have seen this with various other staff across campus," wrote one.

Said another, "Rob represents the core values at Alfred University he is supportive in every aspect of his day-to-day duties, and he is a mentor and friend to many in this department."

Another nominator said Freeland's goes out of his way to help others for the common good of the university:

"Rob demonstrates initiative by consistently going above and beyond his responsibilities to support both his team and the broader Alfred University community. He proactively identifies challenges and implements innovative solutions, ensuring efficiency and continuous improvement in his work. Whether mentoring colleagues, spearheading new projects, or volunteering for university initiatives, he leads by example and inspires those around them. His dedication to fostering collaboration and enhancing the campus environment makes him a standout figure, not just within his department but across the entire university."

The other nominees for the Saxon Service Award were Chelsea Ames, Director of Center for Advising; Janet Marble, Alumni Engagement Officer; Dan Hausman, Senior Learning Spaces Technical Specialist; Mari Hammond, Audiovisual and Instructional Technician; and Sean Kenyon, Director of Sponsored Research Administration.

The Cathy Johnson Service Award and Saxon Service Award are supported by alumnus Wayne F. Holly '78.

Bob Condrate Lifelong Learner Award, which recognizes employees who continually seek further education/professional development to enhance his/her growth; demonstrate a passion for gaining knowledge over a sustained period of time; and proactively share their knowledge and/or expertise with campus community. The award is named for Bob Condrate, retired professor of spectroscopy in the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Condrate exemplified lifelong learning by continuing his education, having taken more than 250 credit hours of coursework after his retirement from the University. The award is supported by alumnus Jay Yedvab '56.

The 2025 winner is Chris Gause, Director of the Center for Academic Success. Nominators noted Gause's dedication to improving services for those on campus with disabilities by attending various conferences and training events.

"Chris is deeply committed to ongoing education and professional development in the field of disability services. Each year, he attends industry-specific conferences to stay informed about the latest research, best practices, and evolving policies. These conferences provide valuable insights that enhance his expertise and allow him to bring innovative solutions to his institution," one nominator wrote.

Said another, "Chris actively shares his expertise by serving on several campus committees (Care Team, Retention Council, and more), advocating for inclusive practices and accessibility improvements. He collaborates closely with the facilities team to ensure physical spaces meet accessibility standards and provides guidance on best practices for accommodating individuals with disabilities. Additionally, he leads workshops for faculty, educating them on academic accommodations and fostering a more inclusive learning environment. Through these efforts, he is vital in enhancing campus accessibility and promoting awareness of disability services."

"Chris is a driven individual who is deeply committed to continuous learning and professional growth. His passion extends beyond disability services, as he actively seeks to enhance his understanding of the broader student experience in higher education," wrote another nominator.

Other nominees for the Bob Condrate Lifelong Learner Award were Rebecca Stewart, Collection Coordinator, Monographs and Cataloging; Maria Planansky, Collection Management Librarian; and Katie Decker, Administrative Assistant to Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The following employees were recognized for years of service:

One year: Aylah Allen, Peter Andrus, Selva Aparicio, Cody Aultman, Craig Baker, Kat Baker, James Bassage, Ian Bentham, Caio Bragatto, Eric Brodman, Jessica Buchholz, Andrew Burley, Mario Cassia, Myles Calvert, Tyler Carey, Shawn Carstens, John Chae, Bridget Christman, Cat Clarke, John Collins, Ali Coskun, Eric Cushing '97, Adam D'Agostino, Jennifer DeVeglio, Faye Dickerson, Benjamin Evans, Sara Fanton, Jake Fisler, Beth Fox, Daniel Fuller, Brad Giglio, Michael Girard, Noah Greene, Connor Guarino, Grace Hanlon, Michael Harrick, Ericson Harris, Shauna-Kay Harrison, Alex Holdbrook, Matthew Hooker, Brianna Horan, Eliott Houghtelling '23, Sara Humes, Joshua Jones, Megan Kneale, Claire Kovacs, Rachel Lehman, Matthew Limb, Chris McCollumn, Malachi McElroy, Tera McMichael, Nick Milgate '20, Alexis Nguyen '23, Kolby Ninos, Teresa Oliver, Kristian Olson, Ashley Ordiway, Preston Ordway, Deb Owens, Ariela Parisi, Richard Pensyl, Shawna Peterson, Sabe Phelps, Dale Russell, Elizabeth Sidenstecker '24, Courtney Sisson '23, Jesse Smith, Mia Spencer, Nicholas Steffey, Jessie Thoman, Kim Towner, Jackson Trimboli '23, Hannah Ulmen '23, MBA '23, Emma Vallelunga, Jaxson Warboys, Amber Weinar, Justin Welliver, Kyla Whannell, Andrea White, Frankie White, Dominic Wilcox '24, Jackie Wilson, Sierra Wilson '22, Ashley Wyant, Rai Yiannakos.

Five years: Kevin Adams, Katie Decker, Melissa Dudley, Meredith Field, Jason Green MFA '98, Garegin Grigoryan, Laura Habecker, Mari Hammond, Laura Johnson, Jonathan Kent, Lauren Lake, Dan McClure, Cassandra Norman, Eden Palmer '14, Rob Price, Timothy Steffey, Kara Taylor MSEd '19, Advanced Certificate '19, Junpeng Zhan.

Ten years: Maggie Alsworth, Patty Barber, Chris Boswell, Patrick Brennan '98, Somer Brott, Caitlin Brown, Steven Bucklaew, Heather Gaus, Katie Geens, Jennifer Haxton, Crystal Henshaw, Lane Jacobs, Matt Kelleher, Geoff Lippa, Michele Lowry '02, MA '06, Advanced Certificate '08, PsyD '09, Diana Maguire, Emma McDowell, Jim Mighells, Brian Newman, Eliza Ordway MSEd '20, Steven Tidrow.

Fifteen years: Rob Freeland, Laura Grove, Robin Mazejka, Grzegorz Pac, Jason Warner '08, Anthony Wren.

Twenty years: Rhonda Bradford, Marty Fuller, Justin Grigg, Wendy Marvin '15, Stephanie McMahon '98, Joseph Petrillo, Lynn Petrillo, Jeff Sluyter-Beltrao, Kristen Vargason '96, Susan Weit.

Twenty-five years: Jean Cardinale, Shawn Forshee, Kerry Kautzman, Adrian Morling, Janine Mosher, Herbert Schmidt.

Thirty years: Pamela Bradford, Barbara Condrate, Beth Ann Dobie, Heather Yanda

Thirty-five years: Gerar Edizel, Kristen Karl '94, Susan Morehouse, Swavek Zdzieszynski.

Forty years: Jim Thiebaud.

The following 10 retirees, with a combined 274 years of service-an average of more than 27 years-were recognized: Alexis Clare, Professor of Glass Science and Engineering, 36 years of service; Theresa Gunn, Associate Professor of Accountancy/Assistant Dean of the College of Business, 31 years of service; Wayne Higby, Professor/Director of Ceramic Art Museum, 51 years of service; Debra MacCrea, Clinical Instructor of Performing Arts & Costume Shop Supervisor, 10 years of service; Mary McInnes, Professor of Art History, 27 years of service; Richard Remchuk, Vehicle Mechanic, 28 years of service; David Snyder, Public Services Coordinator, 25 years of service; Emrys Westacott, Professor of Philosophy, 29 years of service; Kelly Williams, Clinical Assistant Professor of Education, 26 years of service; Susan Wood, Senior Secretary for College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Office, 11 years of service.