Appreciation BBQ marks unofficial start of summer for faculty & staff

Hundreds of friends and colleagues gathered on the Parker Quad on Tuesday, May 23 for good food and good company at the University’s annual Faculty & Staff Appreciation BBQ.

The event provides a well-deserved thank you to the campus employees who work tirelessly to ensure a successful, enriching and safe experience for SUNY New Paltz students.

“Colleagues throughout the entire SUNY system are keenly aware that SUNY New Paltz is the place to watch,” said President Darrell P. Wheeler. “This is the institution that is not only aspiring but is achieving in some phenomenal ways, and it cannot be done without each and every one of you.”

In addition to providing a few hours for lunch and music,  the BBQ also includes the presentation of Presidential Recognition Awards, given annually to Classified Staff who have been nominated by colleagues for showing extraordinary dedication to serving the New Paltz community. 

 

Each recipient earns a Presidential Recognition Awards package, which includes a stipend, certificate, New Paltz memorabilia, gift bag, and, most importantly, good food and good conversations with colleagues.  

The 2023 Presidential Recognition Awardees are: 

Kim Alessi, library clerk 2, Sojourner Truth Library 

Alessi is recognized for providing exceptional service in meeting student needs, supporting faculty and consistently volunteering to take on additional responsibilities within the Library. Most notably, she leads the way in making student employees feel competent and empowered in their roles, and her contributions contribute to the Library’s reputation as a student-centered space on campus. 

Lauren Basciani, administrative assistant, Enrollment Management/Administration & Finance 

Basciani is recognized for her exceptional acts of volunteerism and overall service. She volunteers for all major campus events and has sat on key committees, including the Provost Search Committee.  

Basciani is an artist and has donated her work to be displayed in our “Mother’s Rooms.” She is a model University citizen while also managing the offices of two vice presidents and supporting and training other administrative assistants. Basicani is described as “admired, respected and loved by all of her colleagues.” 

Jeremy Coulter, utility shop, Facilities Operations 

Coulter has provided exemplary service to students and faculty colleagues in a number of promoted roles and for more than two decades. He is also this year’s recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service.  

Coulter oversees the maintenance of several campus buildings, including Coykendall Science Building. This facility poses unique challenges because it houses a distilled, de-ionized water system, autoclave machine, and live specimens that students and faculty in science programs rely upon. Coulter has worked tirelessly to service these systems, as needed, prioritizing this work to keep our labs operational and reduce potential negative impacts on student learning. Simultaneously, he has helped the University realize significant cost savings and extended the life of this critical educational infrastructure. 

Sharon Countryman, office assistant 3, Accounts Payable 

Countryman was nominated by her supervisor for playing an integral role in the digitalization of her office’s operations as a result of the pandemic. She developed and implemented a paper-free digital workflow that integrated with the processes developed in Purchasing. Countryman did so while simultaneously onboarding and training staff on new processes. She is noted as being one of the “unsung heroes” and the backbone of the Accounts Payable operation.  

Cecilia Pells, cleaner, Facilities Operations 

Pells was nominated by her colleagues for her commitment to providing a safe, clean environment for both employees and students. She demonstrates initiative and often performs duties even when she is not asked to. Pells consistently displays a professional, collegial demeanor with everyone she interacts with.   

The All Faculty and Staff Appreciation Picnic & BBQ is sponsored by the Office of the President and organized by the Office of Development & Alumni Relations.