Before the COVID-19 pandemic transitioned the campus into a remote operation last spring, the University Libraries had plans lined up for the 46th Employee Recognition Event. “We wanted to have the event in-person,” said Rebecca Mugridge, Dean of University Libraries. “The Fall semester was our original alternative, but unfortunately that didn’t work out the way we wanted it to.”
The welcome slide for the 46th Employee Recognition Event
A second consecutive postponement was never on the table, so the Dean’s Office went to work on producing a virtual ceremony to celebrate our faculty and staff. The event took place on Wednesday, May 5 over Zoom. The program began with a slideshow recognizing the many accomplishments of our staff over the last year, before moving into the presentation of the 2020 and 2021 annual awards: Outstanding Classified Staff Member Award, Alice Hastings Murphy Scholarship, and the Student Service Excellence Award. The event wrapped up by recognizing a number of years-of-service honorees.
“I want to commend the Dean’s Office for their work on the Recognition Event,” said Peter Recore-Migirditch, Director of Finance and Administration at the University Libraries. “Their efforts made it much more personal and fun.”
Award Recipients
Courtney Degonzague
Lending and Access Services Clerk, Dewey Graduate Library
Outstanding Classified Staff Member (2020)
Courtney joined the University Libraries in March 2016, working in the Access Services Department at the Dewey Graduate Library. Described as “utterly dependable,” she not only completes all tasks as assigned, but also looks for ways to get further involved with the Libraries. She serves on committees, studies workflows to improve efficiency, and assists with outreach initiatives. The selection committee wrote, “Courtney provides excellent customer service by being attentive, professional, and approachable. She truly cares about giving patrons the best possible service.”
Brian King
Science Library Shipping and Receiving Supervisor
Outstanding Classified Staff Member (2021)
After arriving at the University Libraries in May 2017, Brian was promoted to supervisor in the Science Library Shipping and Receiving Unit a year later. He played an integral role in the physical re-opening of the University Libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic, from arranging furniture for social distancing purposes to placing signage that informed the community of adjustments. According to Peter, “Brian consistently exceeds the expectations for each of his responsibilities and always strives to improve his skill set.”
Gabriel Ross
Alice Hastings Murphy Scholarship (2020, 2021)
A two-time recipient of the Alice Hastings Murphy Scholarship, Gabe completed their MS in Information Science in May 2021. Over the course of 2020 and 2021, Gabe worked in the Access Services Department as the Evening and Weekend Associate. “Gabe has provided outstanding contributions to UAlbany Libraries since 2019, with exceptional leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic,” wrote the selection committee. “Gabe’s passion for the Libraries and the community is evident in their work.”
Marisa Heiserman
Student Service Excellence Award (2020)
From 2018 through 2020, Marisa served as an assistant for the subject librarians. Jerry Burke, her supervisor, described her as “meticulous, attentive, and engaged.” Both he and the selection committee lauded Marisa for her perfect attendance at work, as well as her accuracy record of 100%! Marisa graduated in May 2020 with a BA in Criminal Justice.
Kenia Flores
Student Service Excellence Award (2021)
Kenia joined the Access Services team in 2017 as a student assistant before returning as a graduate assistant in 2020. Her work focused on interlibrary loan, and she was commended for her positive attitude and reliability.
Years-of-Service Honorees
10 Years
Jodi Boyle
Ann Gunning
Rachael Haines
15 Years
Jesús Alonso-Regalado
Yu-Hui Chen
Candice Church
Irina Holden
Mary Howard
Susan Whiteman
20 Years
Greg Bobish
Jane Kessler
Karen Kiorpes
Elaine Lasda
Jennifer Maloney
25 Years
Deborah LaFond
Nancy Lanza
30 Years
Laurie Constable
Trudi Jacobson
35 Years
Carol Jewell
Kate Latal
40 Years
Peter Recore-Migirditch