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Staff Contributions Celebrated with Gates Award
Three Susquehanna University employees were recognized with inaugural Gates Awards, in recognition of making outstanding contributions to the institution. Established by Signe S. Gates ’71, President L. Jay Lemons presented certificates, gifts and monetary awards of $1,000 to individuals who helped advance the strategic objectives of the university and enhance the undergraduate experience. They are:
Borry-Black, who joined Susquehanna in 1991, runs the university’s Health Center and serves as an adjunct faculty member, teaching a gerontology course. She also is involved in a myriad of volunteer endeavors at Susquehanna, among them SU CASA (Susquehanna University Central America Service Adventure). She has been a regular participant on the annual two-week trip to Costa Rica and Nicaragua since its formation in 1999, and was instrumental in creating and subsequently coordinating a second yearly SU CASA trip to Belize. What motivates her: “My direct connections with our students. Over the years, I’ve kept in touch with a number of former students, and knowing that I have a small role in their development motivates me tremendously.” A highlight of her time at Susquehanna: “My involvement with SU CASA has provided a new venue for meeting students. Next May, I will travel with nine students and an area physician to conduct free medical clinics in Belize. I gain a lot working with students and mentoring them. To see students motivated about serving others and making the world a better place, and to see their lives changed in the process, is enriching.” A favorite Susquehanna tradition: “Thanksgiving dinner. I try to participate every year. I serve and love doing it. The dinner is one demonstration that faculty and staff really do care about students, and it’s from the top down with our president.” Anna Beth Payne, associate dean of student life and director of counseling, says: “April sets the tone for the Health Center as someone who is unfailingly responsive, sensitive and thoughtful. She also sees the larger picture of the student’s academic world and works closely with other departments to help educate students.” Cindy Moyer ’07 Moyer has been a member of the Susquehanna family since 2003. She was instrumental in the organization of the Changing Lives, Building Futures campaign kickoff in September 2006, and much of her work continues to be in support of university development efforts. She also played a crucial role in a search for the director of alumni relations position. Moyer has organized professional development opportunities for staff across campus, consulting with the Office of Human Resources to bring training to campus. And earlier this year she earned an associate’s degree in psychology from Susquehanna. How her work connects to students: “Everything each of us does in our work at Susquehanna is all about the student. Much of my time is devoted to supporting the work of the Changing Lives, Building Futures campaign, which has students at its heart. The proposed new science facility will enhance the education of all Susquehanna students.” A highlight of her time at Susquehanna: “The opportunity to work with so many people across campus to pull off the giant Homecoming Reunion Weekend and campaign kickoff celebration on September 30 was special. It was truly a team effort from across all offices on campus, and it reinforced for me the sense of community that is Susquehanna. A favorite tradition: Just a few months after I started working at SU, I volunteered to staff Commencement. Seeing the sea of maroon gowns and multi-colored hoods process was quite a sight. Having been in that line last May as an associate degree recipient gave me an even fuller appreciation for the meaning of the event and the reason we’re all here. Ron Cohen, Vice President for University Relations, says:“With colleagues, with students, and with alumni and friends of the university, Cindy adds value to Susquehanna by strengthening the relationships that are central to what we do. Whether it’s exploring a staff development opportunity or preparing a report or fielding a phone call from a trustee, she thinks about how that task could help advance the university — and she executes in ways that help us get there.”
Schreffler has served as chief plumber with the university since 1997 and oversees the water, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for the campus’ 50-plus buildings. He also supports kitchen refrigeration and cooking equipment, as well as science classroom lines. During this past summer, Schreffler was involved in a steam-line replacement project, one of the biggest undertakings in which he’s been involved. What motivates him: “I was raised to do the best job I can, to do the best job as efficiently as possible. If you do a good job, everybody prospers by it. The whole crew I work with is great. We all work well together and that means a lot. With good people above you as well as good people below you, you can do a good job.” A highlight of his time at Susquehanna: “I have enjoyed seeing Susquehanna grow. With the larger student population, I am able to meet new people. And the campus has expanded. I am looking ahead to even more growth with the new science building. That will probably be the most complicated building project we’ll see.” How his work connects with students: “If the students aren’t warm and aren’t cool, it is about my work. It’s about getting cold water when it’s wanted and hot water when it’s wanted. The bigger picture is that the buildings are designed for the safety and welfare of our students.” Dave Henry, director of facilities, says: “Jeff is dedicated to doing a good job and takes pride in maintaining Susquehanna’s campus. In his position, he understandably gets many unpleasant work assignments. Even when he has been down in a muddy ditch repairing a broken pipe, in both extremely hot and cold weather, he will pop up with a smile on his face.”
2006–07 WIT Award RecipientsAnother annual recognition program debuted at Susquehanna University in the 2006–07 academic year. The WIT (Whatever It Takes) Awards acknowledge and celebrate exemplary efforts of Susquehanna employees and faculty members who go above and beyond the regular duties associated with their jobs to make a difference. Funded by a gift from Signe S. Gates ’71, the program allows for peers to nominate individuals for the awards; recipients receive a certificate and a monetary award of $100. WIT award recipients during the 2006–07 year are:
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