Center for Disability Resources Recognizes Faculty and Staff

Every year, the Center for Disability Resources (CDR), previously known as the Office of Disability Services, recognizes faculty and staff for supporting students with disabilities. These faculty and staff members are nominated by students, as well as staff from the office.

Artwork done by Christina Papaleo, disability access counselor

“The Center for Disability Resources looks forward every year to recognize our faculty and staff who go above and beyond for our disabled students,” says Paula Possenti-Perez, director of the Center for Disability Resources. “Creating an inclusive learning environment, going beyond compliance, are not just words they profess, but actions they live by.”

Since Spring 2015, the CDR has hosted the Faculty and Staff Recognition Ceremony, gathering nominators and nominees in person to celebrate a successful year of support and connection between faculty and staff and disabled students. Including this year, nearly 70 faculty and staff have been recognized for their commitment to students with disability on campus. Although the celebration won’t be in person this year, the significant contributions the faculty and staff have made will not go unrecognized.

“Centering the students’ lived experiences, connecting at a personal level and making them feel valued are just some of the many themes that have been expressed over the years by students nominating faculty and staff,” adds Possenti-Perez. “While we could not come together in person this past spring, we wanted to make sure they were still recognized.”

This year’s faculty and staff being recognized are:

• Alexander Corsello, adjunct professor in the School of Information Studies, for his respectful outreach and care for students’ well-being.
• Walter Freeman, assistant teaching professor of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences, for his resourcefulness and ability to use universal design methods.
• Brianna Shults, internship and employment coordinator in the School of Education, for her accessibility and dependability to students.
• Michael Gill, associate professor of disability studies in the School of Education, for giving students the confidence to realize their potential.
• Jessica Redmond, assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies in the Falk College, for being accommodating, helpful, accepting and understanding.
• Gina Pauline, associate professor of sport management in the Falk College, for being accepting and understanding, as well as helping students get to their next steps in life.
• Eric Kingson, professor of social work in the Falk College, for his generosity, kindness, understanding, knowledge, encouragement, assistance, guidance, lessons, projects, jokes, magic tricks, books and wisdom.
• Ralph Zito, professor of acting in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, for his commitment to equity and willingness to learn how to best support disabled students.
• Matthew Grzecki, assistant teaching professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences, for going out of his way to help and provide feedback to students.
• Rebecca Schewe, associate professor of sociology in the Maxwell School, for making students know that accommodating students’ needs is part of teaching—not obtrusive.
• Jim O’Connor, producer of Sound Beat in Syracuse University Libraries, for providing opportunities and believing in students.
• Theo Cateforis, associate professor of fine arts in the College of Arts and Sciences, for helping students explore interests.
• Sarah McCoubrey, professor of studio arts in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, for helping students explore passions for art and encouraging them.
• Diana (Dee) M. Katovitch, program coordinator in the School of Education, for connecting and helping students.

For more information and to read the nominations, visit CDR’s 6th Annual Faculty and Staff Recognition Ceremony page.