Recognizing student employees and supervisors who have consistently exhibited hard work and dedication in their roles, on April 18, Student Employment (’Cuse Works) presented students and staff with the Graduate Student Employee of the Year Award, Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year Award, Student Employee Supervisor of the Year Award and Department of the Year Award. The awards are part of the celebration of 2021-22 National Student Employment Week.
’Cuse Works encouraged campus community members to nominate undergraduate and graduate student employees who have made an impact on campus through their work, as well as the student employee supervisors and departments who have made a difference in the student employee experience. Winners were decided by the Student Employment Recognition Committee.
“As we step back and acknowledge the profound and meaningful impact that Syracuse University student employees have had on their respective departments, this year’s nominees were instrumental in getting new initiatives off the ground, improving workflow processes, and championing the University’s highest priorities,” says Kate Mercer, career exploration specialist in Career Services, who served on the recognition committee.
Graduate Student Employee of the Year: Joshua Davidoff ’21, G’22, Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment
Joshua Davidoff
“Working at the IEA (Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment) office has truly been an honor. I get to come to the office and collaborate withpeople who value hard work, excellence, and strive to make the lives of the people at Syracuse University better. I’ve had the privilege to work for Melissa, Victoria, Trish and others and learn from them. I was and continue to be given the opportunity to grow and develop my skills far beyond what I would have ever imagined when I first took this job. Moreover, I’ve been able to take the knowledge I’ve learned in my coursework and apply it to my duties within the IEA office. I could not have envisioned a more ‘perfect match,’ between my job at IEA, my master’s degree, and the people I work with/for.
I want to thank Melissa, Victoria and Trish for the nomination, and I am humbled to receive this recognition. As well as the entire IEA office, including the students whom I work with every day, for enabling me to be successful. Mark Twain said, ‘Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.’ The sentiment could not apply more to me.”
Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year: Tony Ruscitto ’22, Institute for Veterans and Military Families
Tony Ruscitto
“It goes without saying this, but I would like to express how truly honored and humbled I feel, to know amongst the hard working and dedicated undergraduate students at this University, that I was selected for this award. Please know, that as much as this award might reflect my own efforts, it also illustrates the dedication Syracuse University, its faculty and staff have towards students, especially Student-Veterans.
To my supervisors at the IVMF (Institute for Veterans and Military Families), Kim, Kristen and Kayla: thank you for always being a source of inspiration, guidance and support as an undergraduate student here at Syracuse University. If Syracuse University as a whole represents the #1 place for vets, then please know, for this student-veteran that you have been and continue to be a vital part of what makes that true for me every day I come to work. It has been and is now, an honor to work amongst all of you, as I have found nothing but success in all my endeavors under your leadership.
To Paul and Syracuse University Ambulance (SUA): thank you for providing a place where a student-veteran, longing for that sense of camaraderie and an adrenaline rush helping others can always be found. When I lost my military identity in the transition to student-life, SUA provided me a second life, having somewhere to belong, and a new way to help our community in the fall of 2019. One which I am particularly thankful for.
My family, who have always taught me the value of having a strong work-ethic, were clearly right all along.
Thank you all, for your consideration and for honoring me with this award. I will be sure to continue and refine my efforts, to earn this every day.”
Student Supervisor of the Year: Samantha Trumble, Assistant Director, Center for Learning and Student Success
Samantha Trumble
“I am incredibly grateful to be recognized as Student Supervisor of the Year. I am humbled that so many of my student employees felt I deserved this award. Students now know that when they come to work with me, they will always have someone to turn to during their time at Syracuse University and beyond.
The timing of this award comes at one of the most bittersweet times of the semester, as so many of my employees are graduating. I get great enjoyment from watching them all grow and develop into not only excellent students and workers, but amazing human beings. As they continue their journey, I hope that they know that each and every one of them has impacted my life as much as I have theirs. Thank you to all my starfish!
Student Employment Department of the Year: Food Services
“Food Services hires over 1,200 students in our dining centers, cafes, food courts and catering. Students get real-life experience learning new skills including time management and communication. Our student employees are the backbone of our operation. Their dedication and willingness to learn are a great support to our whole operation. We want to thank and recognize our staff members Deena Capria, Vera Gibbs, Anna Galanaugh, Lynne Mowers, Sydney Pajack, Lisa Garvey, Lindsley Kimball and Annie Puglisi, who put in many hours coordinating the hiring, training and scheduling for all our students,” says Jon Webster, executive director of hospitality services.
Food Services is awarded “Student Employment Department of the Year.”
–Story by Isabella Podgorski ’22, College of Visual and Performing Arts
