September 27, 2021
The Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) Employee Appreciation Awards (EAA) were presented on September 23, 2021 in an online presentation that featured videos, photographs and even a few surprises. The event celebrated staff members who have gone above and beyond their duties to enhance the work environment at BMCC, and to further BMCC’s mission of equity and providing a quality education for all students.
This year’s co-chairs Loriann Mazzola, from the Office of Human Resources, and Bryan Dowling, from the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Analytics provided a glimpse into their day-to-day routines of working from home as they presented the nominees and winners through Zoom.
Manny Romero, Executive Director of Public Affairs served as emcee and introduced BMCC President Anthony Munroe. Munroe shared remarks and thanked BMCC employees for their continued dedication and hard work. The President gave special recognition to Buildings and Grounds, Information Resources and Technology, Public Safety and the Advocacy and Resource Center.
“As essential units for the college, you remain vigilant and meet every challenge presented during the pandemic and continue to ensure that our college’s facilities and resources are safe, functional, and accessible,” President Munroe said in his remarks. “Our students, faculty and staff appreciate the long hours you have given in-person – keeping our campus clean and operational, addressing our technological needs, keeping our campus safe and secure; and making sure that our students and community have food and resources at their reach. I express my gratitude and congratulate you for a job well done!”
Nominees for the Employee Recognition Awards are full- and part-time administrative, support and service staff members. These include Civil Service employees, College Assistants, Research Foundation employees, Gittleson (COA, CSA, CAA) staff members and those who hold HEO positions at the college. Details about the nomination process are available on the Employee Recognition Awards website.
Nominations were submitted by students, faculty and staff recognizing work performance from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 (one academic year) by the nominees. Click here to learn about the nomination process and the roles and responsibilities of the EAA Committee.
Romero thanked the members of the BMCC Employee Appreciation Awards Committee for their time in reviewing and scoring each of the nominations that were received. The committee members include: Bryan T. Dowling, of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Analytics, (co-chair); Loriann Mazzola, of the Office of Human Resources, (co-chair); Nandrani Algu, of the Learning Resource Center; Beth Cooperman, of Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP); Onika Duke, of Sponsored Programs; Jose Flores, of Continuing Education and Workforce Development; Annette Maccarone, of Public Affairs; Kayla Maryles, of Student Activities; Thierry Thesatus, of the Center for Career Development; and Carmel Urbaez, of the Manhattan Education Oppportunity Center.
Employee Appreciation Awards were presented in a variety of categories, which cover an expansive range of talent for staff who exemplify qualities the college values.
The Leadership Award recognizes how the nominee helps BMCC meet its strategic initiatives. This person performs beyond the scope of their position at BMCC and they are an outstanding example of leadership and effectiveness.
WINNER: Tiffany James (Student Affairs)
The Inspiration Award recognizes how the nominee inspires others in the BMCC community to perform at a high level. This nominee shares talent, creativity and special skills to connect departments at the college or connect the college to larger communities. They also improve the climate or morale of the college through their volunteer efforts and more.
WINNERS: Joseph Ginese (Student Affairs) and Mark Goodloe (Tribeca Performing Arts Center)
The Innovation/Technology Award recognizes how the nominee develops new processes or technologies at the college. This person demonstrates outstanding creativity in addressing challenges as they work to further BMCC’s mission. The nominee’s contribution at BMCC enhances work-life quality for colleagues or students and enables departments to be more effective.
WINNER: Joe Picataggio (Student Affairs)
The Rookie of the Year Award recognizes a nominee who has been working at BMCC for no less than six months and no more than two years in their current title. This person demonstrates outstanding enthusiasm, initiative and maintains effective collegial interactions when facing new or difficult tasks. They also contribute innovative ideas to their team.
WINNERS: Neda Hajizadeh (Counseling Center) and Tammie Velasquez (Women’s Resource Center)
The Team Achievement Award recognizes outstanding leadership through teamwork by a BMCC office, department, committee, team, working group, unit or division. The winning team enhances the College’s mission, demonstrates collaboration across campus and exemplifies outstanding service.
WINNER: Office of Public Affairs
CLICK HERE to read a complete list of the 2020-2021 Employee Appreciation Award nominees and winners.
