Honoring Anselma Rodriguez for her 45 years of service to Brooklyn College.
Staff Appreciation / Honorees 2019
45 years
Anselma Rodriguez, Graduate Center for Worker Education
Anselma Rodriguez has had a long and diverse career at the college, beginning as a work-study student in both the Financial Aid Office and the Department of Puerto Rican and Latino Studies. Hired full time in the Financial Aid Office, she functioned as the primary liaison for SEEK, graduate, and international students. She also founded an informal mentoring program for first-generation students to help them better navigate the college, which she based upon her own experience as an immigrant and first-generation student. She was subsequently appointed coordinator for graduate studies, a position she held for a number of years and under several deans. As the current associate director at the Graduate Center for Worker Education, she oversees much of the center’s daily operations and serves as its community outreach liaison. In addition to two Brooklyn College degrees (an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master’s degree in communication), she earned an M.S. in urban education and administration from Fordham University. Anselma is truly grateful to Brooklyn College for opening doors to a working-class immigrant with dreams of making an impact on the world. Over the course of her tenure, she has received numerous citations and honors for her work with students and the community; the one she values most is inscribed: “Anselma helps students’ dreams come true.” True to her spirit of giving back, she also established a memorial scholarship (the JBR) to honor the memory of her late father, a fierce advocate of education.
35 years
George Brunner, Conservatory of Music
Claudia Buckner, Facilities Office
Custodial technician Claudia Buckner works the morning shift on the third floor of James Hall, servicing restrooms, classroom, and offices. As a recognizable face for faculty and students, many times she has helped the campus community gain access to classrooms or prepared areas for special events. Known as the “second supervisor,” Claudia is one of the first custodial technicians to fill in when another worker is absent and will take the lead in project situations. With a quick wit and outspoken attitude, Claudia brings a smile to anyone’s face. She is a dedicated mother and grandmother, loves the shores of Atlantic City, and can be found shopping at the outlets on nice weekends.
Diana Cervone, Personal Counseling Office
After 35 years of dedicated service in which she advanced to office manager in the Office of Personal Counseling, Diana Cervone continues to help with reception and clerical support in her "retirement." This only begins to reflect her large contribution to the well-being of students and the smooth operation of mental health services at Brooklyn College. She has been a soothing and steady presence when connecting distraught students with counseling professionals and provided invaluable support to those professionals in so many ways. In addition, she has played an essential role in relations with other departments at the college to help them find professional assistance in handling student, faculty, and staff challenges. She also has encouraged the personal and professional development of countless student employees whom she supervised here.
William Forester, Facilities Office
William Forester holds a position in the ranks of the campus general maintenance workers for the Facilities Operations Office. In his current position he performs general maintenance of mechanical equipment. Most Brooklyn College employees have been personally affected by his hard work inspecting and servicing window and central air conditioning systems campus-wide.
John Harris, Facilities Office
John Harris is a custodial supervisor, responsible for each custodian in every building across campus during the late afternoon and early evenings. This requires going to each building every night to inspect locations and supervise staff. John started as a cleaner and worked his way up to supervisor. This has helped him identify the obstacles preventing custodians from being successful. He is always on call whenever an emergency arises and is always available when a supervisor is out. John is always willing to pass along his years of knowledge and service as a custodian and supervisor to everyone he feels will benefit. He is a devoted father and grandfather. With a great memory for numbers, he is quick to remember rooms and combinations at just a glance.
Tracy Lovett, Television Center
Tracy Lovett started his career at Brooklyn College as a Youth Employment Training Program student while attending Wingate High. After graduating high school, he was hired as a college assistant in 1979 while attending Adelphi University full time. In December 1983 he was hired as a CLT. Since then, Tracy has been involved in a wide variety of projects for the Television Center and the college community. He has been the chief CLT for the center for the past six years. He has earned the respect of staff and students for his outstanding work, attendance, and dedication to the college.
Jaclyn H. Smerling, Department of Theater
Jaclyn Smerling recently retired from Brooklyn College after 35 years of employment. For the last decade and a half, she worked in the Department of Theater as the college administrative assistant, and through this position she had a positive impact on nearly every student, faculty, and staff member who has been part of the department. Jackie’s knowledge of the college and what she brought to the department was unrivaled. She began in the Office of the Registrar and worked in nearly every position in that office before transferring to the less dramatic environment of the Theater Department. There was never a day when Jackie wasn’t there to help solve a problem, get something done, or help someone out.
Robert Sullivan, Facilities Office
Robert Sullivan is a seasoned stationary engineer for the Facilities HVAC Operations Office. After serving and defending this nation in the U.S. Navy, he joined the college workforce in 1984 in the entry-level position of maintenance worker. In short order, he worked himself up through the ranks of the HVAC staff to the top level of stationary engineer. In his current position, he has helped maintain the environmental comfort of the entire college staff through his efforts to repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, and adjust local space controls as necessary. More important than his excellent technical skills are his warm, friendly smiles that he shares with anyone around him, and his willingness to pitch in to help anyone in the entire office at any given moment, making him a pleasure to work with and have as an employee.
30 years
John Bifolco, School of Education
Palma Dellaporta, Office of the Registrar
Palma Dellaporta is the operations manager of the Student Success Unit. Over the course of her career at Brooklyn College, Palma has served the college community in a number of capacities: associate director of enrollment advocacy, associate registrar, freshman-year registration and program coordinator, study abroad coordinator, adjunct faculty, academic adviser, and peer tutor. For many years, Palma has been at the center of student service, enrollment, and advocacy, both for the continuing population as well as the transfer and first-year students who enter each semester. Palma has served on various search committees (too many to list!) and a Middle States Working Group, and she is a proud member of the LGBTQ Task Force.
Sarah Fleming, Fiscal and Business Affairs Office
Sarah Fleming, better known as “Sally,” worked as a student aide from September 1982 to July 1988. Upon graduation from Brooklyn College, she took the title of Gittleson in Brooklyn College’s Auxiliary Accounting Office. She was then promoted to accountant in 2000 and held that position until 2007. At her current title, non-tax levy administrator, she processes the non-tax payroll. We are fortunate to have a dedicated and productive employee.
Frances Rosenson, Adult Literacy Office
In 1987, while completing her undergraduate studies at Brooklyn College, Frannie Rosenson volunteered in the newly created Adult Literacy Program. After earning her degree, she was hired as a basic literacy instructor and began her 30-year career in adult education. Frannie has taught Adult Basic Education, High School Equivalency, and English for Speakers of Other Languages. As director of the program, she coordinates the teaching staff, writes grant proposals, manages the annual budget, and supervises curriculum development. She is most proud of the accomplishments of the gifted teaching staff and hard-working students. As a second-generation American and the first in her family to complete college, she is committed to serving the Brooklyn College community. Since Frannie has been part of this program, 1,176 individuals have earned their high school diploma and 346 have enrolled in college.
25 years
Wendi Adams, Office of Campus and Community Safety Services
Developing from an energetic young CPO to a woman who has tackled and overcome many life issues, Wendi Adams has seen the office grow, and in that time has grown with it. She possesses strong campus knowledge, and through the years has become acquainted with many campus staff and faculty. Officer Adams is a staple of the department and has always shown great concern for her fellow officers. She is the person who has organizes the baby showers, birthday acknowledgments, and sympathy cards for her colleagues. She’s sweet but she’s definitely no pushover, diminutive with a large personality, and a hard worker, and we appreciate her years of service to the department and the campus community.
Madonna Charles, Purchasing and Contracts Office
The diversity of the people and beauty of the campus make Madonna proud to work at her alma mater. Madonna is honored when she sees students who worked in her offices fulfilling a part of their dreams when they graduate on Commencement Day. She says the best part of her current role as procurement director is negotiating contracts and navigating New York State Procurement Law with her team. In her spare time, Madonna teaches English to ESOL students, civics, basic finance, and everyday life skills.
Lisa DeStefano, Financial Reporting and Reconciliation Office
Lisa DeStefano has enjoyed working at the college for the past 25 years because she knows that her work contributes to making student experiences successful ones. During her career Lisa has held many titles. She started as a college assistant in the Office of the Deputy Controller and is now director of financial reporting and reconciliation. Lisa’s everyday principles include always trying to do her best and always trying to be fair. She believes that everyday challenges are actually learning, educational, and growth opportunities. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, particularly making time for tea parties with her daughter. Lisa also enjoys baking, relaxing at the beach, and reading suspense novels.
Jose Diaz, Facilities Office
Jose Diaz is a custodial technician, working the morning shift in the basement of James Hall, primarily the Brooklyn College High School Academy section. The high school clients act…well, like teenagers, and fortunately Jose has always displayed a patience and professionalism that is very appreciated by the office and the academy faculty. Jose has worked many shifts at the college, and his efforts are clearly appreciated by the way his co-workers, the staff, and the faculty greet him across campus. In both James Hall and Boylan Hall, he is recognized and respected as someone willing to assist wherever he is needed. He has a unique skill set, proficient at both operating machinery and housekeeping. Jose is a husband, father, and a great co-worker.
Hubert Evans, Office of Campus and Community Safety Services
Born in Jamaica, Hubert Evans was an accomplished runner and a champion boxer, and a member of the Military Defense Force and the armed services of Jamaica. Officer Evans began his career at the college as a member of the contract guard service. As the office grew and began having its own officers, Hubert became a security officer and then passed all the screenings to become a peace officer. He is one of a kind, and during the past quarter century he has worked hard as an officer and for some of those years as a student, earning a B.A. from Medgar Evers College in 2016. He is dedicated to his family, dependable, reliable, and always cordial. He may be small in stature, but he does not back down from a threat! Perhaps he will share his age with you, and then you will see how remarkable he truly is.
Heriberto Ferrer, Facilities Office
Heriberto Ferrer began as a custodial assistant and showed his good work ethic from the start. Working hard, coming to work on time, and volunteering for extra projects proved a benefit when the opportunity arose to interview for a laborers position. His dedication, commitment, and talent with his hands made him a perfect fit for this position, and it has been a pleasure working with him in the trenches, day and night, for more than two decades. Brooklyn College is a better place for having Heriberto on staff.
Rita Fleischer, Latin/Greek Institute
Rita Fleischer has held various teaching and administrative roles throughout a long career at CUNY. She served as the administrative director of the Latin/Greek Institute for decades, where she supervised publicity, requests for information, raising funds for scholarships, and advising prospective students, while helping to liaise with the offices of the bursar, registrar, and financial aid. She is now the director of alumni relations, maintaining contact with alumni nationally and abroad. She is the co-author of Latin: An Intensive Course (with Floyd Moreland), Studies in Etymology (with Charles Dunmore), and Medical Terminology: Exercises in Etymology (with Charles Dunmore).
William Guillaume, Office of Campus and Community Safety Services
William Guillaume has been a member of Brooklyn College Public Safety since 1994. This native Grenadian is not just an officer, but also a dedicated husband and father. He is an entrepreneur of Bashy Clothing and an author, and he owns a clothing store in Grenada. William's ambition and strong desire to achieve his aspirations have been the fuel for his creativity.
Florence Kempner, Center for Achievement in Science Education
Florence Kempner started at Brooklyn College when she graduated from high school, but she left to run a business. She eventually returned to complete her undergraduate degree and earned a master’s degree in psychology. In 1994, she started to work as a key administrative assistant for the Center for Achievement in Science Education (CASE) and as an adjunct instructor in the Psychology Department. From 1999 to 2018, she was the coordinator for the NIH-funded Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) program. MARC and other programs that Florence helped run have assisted hundreds of students from under-represented groups achieve degrees in the sciences, up to and including Ph.D.s and M.D./Ph.D.s. She continues to use her excellent bookkeeping skills to support CASE programs.
Ronnie Khan, Office of the Provost
Ronnie Kahn is a remarkable and exemplary employee. She is celebrating an important anniversary of appointment at Brooklyn College. Ronnie is without doubt the best assistant one could imagine. She is always prepared, helpful, kind, and extraordinarily responsible. She will do what it takes to get the job done. The Office of the Provost is very busy and tries to do everything in planned ways before deadlines approach to mitigate stress. Ronnie understands that and manages that workflow, and she does it with grace. While it is not expected of her, Ronnie checks e-mail at night and on weekends to ensure that she is “on it,” which helps the provost focus on her work and less on the details of coordinating the many people. Her efforts help drive the work needed to advance the mission of the college. We are extremely grateful to her, and recognize her for her extraordinary service and commitment to the college.
Maureen Knight, Office of Campus and Community Safety Services
Cpl. Knight, Officer Knight, Ms. Knight, or Maureen: However you address her you are bound to have come across her over the last quarter century! Cpl. Knight knows many people on campus, as she has always taken the time and opportunity to get to know them and develop relationships with staff, faculty, and students over the years. She always greets them and is always ready to assist in whatever way she can. Cpl. Knight volunteered to become an EMT, a designation that has benefited not only the office but the campus. She further distinguished herself with her knowledge and a steadfast approach to her duties, for which she earned the promotion to corporal. She is quiet but should not be underestimated. She knows her job, her colleagues, and the campus community, and serves them all admirably. She is an asset to the office and the campus.
Annie Lee, Office of Institutional Research and Data Analysis
Annie serves as assistant director of the Office of Institutional Research and Data Analysis in support of providing data and analysis on the college’s students and faculty for strategic planning and decision-making purposes. Being diligently focusing on details and reviewing data for accuracy and consistency, she consolidates valid and reliable information for reporting demands.
Sherita Levy, Institutional and Academic Programs
Sherita Levy joined Brooklyn College in 1993 as a college assistant working for the former comptroller and business manager, Mereese Ladson. Five years later, she became a full-time employee as a member of the IFAS Tech Team. Over the past two decades, she has worked in a range of offices, including F.B.S.C and Purchasing. She currently works in Campus Support Services at the Brooklyn College Graduate Center for Worker Education. Sherita is grateful for her many years as a part of the Brooklyn College community, where she has acquired a broad range of skills and experiences.
Michael LoPorto, Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success
Michael is the associate director of student success and was a senior academic adviser and the transfer specialist in the Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success. He was also the Core tutoring coordinator at the Learning Center, where he began his Brooklyn College career as a writing tutor. Michael created and coordinated the Transfer Interest Group through the Undergraduate Dean’s Office. During his tenure, Michael has consistently been a staunch student advocate. He empowers students to make independent and informed decisions. It is clear that in his role as both adviser and administrator, Michael understands the value of relationship building. His colleagues often fondly recognize his mastery of institutional regulations, policies, and procedures. He proudly serves on the Vice President’s Task Force on Veteran's Affairs.
Joeann McMeans, Office of Campus and Community Safety Services
You may not know her by name, but it is almost certain that you met her during your first few days at the college. Joeann has worked in the ID Office for a quarter century, no matter where it was located—Plaza Building, Ingersoll Hall, the basement of Boylan Hall, and now as part of the Enrollment Services Center in the West Quad Center. During her time as ID staff, she has issued thousands of IDs, and does so with a pleasant, approachable, and sincere demeanor. Joeanne always extends her time and knowledge to her co-workers and values the students, and we greatly value her.
Ernest Morgan, Office of Campus and Community Safety Services
As a 22-year U.S. military retired sergeant, husband, and father of two, Officer Ernest Morgan has served Brooklyn College with his well-developed peacekeeping skills for 25 years. Officer Morgan has exhibited knowledge and courteousness when dealing with the campus and community. His jovial personality has served the college well as he patrolled the campus as a member of the special bike unit, providing excellent customer service. In his service to the college and community, Officer Morgan rose to the challenge of performing enthusiastically during 9/11, the blackout of 2003, and Hurricane Sandy, providing a sense of security and safety to those affected.
Angela P. Patterson, School of Education
Mary Pope, Brooklyn College Library
As the Reserves manager, Mary Pope has ensured that thousands of students have access to required course materials. She has earned the respect and appreciation of many faculty members by her expert handling of requests. Mary also serves as the weekend and evening Access Services supervisor. Her reliability, excellent judgment, and conscientious work ethic have greatly contributed to ongoing outstanding library services for the Brooklyn College community. She is an exceptional employee.
Monica Rivera, Transfer Student Services Center
As the director of testing and transfer evaluations, Monica Rivera works tirelessly to improve the delivery of services to our students. In 1993, Monica began her career at Brooklyn College and held several positions in the Registrar's Office before agreeing to take on her current role. Through her 25 years of service, Monica has been known for her willingness to help others, and for being a valued resource for the entire campus. She is an incredible student advocate and colleague.
Yahia M. Shehata, Office of Campus and Community Safety Services
Sergeant Shehata started as a contract guard. During the past 25 years, he has moved up the ranks by showing his professionalism and dedication to the office and the college community. Sergeant Shehata gained the respect from the college community and the department by being a role model. He has accomplished any task asked of him, no matter how big or small.
Robert Turner, Office Campus and Community Safety Services
Sergeant Robert L. Turner has served the Brooklyn College community faithfully for more than 25 years. He demonstrated his dedication by volunteering to become a New York State–certified emergency medical technician in 1999, and he has diligently maintained the status. Sergeant Turner received a lifesaver commendation for responding to an aided call and saving a man's life by providing CPR just outside the college gates on Nostrand Avenue. During the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Sergeant Turner served as an EMT at Ground Zero. He became an NSC-certified CPR/AED instructor in 2010 and is regularly called upon to teach new recruits critical lifesaving techniques at the CUNY Public Safety Academy and at Brooklyn College. The office is proud to have Sergeant Turner as a shining example.
Saul Weisberg, Office of Campus and Community Safety Services
From the very beginning, Officer Weisberg has been someone who gets along with everyone— colleagues, supervisors, managers, and the campus community. A friendly and gregarious officer who knows the campus and the surrounding Brooklyn area, he is full of local information and stories. He is willing to assist and impart his knowledge to newer members of the office and is a dependable officer who will take on, and has always taken on, various tasks, and he has done so with a smile. As a doting father, he will never miss an opportunity to talk about his three children and their accomplishments. Officer Weisberg has seen the Department of Public Safety grow, and he has grown with and added value to the department that stands now. Officer Weisberg is baseball lover who knows his stuff and who has been long committed to his team, as he has been to the office and the college.
Roan Wynter, Office of Campus and Community Safety Services
Officer Wynter is a campus public safety officer who joined the office in 1993. A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Officer Wynter is a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army prior to his service at Brooklyn College. He resides in Brooklyn and was a fixture at the Student Center post from 2001 through 2010. He is also experienced with dignitary protection, stemming from a presidential visit, and with disaster response, arising from 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy.
20 years
Mahammad Baksh, Facilities Office
Mahammed Baksh is a custodial technician. He works across campus in every building, on multiple projects, during his overnight shift, but primarily in Ingersoll Hall. You’ll often notice a cheerful hello or smile whenever Mahammed greets coworkers and supervisors. He has a unique skill set, excelling in independent work as well as within a group setting; many of his co-workers request his assistance whenever they are doing a two-person project. Many times, during the overnight when an emergency such as flooding occurs, Mahammed has been ready to answer the call from public safety or stationary engineers to keep the campus buildings safe and dry. He is a dedicated father, husband, and a great co-worker.
Yvette Beaubrun-Cayemitte, Library
Yvette Cayemitte started as a student aide in the Audio Visual Center in 1996. In 1999 she was promoted to a college assistant in the New Media Center. She is one of the most pleasant people to work with. She enjoys helping students and faculty who request services from the center. Yvette consistently demonstrates professionalism and dedication to the job. She works well with others and continues to be an asset.
Helen Brereton, Office of the Associate Provost for Faculty and Administration
Since earning a degree from Medgar Evers College in 1998, Helen Brereton has worked for four different associate provosts, including the associate provost for faculty and administration. Prior to that, she worked as a stenographer/statistical clerk in her native Trinidad. Her invaluable assets include her responsiveness to students’ needs, depth of knowledge, and wealth of experiences. Colleagues are impressed by her enthusiasm for learning new skills and her pleasant, affable nature. Helen appreciates the opportunity to be part of this intellectually stimulating environment. Her personal motto at Brooklyn College is “Empowering and supporting students academically and professionally.” She is an avid gardener and member of the BC Garden.
Pamela Brown-Laurenceau, Magner Career Center
Pamela Brown, a Brooklyn College alumna, has proudly served her alma mater. She is the assistant director for pre-law and global internships (two successful programs she built from the ground up), career liaison to the Office of International Education and Global Engagement, and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Magner Center. In 1998, she began working to fulfill the STAR program's mission, preparing students with disabilities and cultivating relationships with their future employers. As coordinator of the Alumni Mentoring program she supported internships focused on the recruitment of women. Her industrious nature allowed her to establish the aforementioned programs and be instrumental in the forming of the college’s Small Business Center.
Regina Calloway, Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success
Regina Calloway is a senior academic adviser in the Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success (CAASS), having previously served as a college assistant in the center. Prior to becoming an adviser, Regina managed many of the administrative tasks that supported the infrastructure of CAASS. She managed one of the largest regulatory projects under the purview of the center—grade changes. Together with ITS, Regina transitioned the system to an online application, which optimized the process for both staff and students. She is a supportive, compassionate, and empathetic adviser. She has just been appointed to work with veteran students and is eager to build relationships with them.
Young Cheong, Television, Radio and Emerging Media
Young Cheong started at Brooklyn College as an M.F.A. student in the Department of Television and Radio. Upon graduating he was hired as departmental CLT. Since then he has moved up the ranks to become higher education associate—an invaluable member of the Television, Radio and Emerging Media team. Young is known throughout the college for his incomparable production knowledge and skills, and for his work both within his own department and many, many other departments and offices across campus. In addition to his continuous tech and production support, Young teaches multi-cam production and directs a summer production intensive study abroad program in his native South Korea. Young is tireless and without peer at Brooklyn College.
Loretta Chin, Department of Judaic Studies
Loretta Chin is an invaluable asset to the Judaic Studies Department. She is always professional, extraordinarily talented and competent, a hard worker, and very dedicated to her work. She pioneered our social media presence and trained as a journalist, so she was a great asset in copyediting and other secretarial skills. She is always busy with multiple tasks, including organizing and cataloguing the department’s small library. We are unbelievably lucky to have her working for us.
Carlos Cruz, Academic Information Technologies
Carlos Cruz has been the Blackboard system administrator for the past 14 years. In this position, he is leading Blackboard training, providing assistance with course and organization design, and working as the technical support person for more than 3,000 classes every year. From 2011 to 2014, he served as chair of the Blackboard Training Task Force, responsible for creating and/or customizing Blackboard’s instructions for the CUNY website.
Jerome Davis, Office of Campus and Community Safety Services
Sergeant Jerome Davis has been employed in the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services since 1999 as a peace officer. In 2012 he was promoted to sergeant, where he is an active armed member of CUNY's Safe Team Unit. He truly enjoys being a team member for the past 12 years, and he likes interacting with students and staff on a daily basis. Sergeant David attended John Jay College, has been happily married for 32 years, and has an adult son.
William Elfstrom, Facilities Office
William “Billy” Elfstrom started in 1999 as a carpenter in the Facilities Office. Due to his previous skills and knowledge as a general contractor, he excelled and worked seamlessly with faculty, staff, and management, moving up to carpenter’s supervisor and then to his current level of administrative superintendent. Over the past two decades at Brooklyn College, his knowledge of the various trades and his warm personality encouraged colleagues to want to work with him. He exudes dedication to the mission of Brooklyn College and cares deeply about the faculty and students.
Lee Jay Favors, Adult Literacy Program
Lee Jay Favors began his Brooklyn College career as an ESOL instructor and was hired as the ESOL coordinator shortly thereafter. The ESOL division helps new Americans acquire the basic language skills needed to survive in New York as well as assisting those with or without foreign credentials enter higher education and acquire gainful employment. Under his direction, new teachers have learned to align their instruction to the requirements of the highest educational standards and take advantage of many of the resources available on the college campus. As coordinator, he has been integral to bringing technology to the ESOL curriculum and has helped hire and train a generation of dedicated, highly effective teachers. As an ESOL instructor, he has received numerous awards for his passion and dedication, including the Literacy Assistance Award, New York Times Teacher Recognition Award, and Brooklyn Public Library Teacher of the Year.
David Finkelstein, Institutional and Academic Programs
Andrey Gerasenkov, ITS
A senior technician with ITS, Andrey Gerasenkov serves as a resource to the college campus and has helped manage and maintain its computing infrastructure for the past 20 years. Whether it's desktop computing or maintaining our backend, he keeps our campus running in top shape. He is well respected and loved by all who have had the pleasure of working with him, as made evident by the number of faculty, staff, and alumni who call or visit him for guidance. We look forward to his next 20 years at Brooklyn College!
Stephen Gracia, Office of Scholarships
Loretta Jenkins, Office of the President
Loretta began working at the college in 1998 as a college assistant in the Facilities Office. She fielded calls from faculty and staff throughout the campus ranging from heating complaints, to work order submissions, to requests for emergency repairs and assistance. One year later, when a college assistant position became available in the President's Office, Loretta made the transfer from the old Plaza Building to Boylan Hall, where she has remained ever since. Loretta's responsibilities have shifted over time. Initially, she was the front desk receptionist, the first voice and face of the President's Office. She then was assigned to process all invoices and office budget-related matters. Loretta welcomed this change because she has always liked math and dealing with numbers. With the transition from a paper to digital process, Loretta is now the office expert on CUNYfirst. She also provides administrative support for the monthly meetings of the college governance body, the Policy Council. Loretta takes three trains and a bus every day to get to Brooklyn College. She loves working here: She came for the job, but she has remained because of the great people.
Albert Johnson, Facilities Office
Al Johnson is a devoted family man who loves New York sports. He regularly volunteers for his church and goes out of his way to make everyone feel comfortable. If any staff, student, or faculty need any type of cleaning service, Al is there to provide it for them. All of the people who work alongside Al at Brooklyn College acknowledge how helpful and pleasant he is to work with. He is respectful to everyone, and his thoughtfulness and attention to detail helped forge lasting relationships with staff and students.
Larisa Kholodenko, Office of Finance
Larisa Kholodenko is the senior accountant for the Brooklyn College Foundation. This year marks her 20th year with the college. We are fortunate to have such a valuable and dedicated employee on our team, and we appreciate all she has contributed to the college.
Ed McKenna, Brooklyn College Student Center
When we think of Ed McKenna, these words come to mind: problem solver, dependable, quick thinker and learner, a man of many talents. With Ed’s aid, the Student Center can function as an event and meeting space for all. Ed ensures that the heating, cooling, and other building functions are operational. Similarly, when a specific item or operation is down, he is already working on a Plan B. Ed is truly an asset to the Student Center, and we are grateful to have him with us.
Thomas Mollaghan, Facilities Office
Thomas Mollaghan started as a carpenter at Brooklyn College. His discipline and skills were obvious as a professional tradesman. He was then elevated to carpenter's supervisor for his organizational skills, and he runs a tight shop with the help of other talented carpenters. He has been very resourceful and helpful to resolve many challenging issues around campus.
Izabella Nudelis, Library
Izabella Nudelis has worked in many different areas of the library for 20 years—Technical Services, Periodicals, Government Documents, and currently in Special Collections as a college assistant. Izabella immigrated from Russia to the United States and is a graduate of Brooklyn College.
June Pampalone, Department of Childhood, Bilingual, and Special Education
As a senior academic adviser at the Department of Childhood, Bilingual, and Special Education, June Pampalone plays an important role in many aspects. She truly understands the needs of individual students and is willing to serve them in most effective ways. She knows when to be flexible to meet their needs as well as when to stand firm on the right principles. She collaborates well with staffs and faculty members in the department as well as across other departments. She is a wonderful team player who is a great listener, insightful thinker, and effective communicator with a great sense of humor and a big heart. Those who have worked with June say they are so blessed to work with her, a great colleague and a wonderful friend.
Peter Pampalone, Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success
Peter Pampalone is a senior academic adviser in the Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success. Peter has spent his entire career tutoring, teaching, and advising students here. He began as a writing tutor in the Learning Center while he was an undergraduate, became a master tutor for writing and, subsequently, the Core coordinator. He also spent five years as an adjunct in the English Department teaching freshman composition courses as well as the literature Core. In 2008, Peter joined the Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success as the first year specialist. In 2017, he took on the role of the academic verification adviser for students receiving the NYS Excelsior Scholarship. Peter collaborates with the many other areas of Enrollment Services to ensure that more than 900 students maintain both their scholarship and successful momentum in earning their degree.
Ilesh Patel, Facilities Office
Ilesh Patel immigrated to the United States as a young man from India with a degree in mechanical engineering and earned a master’s degree in engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Before coming to Brooklyn College, he worked a project manager on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing projects for the New York City Housing Authority. Since joining the college 20 years ago, he has been personally responsible for the review and oversight for numerous major capital projects, including the West Quad Building, renovation and rehabilitation of lecture halls, science labs, and the TV Center; fire alarm upgrades; and other hidden but critical systems upgrades. His deep knowledge of the campus infrastructure and attention to detail has made him an invaluable member of the capital planning team.
Josephine Patterson, Center for Student Disability Services
Josephine has worked for 20 years in the Center for Student Disability Services, currently as assistant director. She received an M.S. in education from Brooklyn College and speaks about how honored she is to give back to her alma mater by providing support for our students to achieve their goals through equal access. As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Josephine executes a high level of performance commitment and professionalism to her work. She is a valued member of the college community.
Anna Raucci, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
For the past 20 years, Anna Raucci has been the face of the Modern Languages and Literatures Department. She is often the first person students, faculty, and staff encounter when they call or visit the department. As a college assistant, she is largely responsible for keeping a busy office going by pointing visitors in the right direction, communicating department information to students, faculty, and staff, and organizing the end-of-the-year Awards Day. She is a valued member of the department.
Alice Sak, Office of Personal Counseling
Alice Sak has been a valued employee of Brooklyn College since 1998 when she took a college assistant position in the Adult Degree Program. Alice worked there until 2004, when she transferred to the Personal Counseling Program, where she remains as a college assistant to this day. With her sunny disposition, Alice is the first face clients see when they come in for their appointments. She shows great compassion and a dedication to the office and to students. The college is very lucky to have Alice Sak in its employment.
John Stephen, ITS Computing Lab
John Stephen joined the ITS Office in 1998 as the assistant lab manager of the Atrium and Wolfe student computer labs, which at that time, were the only locations on campus where computers were available to students. He was able to immediately offer in-depth technical skills, effective communication, and leadership. Since then, he has remained motivated, engaged, and an integral of the ITS Computing Labs. John is known for always going the extra mile in assisting lab users with their computer needs. His intuition allows him to be able to spot technical challenges and issues that need to be addressed to ensure lab users get not only what was required, but what they actually need.
Tyrone Steward, Office of Campus and Community Safety Services
Tyrone Steward came to the campus in 1999 as an energetic, young college assistant to fill in for one of the locksmiths who was on leave and then retired. He moved to the position of secondary locksmith (LS2) and has been a steady and welcomed presence on campus since then. When you're locked out, lose your key, or your lock fails, this is the person you call! He has a mechanical mind and has been able to keep some old locks in working order well beyond their lifespan or available parts. Tyrone is innovative and likes a challenge, and though not his job on campus, he is astute in his knowledge and ability to diagnose and repair cars. He has been of service not only to the office but also to the campus community, and we thank him.
Suzanne Whiter, Department of Mathematics
Originally from the Physics Department, Suzanne Whiter is the CUNY administrative assistant for the Mathematics Department. As the department's only full-time staff member, she deals with about 3,000 students in 100 classes each semester, with 55 instructors. Throughout her 20 years at Brooklyn College, colleagues have described her as knowledgeable, friendly, responsible, and efficient. This year the Mathematics faculty unanimously recommended her for Employee of the Month, which she won in August.
