On Friday, March 31, WE@HVCC held its Annual Spring Luncheon. This year we awarded six very deserving employees, who are furthering their education. Please take moment to read their bios. A big congratulations to all our awardees!
Jason Degnan
Technical Assistant, Registrar’s Office
Nominated by Kathy Petley
Jason is an extremely hard-working, committed member of the Registrar’s Office. He has expressed interest in other, higher-level positions within the office and recognizes that he needs a higher-level degree to accomplish his goal. He recently made the decision to return to school and complete his bachelor’s degree, and has been accepted at Empire State College. Jason has a number of credits already completed toward his bachelor’s degree, but his education has taken a back seat as he and his wife have been raising their young family. As with many of our students who are working full-time and raising a family, Jason will need to juggle his various responsibilities, but he is committed to doing so. He is currently taking Organization and Management at Hudson Valley, which is the only course Empire State will allow him to take here based on the number of credits already completed.
Kacie Hull
Recruiter, Educational Opportunity Center
Nominated by Adrianne Rickson
Kacie is the EOC’s one and only Outreach Specialist, who goes above and beyond, every single day. Her uplifting attitude in the under-served community we assist gives hope and a fresh outlook to those who encounter her. She is informative yet not pushy, and she is known and loved by many people and organizations in the Capital District. Kacie is working on her professional development certification at Hudson Valley Community College and is taking a couple of online, independent studies to increase her knowledge of management and professionalism. She wants to pursue a Master’s degree, but it is currently not feasible because she fully supports her husband (and three, big rescue dogs), who is a full-time student at Hudson Valley.
Noah Kucij
Assistant Professor, English, Foreign Language and ESL
Nominated by Maria Palmara
Noah he is taking courses to complete a doctorate in English, with a concentration in composition, rhetoric, and creative writing, at The University at Albany. He has been a full-time member of the English Department since fall 2009. He is an ESL Advisor, a frequent Faculty Workshop Day presenter, assists to produce “Threads” literary journal, and has had his own work published in local and national literary journals. “Mr. Kucij embodies the spirit in which the We@HVCC scholarship award was created. A teacher, writer, and scholar, he is one most deserving of this recognition and support.”
Petula Phillips
Assistant for Financial Analysis, Budget Office
Nominated by Gina Ricci
Petula joined the Budget Office staff in April 2016, dove right into learning her new position and began pursuing an MBA at SUNY Albany in the fall. Originally from Guyana, she moved to the area in 2010 with her then three-year-old daughter to find a better life for them both. During the interview process it was obvious Petula was a hard worker, thrived to succeed, and would be an incredible asset to the college. This is her first position in higher education, but she always has worked in the finance area and brought a great deal of skill with her. She constantly strives to improve her knowledge and skills to ensure a better future for herself and her daughter.
David Robles
Healthcare Simulation Lab Coordinator, Nursing Department
Nominated by Martha Desmond
David has been with the Nursing Department for almost two years and is a great asset to the program. He is the simulation lab coordinator, yet he wears many hats and has been an assistant in all nursing simulations since he started. He enjoys working with the students and staff, and is willing to help in whatever capacity is needed. He has many innovative ideas for simulation and also is assisting in the Surgical Tech Program. David is pursuing his Master’s degree in Hospital Administration, which will allow him to further enhance his ability to organize and manage the simulation lab.
Laura VanNatten
Program Assistant, Business Advisement Center
Nominated by Scott Hurteau, Rosemary Schultz and Cathie Rathbun
Laura endured a hard life growing up and now is a single mother of two girls. She currently is working on her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. After this semester she will need only 11 more credits for her degree. She works in the Business Advisement Center full-time, while taking six classes this semester (18 credits) and taking care of two young children, ages 2 and 5. She studies online, taking courses through SUNY Delhi and Hudson Valley. Laura’s long term goals are to complete a Master’s degree at John Jay School of Criminal Justice and then continue on to Law School. She aspires to serve the community by using her education to protect families and children. Laura is a very hard worker, always willing to help out in the office and to do more for the department.
Published: Tue, 04 Apr 2017 12:11:03 +0000 by e.hatter