Faculty & Staff at SUNY Potsdam Recognized for Service with President's Awards

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From left, President’s Award recipients Kevin Bailey, Jay Pecora, Robin Collen, Geoffrey Clark, Sheila McIntyre, Jason Ladouceur, Karen Johnson-Weiner, Donna Burgoyne and President John F. Schwaller.

POTSDAM, NY (05/26/2011)(readMedia)-- Nine SUNY Potsdam faculty and staff members were recently honored with the 2011 President's Awards for Excellence. College President Dr. John F. Schwaller presented the award to the faculty and staff members at the annual Employee Recognition and Service Awards Program, held on May 5.

Among those honored were:

• President's Award for Excellence in Clerical Service: Donna Burgoyne, payroll examiner for the Human Resources department
• President's Award for Excellence in Clerical Service: Cynthia Charleson, secretary for the biology and chemistry departments
• President's Award for Excellence in College Service: Dr. Robin Collen, chairwoman of the Department of Theatre and Dance
• President's Award for Excellence in Improving Campus Climate & Promoting Community Outreach: Dr. Jay Pecora, an assistant professor of theatre and dance
• President's Award for Maintenance, Police or Food Service: Kevin Bailey, a cleaner at The Crane School of Music
• President's Award for Excellence in Professional Service: Jason Ladouceur, Director of Planned Giving in the Division of Advancement
• President's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and/or Creative Activities: Dr. Geoffrey Clark, a professor of history
• President's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and/or Creative Activities: Dr. Karen Johnson-Weiner, a professor of anthropology
• President's Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Sheila McIntyre, an associate professor of history

About the recipients:

Donna Burgoyne: Donna Burgoyne has been employed at SUNY Potsdam since 1980, and in the Human Resources department since 1988. As a Payroll Examiner, Donna performs one of the most critical roles in the College-ensuring that employees are paid! During her tenure, Burgoyne has amassed such a thorough understanding of time and attendance rules that she is the "go to" person for many questions related to this. She has organized documentation from the Office of the State Comptroller and Civil Service that serves the need to look up information quickly and efficiently. Burgoyne willingly goes above and beyond for the employees of the College. Her work ethic is unparalleled and her dedication to her job is exceptional. No matter what the weather or circumstances in her life, she understands that the payroll must go out and she makes it happen. There are never excuses or delays. Primarily due to Burgoyne's work, SUNY Potsdam has continually been at the top of the SUNY "payroll report card." She will do whatever it takes to make sure that the employees of the College are paid correctly and promptly. Employees feel comfortable seeking Burgoyne out and asking questions. She makes each feel welcome and always goes the extra mile to ensure that they have the information they need. She is compassionate, empathetic and has a desire to truly help College employees. Burgoyne also volunteers her time with several local groups. She is a volunteer Girl Scout Leader and a volunteer firefighter for the North Lawrence Fire Department. She is also a member of the fire department's Ladies Auxiliary. In recognition of her exceptional dedication, SUNY Potsdam awarded Donna Burgoyne the 2011 President's Award for Excellence in Clerical Service.

Cynthia Charleson: Cynthia Charleson has been the Secretary in the Departments of Biology and Chemistry since 2006. She started her career with SUNY Potsdam in 2002. Charleson is dedicated to serving the needs of the faculty and students. She is likely the first person one encounters when visiting or telephoning the departments, attending to everyone's needs with competence and a friendly demeanor. Her interactions with faculty and students are always professional and helpful. If you ask Charleson for assistance, you can be sure that the task will be completed promptly and capably. Her willingness to help both faculty and students results in her office being a center of activity during normal working hours. Charleson is truly dedicated to the students. Each year, she establishes a rapport with some of the current biology majors. The students depend on her for advice and important facts and information, all while maintaining an incredible air of professionalism. She knows many of the students on a first name basis and she is often the first person they turn to. Similarly, faculty members depend on her to a remarkable extent and she never lets anyone down. Charleson is incredibly efficient, quick to understand the needs of the departments and is richly innovative in her approach to the job. Last year, she initiated and organized a bake sale, with the proceeds being used to renovate the Student Commons, an important space for students that needed an overhaul. Charleson personally painted the walls, restored new furnishings and added many personal touches that have made this space into a place in which students want to spend time. She has devised ways to make the operation of the departments work better and this has proved invaluable in accomplishing their missions. In recognition of her exceptional skills and personable approach, SUNY Potsdam awarded Cindy Charleson the 2011 President's Award for Excellence in Clerical Service.

Robin Collen: Dr. Robin Collen has devoted her time to serving the students, faculty and staff in the Department of Theatre and Dance as well as the development of a new curriculum in The School of Arts and Sciences. For more than 20 years, the Department of Theatre and Dance was led by co-chairs. In the program review of 2005-06 it was recommended that, for purposes of cohesiveness, there be one chair. Collen became chair in the 2006-07 academic year. Not only was this a daunting task to change a leadership model, but it also meant establishing new ways of working with faculty and students. It required a tremendous amount of work to chair a theatre program that was growing by significant numbers and expanding to include the new Theatre Education major-the first one in the SUNY system. Collen has been an effective leader and mentor to the students in all three major programs housed within the department. Aside from her usual duties as chair, she has developed into an excellent adviser to both the Dance and Theatre majors. Collen takes her mentoring role seriously, having mentored all new members of the department in the areas of teaching, research and service. Additionally, she has served as a faculty mentor for The School of Arts and Sciences Mentoring Program. In recognition of her exceptional service to the College, SUNY Potsdam awarded Dr. Robin Collen the 2011 President's Award for Excellence in College Service.

Jay Pecora: Since arriving at SUNY Potsdam in 2005, Dr. Jay Pecora has committed tremendous energy and support in creating a positive environment for all students on campus, with particular attention to creating a climate where students' voices are heard and supported with concrete action and activities. Jay has created an extensive program of community outreach through his work with NYSARC Community Arts program, his work on the Board of LEAP, his service to the United Helpers Seniors programs, and his collaboration with BOCES and regional schools to create after-school programs for all children so they can engage in the arts. He has also created and developed the Summer Camp Program for younger age students and high school students, which serves to introduce regional students to the theatrical arts in ways not available through their school curricula. Pecora has reinstated and expanded the Youth Theatre Touring Ensemble, which creates original theatre plays that travel to regional schools, reaching more than 7,000 students and faculty in the North Country, Adirondacks and Central New York annually. Over the years, the program has reached approximately 30,000 young people in regional schools. This programming has meant that SUNY Potsdam has brought, with no cost to the schools, the experience of theatre and the use of theatrical art to look critically at important issues for these communities. Pecora has been serving the New York State Theatre Education Association, the professional body that advocates for programs and teachers of theatre in K-12 public and private schools. His work has created an important link between the major professional body for theatre education and SUNY Potsdam. In recognition for his commitment to students and the community, SUNY Potsdam awarded Dr. Jay Pecora the 2011 President's Award for Excellence in Improving Campus Climate and Promoting Community Outreach.

Kevin Bailey: Kevin Bailey works as a Cleaner in The Crane School of Music, a building complex that is in constant use by students, faculty and the community. It is not unrealistic to suggest that well over 1,500 people, both campus and community members, enter into the Crane Music Center on a daily basis. The cleaning needs alone are tremendous. Bailey's work is exemplary. His understanding of the needs of the building is excellent. He sees the bigger picture of his contributions and does what is needed to ensure that the music center runs smoothly. He is flexible and always willing to modify his schedule to meet the needs of the School. Bailey takes pride in his work and has proven to be an asset to the College. Bailey has a positive attitude and is a dependable and loyal employee. Exceptional service is only a small part of what he offers to his position. His smile and positive attitude make him a pleasure to work with, which contributes to the overall climate in the building. He is always willing to offer his assistance to help with any request, and he does so in such a nice, accommodating manner. Bailey goes out of his way to be friendly, professional and helpful to faculty, staff, community members, students, guest artists and audience members. In recognition of his hard work and dedication, SUNY Potsdam awarded Kevin Bailey the 2011 President's Award for Excellence in Maintenance, Police or Food Service.

Jason Ladouceur: Jason Ladouceur joined the Advancement Division 10 years ago and since then has consistently been an invaluable member of the team. He currently serves as the Director of Planned Giving. In light of the Comprehensive Campaign that was launched on July 1, 2011, Ladouceur is currently focusing all of his efforts on working with alumni and friends interested in making planned gifts to the College. Ladouceur is an exceptionally skilled fundraiser for the College. His genuine love of Potsdam and respect for the donors with whom he works allows him to be highly successful. And in turn, he is well-liked and respected by the donors and his peers. Jason has consistently met or exceeded his fundraising goals, having raised more than $6.5 million in outright and deferred gifts. Ladouceur has a unique ability to place potential donors at ease, drawing out their Potsdam stories, and helping them envision how their generosity could make an impact here at the College. His outstanding abilities have made him a very successful fundraising officer, and have resulted in monetary assistance for significant projects such as the Dorothy Albrecht Gregory Visiting Conductor Fund, the Adeline Maltzan Crane Chorus Performance Tour Fund, Minerva Plaza, the Hosmer Hall Organ Restoration and the SGA/HP Galane Technology Classroom Project. As a fundraiser, Ladouceur not only achieves his annual dollar goal, but does it with great care and compassion. In order to be successful as a fundraiser, you not only need to believe in your product, the College, but you need to understand the donor and what they want to accomplish. He takes great care in getting to know the donor and what it takes to make them feel really good about making a gift to the College. He has a very special way of caring for them and ensuring that what they are doing is meaningful, important and long lasting. In recognition of his exemplary and tireless service to the College, SUNY Potsdam awarded Jason Ladouceur the 2011 President's Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

Geoffrey Clark: Professor of History Dr. Geoffrey Clark is an internationally recognized expert in the history of insurance. Clark is the author of many publications, including "Betting on Lives: The Culture of Life Insurance in England, 1695-1775," which has become one of the most significant books on early life insurance. The book has been widely cited by many, including historians, sociologists, economists and even law professors. He is also the author of "The Appeal of Insurance." Clark has also written numerous articles, book reviews and conference papers. His work has enlarged the store of human knowledge by documenting and explaining the role of culture in shaping the creative force of the early insurance entrepreneurs. Clark's work shows the rewards of sustaining an active scholarly life at SUNY Potsdam. He is an inspiration to his colleagues, establishing high standards by showing what is possible and encouraging others to aim high. His work as a scholar is inseparable from his work as a teacher. Students see Clark as an inspiration and mentor, often seeking out his courses and soliciting his advice about their professional development. Clark works to bring other scholars to the campus in order to enlarge the possibility of research among students. His work also attracts a local audience, having been invited to present to local groups, while at the same time his scholarship has brought international recognition to SUNY Potsdam. In recognition of his accomplishments as a truly exceptional writer, educator and colleague, SUNY Potsdam awarded Dr. Geoffrey Clark the 2011 President's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and/or Creative Activities.

Karen Johnson-Weiner: Dr. Karen Johnson-Weiner is a professor in and former chair of the Department of Anthropology. Within just the past five years, her scholarly contributions have been prolific and indeed outstanding and exemplary. In addition to presenting eight papers, publishing five articles, book chapters and five book reviews, Johnson-Weiner has also published two books. She has presented at more than 40 national and international conferences in addition to participating in three radio interviews on her research. Johnson-Weiner has continued to pursue her passion researching the Amish communities of the North Country and Pennsylvania's Lancaster County. She began this research well over 20 years ago, having become a national expert in the field and having secured multiple grants to support her research. In addition to Johnson-Weiner's everyday commitments, her tireless spirit allows her to have a number of scholarly projects in the works. Her expertise has lead to her most recent role as a consultant for the upcoming PBS series, "American Experience: God in America." This program explores Amish life in America. She is currently collaborating on a project that will be the first scholarly synthesis and understanding of the Amish in the American experience in the 20th century. Johnson-Weiner serves on the editorial board of the Diaspora, Indigenous, and Minority Education International Journal and is an executive board member of the Anabaptist Sociology and Anthropology Association. She also is a member of the board of Traditional Arts of Upstate New York (TAUNY). In recognition of her exceptional service, SUNY Potsdam awarded Dr. Karen Johnson-Weiner the 2011 President's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and/or Creative Activities.

Sheila McIntyre: Dr. Sheila McIntyre currently works in the Department of History, and is an extremely popular teacher among the students. Her courses, at both introductory and advanced levels, are generally the first to fill. Her student evaluations are outstanding, often gushing with enthusiasm and admiration for her work in the classroom. Students have described McIntyre as engaging, witty, enthusiastic and accommodating. She has high expectations for her students, through readings, objective testing and writing. McIntyre has a true passion for developing relationships with her students. She advises 20 to 30 students each semester, and knows the importance of working one-on-one with students. McIntyre has been involved in the department's course restructuring project whereby introductory level courses, incorporating on-line modules and virtual preceptors, allow the department to teach many more students effectively. She also has revamped History 201, a basic history course taught at most universities. She does not use a textbook; instead, she uses lectures, primary and secondary sources, and films, requiring students to analyze 15 episodes in American history. The result is that she has changed the way that students think about history. She has also created the department's theory and method course, called "Fighting Words," a class that has excited students and has been a tremendous preparation for Senior Seminar, the research-oriented culminating experience for history majors. Despite her heavy teaching load and her dedication to serving her students, McIntyre has maintained a prolific research and publishing regimen. She has authored or co-authored several books, including "The Collected Letters of John Cotton of Plymouth" and "A Culture of Correspondence," as well as presenting numerous articles and presentations at professional meetings. What is especially noteworthy is that her research is incorporated into her courses, resulting in up-to-date material that is presented to her students. In recognition of her outstanding teaching and dedication to her students, SUNY Potsdam awarded Dr. Sheila McIntyre the 2011 President's Award for Excellence in Teaching.

SUNY Potsdam faculty and staff members come from many different backgrounds. Like the College's students, they are a friendly, caring group -- always ready to discuss a problem or assist with a project. Dedicated to teaching, learning and serving the College, they are not just active in the classroom, in the office and on campus, but in every facet of their lives.

Find out more about SUNY Potsdam at www.virtualtour.potsdam.edu.

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Founded in 1816, and located on the outskirts of the beautiful Adirondack Park, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges. SUNY Potsdam currently enrolls approximately 4,350 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its handcrafted education, challenging liberal arts and sciences core, excellence in teacher training and leadership in the performing and visual arts.

-www.potsdam.edu-