College of Human Ecology celebrates 2020 staff achievements
On October 14, College of Human Ecology faculty and staff stepped away from reactivation plans, daily checks and online classes to honor staff who achieved milestone years of service and recognize those designated for their exceptional contributions to the College in the last year. Pivoting from a more traditional in-person event, this year’s celebration included pre-recorded messages from leadership and live presentations by managers and Dean Rachel Dunifon. It culminated with a video celebration of the year in review.
Thirty-six employees received milestone certificates. As a group, the honorees have provided over 550 years of collective service to Cornell.
Additionally, ten staff members were recognized for service above and beyond their roles, providing exceptional contributions and helping advance the mission of the College of Human Ecology. Nominees spanned all five Human Ecology academic departments as well as Alumni Affairs and Development, the Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures, the Cornell Institute for Public Affairs, and Cornell Cooperative Extension – New York City. Honored nominees were: Natasha Ashley, Jennifer Wright, Terri Jackson, Nikki Cerra, Emily Cotman, Mia Haller, Lisa Jones, Terry Mingle, Tim Snyder, and Sienna Torbitt.
Special award recipients: Natasha Ashley, Jennifer Wright and Kristie Mahoney.
Natasha Ashley was selected as the recipient of the manager’s award. Natasha is the supervisor of the Nutrition and Health Program community educators who serve communities throughout the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. After guiding her staff through the sudden transition from in-person to virtual education necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, she built a community of mutual support and program excellence that sustained the team through multiple challenges and traumas experienced by NYC communities. She was also recognized for new leadership roles on the NYC Nutrition Education Network Steering and Visioning committee and the Clinical and Translational Sciences Center at Weill Cornell (CTSC) Community Engagement in Research Core team.
Jennifer Wright was selected as the recipient of the individual contributor’s award. Jennifer is the Undergraduate Advising and Course Coordinator for the Department of Policy Analysis and Management (PAM). She was recognized for her tireless work helping with the transition to remote teaching, training herself and faculty on new tools and methods. In addition to her excellent work during the pandemic, she was instrumental in helping PAM launch the new online Executive MHA program in Sloan, and the new undergraduate Health Care Policy major.
In addition, a new award was announced by Dean Dunifon, the 2020 Dean’s Award, recognizing Kristie Mahoney, Director of Facilities, for her leadership in overseeing the MVR Hall renovation and her guidance in reactivating the spaces during the pandemic. Kristie’s creativity, vision and hard work ensured that MVR Hall historical elements were preserved; spaces were redesigned for current and future needs; and safety and wellbeing of faculty, staff and students were at the forefront.
Congratulations to all nominees and award winners!