Outstanding Employees Recognized During Third Annual Staff Recognition Awards
Last Friday, Monroe proudly announced the honorees for the 2024 Staff Recognition Awards.
Now in its third year, this cherished tradition celebrates staff who embody Monroe’s values, go above and beyond in their roles, and have made a lasting impact on Monroe and the University community.
The Awards are bestowed on exceptional staff, nominated by their peers, for living the Monroe culture and mission. More than 150 nominations were submitted for recognition from across the University, in an impressive display of appreciation for our institution and the people who make it all possible.
President Marc Jerome underscored the importance of the award program and celebrating dedicated employees.
“Monroe University extends its heartfelt gratitude to our award winners, our nominees and everyone who works hard to support the institution and our students” he said. “These outstanding individuals inspire us and strengthen our University community, and we thank them for all they do to serve our students.”
The winners are:
President’s Award for Professional Excellence
Cathy Carbonelli (Career Services) and Roxanna Virgo (Admissions)
Recognizes a full-time staff member who goes above and beyond every day to “live” the University's values and culture and has a positive impact on making Monroe a great place to study and work.
Mildred King Innovator Award
Joeane Laurent (Residence Life) and Desia Monsanto (Career Services)
Recognizes a full-time staff member who has shown leadership and innovation by identifying a specific need within the University community and showing the initiative to follow through (leading or helping to lead a great solution to it).
Distinguished Mentor Award
Vannett Coburn (Student Services) and Jeanette Slim (Student Services)
Recognizes a full-time staff member who has demonstrated excellence as a mentor to students and who truly goes the extra mile to connect with their students and help them succeed.
Rising Star Award
Shaquin Cameron (Student Services), Nicole Campbell (International Admissions), Shanaelia Gayle (Registrar), Dennis Racanello (KGS Student Services), and Emilio Wilson-King (Admissions)
Recognizes a full-time staff member who has been at the University less than three years and has demonstrated outstanding performance in their role.
Outstanding Merit Award
Tara George (Student Services/Disabilities Services) and John Torres (Athletics)
Recognizes a part-time employee who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to students and the University mission.
Outstanding Service Award
Tomas Diaz (Public Safety), Etta Massaquoi (Facilities), and James Quist (Facilities)
Recognizes a Facilities, Public Safety or Transportation staff member who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to students and the University.
There was one additional award handed out this year -- the Monroe Hero Award. Unlike the Staff Recognition Awards that are peer-nominated, this award is bestowed at the direction of the leadership team to recognize an employee who "who performed a brave, heroic, or distinguished act to come to the aid of someone in distress or need."
This year's honoree is Jessica Pollas, who leads our team of mental health therapists within the Health and Wellness team.
Jessica and her team have consistently gone above and beyond to facilitate students' mental well-being and assist those who may be struggling, ensuring they have the support they need around the clock.
Monroe University is proud of and grateful for these exceptional individuals for all they do for the institution and our students. We are inspired by their dedication to their work and look forward to what they accomplish next!