The RIT Presidential Awards for Outstanding Staff were presented to exceptional staff members at Rochester Institute of Technology. These awards recognize the contribution of staff who demonstrate dedication and commitment to their work, and who have positively impacted the RIT community. Awards were presented in various categories such as Outstanding Citizenship, Legacy Award, and Dancy Duffus Award for Outstanding Citizenship within the RIT Community. Donna Burnette, Kendra Evans, Aaron Tomassini, Sandra Woodruff Whitmore, and Rod Lezette were some of the recipients of these awards for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields. These awards highlight the vital role that staff members play in the success of RIT and demonstrate the high level of talent and dedication of its staff.
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) held its annual Presidential Awards for Outstanding Staff ceremony on March 22 to acknowledge its employees’ hard work and dedication. The awards recognize staff members who exhibit excellent service and commitment to the university, show high ethical standards and integrity, and demonstrate a strong commitment to student success.
RIT presents the Rising Star Award to a staff member who has worked for the university for three years or less and demonstrates high-quality service, imagination, creativity, and innovation. This year’s recipient is Andrew Cirillo, the assistant director of Spirituality and Religious Life. Cirillo is recognized for his collaborative approach, active participation in The Collective, a multi-divisional cultural programming group, and his contribution to the creation of the Interfaith Council. He has also helped to secure a $70,000 grant to fund a full-time Jewish student life engagement coordinator. Cirillo’s strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has been acknowledged by his references, and his work impact at RIT is expected to continue to grow throughout the years.
The Excellence Awards recognize staff members who excel in their duties, promote teamwork, and inspire excellence in others. It includes individuals who have shown innovation and fostered collaboration, communication, and cooperation among colleagues and university constituents. Additionally, the awards acknowledge teams that have had a significant impact on the university through exemplary service, ongoing innovation, and the creation of best practices.
Wendy Marks, director of Finance and Administration Galleries, and Maddy Schoenfeld, manager of Shop One, have been recognized for their collaborative efforts in streamlining processes and increasing recognition of Shop One artists. Through their efforts, the team has engaged more than 300 artists, designers, authors, and crafts people, all of whom represent the diversity of RIT design talent and creativity. The team has also been instrumental in expanding the RIT Women’s Council Glass Pumpkin Sale and fostering inclusivity through consistent storytelling from their interpersonal skills in the shop to the way works are described in their displays.
Brittany Taylor, interpreting manager for College of Science and College of Health Sciences and Technology at National Technical Institute for the Deaf, has been recognized for her dedication, leadership, empathetic nature, and conscientiousness in impacting employee retention. Taylor has been part of the NTID interpreting community for nearly 14 years and has played a key role in identifying safe and accessible masks for those who rely on American Sign Language during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also fostered team connectivity and a sense of belonging by providing time for staff members to share their thoughts, feelings, and creative pursuits.
Kendra Evans, Neurodiverse Hiring Initiative coordinator at Spectrum Support Program, has transformed the neurodiverse hiring program in her short time on campus. Evans has developed innovative curriculum for Career Ready boot camp, a job readiness residency program for autistic RIT students, and has tripled the number of students served by the program. Evans has also developed relationships with staff across the university to provide neurodiversity training to departments and employers nationwide.
These individuals have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to their respective programs and teams, which demonstrate their commitment to fostering inclusivity, advancing employment outcomes, and enhancing the quality of life for RIT students.
Kendra Evans, Neurodiverse Hiring Initiative coordinator at Spectrum Support Program, has been recognized for her dedication to supporting RIT students as they transition into full-time employment. In addition to dedicating time to current students, Evans also provides mentorship to former Spectrum Support students who may be struggling with full-time employment. By acting as a mentor to both the employee and the manager, Evans attends meetings to clarify miscommunication and set expectations, providing appropriate coaching and pre-interview training to help students feel confident and prepared.
Aaron Tomassini, associate director of Residence Life, has been recognized for his steadying presence and institutional knowledge, which have allowed him to keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. He oversees both professional staff and student staff/resident assistants, prioritizing open communication, collaboration, and cooperation. Tomassini takes pride in developing relationships with students and staff and supporting his students through various activities such as athletics, film screenings, and concerts.
Sandra Woodruff Whitmore, senior director of operations at Division of Diversity and Inclusion, is the recipient of the Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Staff Pluralism Award, which recognizes RIT’s commitment to celebrating differences and allowing individuals to develop to their fullest potential. Woodruff Whitmore’s commitment to promoting open discussions on diversity and inclusion has been recognized by her colleagues, who describe her as carrying forward Isaac Jordan Sr.’s legacy with grace and character.
Finally, the Outstanding Citizenship Award recognizes staff members who contribute to the community beyond their job responsibilities. This year’s recipients are Kristen Dwyer, director of the Margaret’s House Child Care Center, and Christine Kray, director of Employer and Alumni Engagement at the Saunders College of Business. Dwyer has been recognized for her leadership in providing a safe and nurturing environment for children of RIT faculty, staff, and students, while Kray has been recognized for her efforts in developing relationships with employers, alumni, and community partners to advance Saunders College’s mission and provide valuable opportunities for students.
These individuals have been recognized for their commitment to supporting RIT students, developing strong relationships with colleagues, and promoting a community that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Additionally, the Outstanding Citizenship Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions beyond their job responsibilities, furthering RIT’s mission and benefiting the community as a whole.
RIT Honors Staff with Presidential Awards
The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) held its annual Presidential Awards for Outstanding Staff ceremony on March 22 to recognize and celebrate the exemplary service and dedication of its employees. The awards are presented to staff members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the university while exemplifying a high degree of personal ethics and integrity.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes staff members who have served the university for three years or less and have demonstrated a willingness to work collaboratively, imagination, creativity, and innovation. This year’s recipient is Andrew Cirillo, assistant director of Spirituality and Religious Life. Cirillo has shown exceptional dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion and has worked towards meeting the needs of RIT’s diverse community.
Excellence Awards
The Excellence Awards recognize staff members who excel in their duties, promote teamwork, and inspire excellence in others. Brittany Taylor, interpreting manager for the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, was recognized for her empathetic nature, dedication, leadership, and conscientiousness, which have directly impacted employee retention. Kendra Evans, Neurodiverse Hiring Initiative coordinator for the Spectrum Support Program, was also recognized for her commitment to advancing employment outcomes and the quality of life for RIT students.
Staff Pluralism Award
Sandra Woodruff Whitmore, senior director of operations for the Division of Diversity and Inclusion, received the Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Staff Pluralism Award for her commitment to building communities of inclusion and equality. Her legacy has provided a roadmap for the ways in which she has made an impact at RIT.
Dancy Duffus Award for Outstanding Citizenship
Donna Burnette, executive director of the K-12 University Center, received the Dancy Duffus Award for Outstanding Citizenship within the RIT Community. Burnette was tasked with transforming the university program and aligning its goals and objectives with the university’s strategic plan and Action Plan for Race and Ethnicity. Her commitment to providing a transformative experience for all participants has elevated grant management, summer camps, and all-campus experiences for youth participants.
Albert J. Simone Legacy Award
Rod Lezette, assistant director of technology and communications for Public Safety, received the Albert J. Simone Legacy Award for his 26 years of exemplary service. Lezette has been involved in numerous programs related to access control, intrusion detection, surveillance cameras, asset management, and the development and successful launch of the Tiger Safe security application. He has shown exceptional dedication to evaluating, designing, and implementing modernized security systems to safeguard RIT’s workforce.
According to one nominator, Rod Lezette’s contributions have been instrumental in making RIT a safe and secure campus community. His multi-disciplinary approach has ensured the implementation of modern security systems, and his involvement in programs such as the Tiger Safe security application has been key to their successful launch. The nominator also stated that each project that he undertakes has far-reaching implications, and he is always examining every area to ensure the right decisions are made. More information about the RIT Staff Awards, including the Albert J. Simone Legacy Award, can be found on the RIT Staff Council website.
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