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Business Department, ��Ӱֱ�� State College, and April Lawrence, Arkport, a member of the college’s secretarial staff, Office of the Vice President for Administration and Enrollment, were honored recently with the SUNY (State University of New York) Chancellor's Award for Excellence this spring. Presentation was made at the college's annual recognition luncheon held at the end of the spring semester.

Damrath and Lawrence are among more than 100 classroom teachers, librarians, and professional service employees in the SUNY system cited for excellence in the performance of their duties.

Announcement of the winners was made this spring by SUNY Chancellor Dr. Nancy L. Zimpher. The chancellor noted that the selection of recipients follows the recommendation by the SUNY Advisory Committee on Awards. The committee reviews nominations from the faculty, students, and colleagues of the recipients throughout the 64-campus system.

Each winner receives a cast bronze medallion, suitable to be worn at academic ceremonies, and an inscribed certificate.

Damrath won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching which has as its primary criterion mastery of teaching techniques and superb skill in teaching. Candidates must evidence flexible and adaptive instruction that takes student needs and interests into consideration in order to maximize student learning. Scholarship, professional growth, and service are also components of the award.

Damrath’s citation read, in part, “has consistently demonstrated superb skill in teaching.” His “mastery of teaching, dedication to students, adherence to the highest academic standards, and continued professional achievements are reflected” in his selection for this honor.

“Associate Professor Damrath’s teaching philosophy places extreme importance on the responsibilities and influences of teaching faculty. He endeavors to inspire the student to perform at levels much higher than required to meet current standards. His value added philosophy in each course makes him a highly proved member of the academic faculty at ��Ӱֱ�� State College. Joe effectively teaches a broad spectrum of students, and he is exacting in his ability to address their various backgrounds; he understands that students need guidance in academics as well as within the current society where they live and work. Professor Damrath also demonstrates his dedication to the success and well-being of each student in his care by scheduling abundant time for students and advisees to meet with him at their convenience. He possesses mastery of subject matter as evidenced by his earned degrees, his continuous scholar and professional growth.”

Lawrence won the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service which was established to give SUNY-wide recognition for superior performance and extraordinary achievement by employees in the Classified Service. These awards demonstrate SUNY’s commitment to individuals who provide superior service to its students and the community at large.

Lawrence’s citation read, in part: “April regularly exemplifies excellence in the way she goes about her daily responsibilities. She not only has professional training in secretarial science but it comes naturally to her and she continues to develop and enhance her skills. She routinely looks at office operations and finds areas where she can streamline procedures. Without being asked, she has taken over the departmental budget planning and monitoring, completing certain reports, updating publications and organizing various projects. April has developed and implemented many college-wide initiatives. From student-oriented projects, to community service as well as projects to support other staff members, April is always scanning the horizon to see where she can help. A number of initiatives that April developed long ago are either still in use or have been a springboard for current procedures. April excels beyond the scope of her job description. Her breadth of experience gives her many opportunities to reach outside the parameters of her job. April is always willing to fill in for other offices when they are short handed and is quick to mentor new employees. April’s support for the College is always evident and customer service skills are exemplary. When handling the most difficult person she typically resolves or at least diffuses the situation. If the problem is outside our division, rather than simply pass it along she stays with the family until she is sure they have the answer they need.”