The Very Inspiring Person (VIP) Employee Appreciation Campaign, facilitated by the SUNY Broome Foundation, is pleased to announce the VIPs for August and September. We are proud to recognize not only our colleagues’ work – but the heart, values, and kindness they bring with them to campus.

View VIP Photo Album | View the VIP website

Our sincere congratulations to:

The Custodial Services, Grounds-keeping and Maintenance Team

“I nominate David Ligeikis and the entire maintenance, grounds-keeping, and custodial crews as our VIPs. David’s positive leadership, together with the personal commitment and hard work of the entire department, have transformed our campus and physical facilities into objects of beauty and pride.

The shrubs, trees and flowers, along with our athletic fields and the well-maintained grass, make our campus visually appealing. The paint job the crew has done on campus is fantastic. Our classrooms, hallways, and floors have never been so clean & attractive. Our facilities crew shows ownership and dedication to our campus every day.

These folks make it easy to be proud when we drive on campus or enter a campus building. Thank you, David and Crew!” – Professor John Pierog

Thank you to these VIPs!

Campus Operations

10-26-2022 Facilities and Maintenance VIP 5248

10-26-2022 Facilities and Maintenance 4 VIPs

10-31-2022 Facilities and Maintenance VIPs

  • David Ligeikis
  • Daniel Myers
  • Christopher Novitsky
Landscaping Team
  • Christina Schmerder
  • Austin Mooney
  • Heather Eaton
  • Gina O’Hern
  • Sally Mugglin
  • Brandy Clark
Groundskeeping Team
  • Joe Miller
  • Paul Miller
  • Robert Snyder
  • John Carlini
  • Tony Fisher
  • Justin Hawley
  • Charlie Kusterbeck
Custodial Crew
  • Kevin Nunn
  • Jay Carros
  • Peter Brenchley
  • Dave King
  • Tony Dewan
  • Seth Allen-Nagle
  • Brian Carmichael
  • Alejandro Quiala
  • Bob Miller
  • Mike Williams
  • Bernie Vinkuns
Maintenance Crew
  • Libin Babu
  • Keith Arnold
  • Christopher Baker
  • James Benardes
  • Patricia Collins
  • Theodore Hissin
  • Brian Kelly
  • Jeffrey Kopolow
  • Michael Kuruc
  • Daryl Pado
  • Ronald Schrieber
  • Matthew Solian
  • Ashley Steele
  • Matthew Wightman

Kevin Bryant

Kevin Bryant, Technical Assistant IIA, ITS

“Kevin is a great addition to the IT Support team. It is always hard to lose an IT Technical Assistant, but Kevin has stepped right in and is continuing to provide us with prompt IT support. He has quickly acclimated to the college and our department needs. His positive approach and patience in helping those of us who are not high-tech people is greatly appreciated!”  – Anonymous

Sandra Hackel

Sandra Hackel (BUMM ’06; RIM ’98), Sr. Duplicating Center Worker, Copy Center

“I have worked with Sandi for several years here at SUNY Broome, and she has been awesome! Every copy project, supply request, etc. Student Activities or Athletics has ever needed has always been processed and returned quickly and correctly. If there are any questions asked, Sandi is pleasant and funny! She is always nice to work with and very deserving of the VIP award!” – Kelly Page (PL ’93)

Richard Kazmark

Richard Kazmark (ET ’85; CSCT ’91; CSAS ’91), Systems Analyst, ITS

“Rick is a kind, generous and supportive VIP. You can always count on him for a good laugh, a good cry or staying super late to work on technical damage control. One time an angry student talked to Rick and left happily talking about his pets. He’s someone you can rely on to get the job done. His kindness goes beyond the campus to every aspect of his life.” – Anonymous

Robert Lofthouse, Associate Professor & Engineering Science & Physics Chair

Robert Lofthouse

“To say that Robert goes above and beyond for students is an understatement! To share just one example, he recently emailed a student offering to open the Physics lab facilities on campus on a weekend or evening to help him do in-person labs. This was because the student’s work schedule only allowed him to take the online section, and he was not successful with the online labs when previously enrolled. He also told the student to call or text with questions – this student is not even taking Robert’s online class; it is another section!” – Maureen Breck (ISAS’ 13)

Jacqueline Nichols

Jacqueline Nichols, Operations & Finance Assistant, Faculty Student Association

“I have worked with Jackie now for several years, between Student Activities and Athletics. Jackie is the BEST! Athletics works with the FSA for several things, and Jackie is the one who greets you with a smile!! She’s smart, caring, works hard, and does a GREAT job! If we have any questions, Jackie will find answers quickly and pleasantly. She is a pleasure to work with and a deserving VIP!” – Kelly Page (PL’ 93)

Rae Palmer-Jones

Rae Palmer-Jones (CJPO’ 10), Student Activities Staff Assistant

“Rae and I go way back. In 2005, when she was a student here, I worked for Student Activities . She was the president of Student Assembly. Even then, her work ethic was fantastic! She is very loyal, hard working and caring. To see her now hired here as the Student Activities Staff Assistant is AWESOME!! She knows what the students like/dislike and knows how to entertain them. If she has questions, she’s not afraid to ask! She wants to make sure the students are HAPPY and ENGAGED!! Love that she’s back working for SUNY Broome, where she belongs!! She is very worthy of being recognized as a VIP!!” – Kelly Page (PL’ 93)

Brittney Richardson

Brittney Richardson, Staff Associate, Fast Forward / Early College & Orientation

“I have been meaning to nominate Brittney for some time now, but, I don’t even know where to begin. She has always been a true and wonderful asset to campus ever since she came in early 2018. Her willingness to help wherever someone needs it, is above and beyond expectations. She is able to relate with anyone especially students. Brittney was always one of the first to volunteer when needed. I knew the moment I met her, that she was special and will go far in her career in higher education. Broome is lucky to have her here and I know I am honored to be able to say she is not only a colleague, but a friend.”– Susan Wellington

Peter Sicilian

Peter Sicilian, Music Programs Adjunct Instructor

“Peter is an inspiration to both the music faculty and students. He is a positive and encouraging person and it is a joy to work with him. He is always thinking of new and creative ways to improve the teaching environment for our students. SUNY Broome is so fortunate to have him uplifting and nurturing our students.” – Anonymous

Cheryl Sullivan

Cheryl Sullivan, Office Manager & Secretary to the Associate Vice President and Dean of Liberal Arts

“Cheryl goes above and beyond for the faculty in Liberal Arts. Not only is she excellent at her job, but she also cares about all of us. We are so lucky to have her in Liberal Arts and she is certainly a VIP!.” – Brenda Dawe

Heather Worden

Heather Worden, Adjunct Instructor, Music and Theater Arts Department

“Heather Worden has been an adjunct professor in the music department for approximately ten years. She has worked through health issues, being pregnant, having a newborn, and countless other life challenges. Her commitment to her students has been constant. So many graduates talk about the influence she made on their lives, as well as how prepared they were for future study because of her tutelage. She is truly a VIP in our department, and we appreciate everything she does for SUNY Broome and our students.” – Anonymous

Thank you to everyone who nominated a colleague and to our VIPs for their excellent work at our college. We hope you’ll join us in congratulating our recent VIPs and consider submitting someone for recognition next month. Learn more about the VIP program.

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