Employees of the Month for 2023-2024

Kutztown University Recognizes Employees of the Month for 2023-2024

KUTZTOWN, Pa. - Congratulations to Kutztown University's Employees of the Month for 2023-2024.

Nominations are collected from students, faculty and staff, and the Employee of the Month is selected by the Human Resources Advisory Council. A winner will be selected each month, and out of the 12 monthly winners, one will be selected as Employee of the Year tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 23, at the Faculty and Staff Convocation and Celebration, Schaeffer Auditorium. The Employee of the Month will receive a plaque, reserved parking and a $100 monetary gift sponsored by President Hawkinson.

For more information on the award or to nominate someone, please visit the KU human resources website.

July 2023: Art and Design professor Kate Clair was nominated for her efforts to recognize and appreciate other employees. She is known for going above and beyond for students, community and school events, while working within budget and making the most of every opportunity. Described as enthusiastic, knowledgeable and remembering all the little details, she makes others feel seen.

August 2023: Diana LoChiatto (Anthropology/Sociology, University Relations) is recognized for her work ethic, resourcefulness and dedication, going above and beyond to make sure everyone feels welcomed. Her attention to detail ensures that day-to-day operations in the department run smoothly, with a vibrant, positive and cheerful attitude.

September 2023: Beekey custodian Tucker Mertz brightens everyone's day through his friendliness and care for his work. He makes sure all the little details are taken care of and shows pride and a great work ethic.

October 2023: Coach Don Justus is described as going above and beyond, attending games for other KU teams and providing thoughtful gestures, like going on a drive thru run to save time for the team after the game.

November 2023: IT Applications Developer Alexis Peoples is valued by her colleagues for her attention to detail and persistence in identifying and fixing issues before they become problems. She has a positive attitude and asks the right questions to provide an excellent result.

December 2023: Chemistry Lab Manager Julie Smith is admired for her professionalism, communication and attention to detail as she maintains and monitors scientific equipment and chemical supplies, ensuring the safety of everyone using them.

January 2024: Lisa Meyers of the LAS dean's office is compared to the hub of a wheel, the center that keeps everyone moving forward. She is praised for being detail oriented, having excellent communication skills and being a welcoming and calming presence for students, parents, faculty and staff.

February 2024: English professor Colleen Clemens was nominated by a student who credits Clemens with being the reason she was able to finish college and graduate this past December. Clemens assisted the student with the process to reapply after a lengthy break, connecting her with the campus resources needed to be successful. She says, "I honestly do not think I would be finishing college without her!"

March 2024: Housing and Residential Life's Maria de la Cruz is described by her colleagues as tireless, positive and impactful, leading students by example and empowering them through her student-centered approach. She has created a safe space for students of color, letting them know they have an advocate who truly believes in them.

April 2024: Meganlyn Norris of the Elementary, Middle Level, Library and Technologies Education department is praised as an exemplary educator whose effective communication and flexibility engages her students, preparing them to succeed and feel confident, while holding a high standard of achievement.

May 2024: Rick Salafia of Art Education is described by his students as enthusiastic about the subject matter, knowledgeable and fair. He explains tools and processes and gives constructive feedback in a respectful way. He goes above and beyond, giving meaningful life advice and leaving an impact for years to come.

June 2024: Her students call Juliana Svistova of Social Work an exceptional professor who displays and provides a strong foundation of values and ethics. Her classroom is a judgement-free atmosphere where students feel comfortable to share and give feedback. She is a very passionate social work educator and truly cares for her students.