we thrive we excel we make an impact we make a difference
Recognition Awards
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F L O R I D A I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I V E R S I T Y
because of
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he successes of FIU, our students and alumni have their foundation in the hard work and dedication of FIU faculty and staff who create an environment that inspires Real Triumphs. Because of your work, our students soar as innovators and leaders on the global stage — and FIU is rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a public research university in the 21st century. In the last five years, FIU has jumped 54 spots in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, the greatest improvement among Carnegie R1 public universities and the second highest of any university. The jump in the U.S. News rankings comes on the heels of a banner year for the university that includes placing first among public universities in the state in the Board of Governors’ performance metrics; receiving a $40 million donation from philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott that recognizes FIU’s social mobility and excellence initiatives; and ranking third in the nation among universities younger than 50. In a time that has been unlike any other in recent history, we are reminded that by working together, we achieve our greatest successes. In 2021 – for the sixth consecutive year – our FIU was named one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to a survey by The Great College to Work For® program. The university also achieved honor roll designation, with recognition in 10 out of 10 categories. FIU has received honor roll designation every year since 2016. Such honors are a testament to our collective belief that through collaboration, a shared commitment to excellence and a prevailing atmosphere of respect, we elevate our student body, institution and community. Thank you for being part of something that is making a difference in the lives of so many.
2022 RECOGNITION AWARD PROGRAM WELCOME El pagnier K. Hudson Sr. Vice President, Division of Human Resources Vice Provost, Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
OPENING REMARKS Kenneth A. Jessell Interim President
IN MEMORIAM Presentation of FIU Recognition Awards FIU Torch Award | FIU Opportunity Award | FIU Sustainability Award FIU Service Excellence Award | FIU Community Award FIU Safety & Loss Prevention Award | President’s Access & Equity Award Presidential Excellence Award
CLOSING REMARKS Interim President
BECAUSE OF YOU
Kenneth A. Jessell
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FIU Recognition Awards 2022
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It’s nice to know your hard work and efforts are being recognized by your supervisors and peers within the department. I hope to continue making the university proud and excel in reaching all of our future goals.” — Joel Arancibia, Facility Operations Coordinator Recreation Services Student Affairs
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“It’s an honor to be recognized for my contributions to our university. Our FIU is a beacon of hope to the South Florida community and it is a privilege to work for such a wonderful institution that cares for its stakeholders, no matter who they are.” I am a proud Panther who is wholeheartedly invested in the well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. — Lillian Abreu, Senior Program Officer and Research Associate CARTA Deans Office - Kopenhaver Center Florida International University
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I am extremely honored and grateful to be nominated and recognized for the 2022 recognition awards. My career with FIU so far has been amazing! There is never a moment I don’t feel appreciated for the work I do; it never goes unnoticed. I am truly proud to be a panther!”
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I am honored, and grateful to my peers for this nomination. I couldn’t have done a good job without their support!” — Luz Aviles, Office Coordinator Religion Steven J Green School of International & Public Affairs
BECAUSE OF YOU
— Gilda Castillo, Program Specialist Electrical and Computer Engineering Department College of Engineering and Computing
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It’s an honor to be recognized for my work and dedication. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with such amazing people.”
FIU Recognition Awards 2022
— Jennifer Cooper, Program Manager Wellness and Recreation Center Academic and Student Affairs
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Thankful, grateful and blessed for this nomination and the opportunity to do meaningful work each day.”
— Odalys Diaz, Associate Director Project Management Office División of IT
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I am humbled and honored to be recognized as a nominee. None of this would be possible if it weren’t for the education and professional development I obtained at FIU.” — Alberto Diaz, Assistant Director of Financial Assistance College of Medicine- Office of Student Affairs Florida International University
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Many thanks to my nominators for their thoughtfulness and recognition; it is my honor and pleasure to help our faculty achieve their goals in every way that I can!” — Scott Graham, Grant Admin IV Dean’s Office College of Engineering and Computing
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FIU Recognition Awards 2022
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I’m a proud FIU Panther all the way and humbled by this nomination. Joliett, thank you for your constant support and inspiration. You make a huge difference to your team honor to work with them.” — Jose Hemen, Trainer Talent Acquisition and Management Human Resources
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I am incredibly grateful to my team for this nomination. I work alongside amazing people that motivate me and push me to be better every single day. It’s an honor to work with them.” — Eliana Guzman, Assistant Director Office of Micro-Credentials Division of Academic and Student Affairs
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Thank you — especially to my FIU students and the young people in the communities I work with in Miami and Broward. You teach me more than you will ever know!” — Maria Lovett, Associate Clinical Professor Educational Policy Studies School of Education and Human Development/CASE
It’s a blessing to be surrounded by amazing colleagues who have provided mentorship from the day I became a student assistant to now.” — Henley Louis-Pierre, Senior Information Systems Auditor Office of Internal Audit
BECAUSE OF YOU
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FIU Recognition Awards 2022
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This nomination is such a special recognition. I am so grateful to work with an amazing community of graduate students in the Department of History and the Program in African and African Diaspora Studies.” — Okezi Otovo, Associate Professor History and African and African Diaspora Studies SIPA
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To me, FIU embodies what a communityresponsive institution should look like. I am honored to be recognized and grateful to be a part of a university that changes lives.” — Gregory Schneider, Associate Professor Humanities, Health, and Society Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
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It’s an honor to be recognized for my contributions to our university. I am grateful I am able to make a difference. Also, I would like to give thanks to the nominator(s), the voting committees, and others who have supported your endeavors.” — Kang Yen, Professor, Assistant Provost (China program), Director of International Program Development Depart of Electrical & Computer Engineering College of Engineering and Computing
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It’s an honor to be recognized for my contributions and efforts to our university. In my 13 years working at FIU, I am grateful I am able to make an impact and a difference. Look forward to many more years to come!” — Janet Medina, Director of University Budgets Office of Finance Planning Business and Finance
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2022 FIU Recognition Awards FIU Torch Award
Exemplified FIU’s institutional values of truth, freedom, respect, responsibility and excellence by exhibiting the highest standards of character and ethical behavior. Gagani Athauda Myrtha J. Cherenfant
Iris A. Elijah Lorna Veraldi
FIU Online Learning Design and Tech Accessibility Team
Gabriela M. Alvarez Robert R. Parhizgari Evangelia M. Prevolis
FIU Opportunity Award
Promoted FIU’s vision of being a leading urban public research university by contributing outstanding service with a focus on student learning, innovation, and collaboration. Patricia M. Amado Moira L. Chacon Gail M. Hansen
Virtual Graduate School Fair Albert L. Hoyt III Nanett A. Rojas
FIU Sustainability Award
Promoted FIU’s respect for the environment by providing knowledge, education and modeling ways to achieve climate preservation as well as capitalize on the economic opportunities of the solutions developed. John D. Buschman
Marianne Pineda
FIU Service Excellence Award
Possessed the job knowledge, people skills, motivation, and drive for continuous improvement that provides a level of service excellence that exceeds the expectations of FIU customers and colleagues. They are known for service excellence beyond their mandated job responsibilities. Consistently sought opportunities for collaboration and cross-functional improvements to better serve the university community. Lillian Abreu Isabel Alfonsin Vittoria Talina Almonor Magali Autie Luz E. Aviles Rosa Babino Samantha P. Baca Dulce M. Beltran Amy F. Betancourt Angela L. Bullard Consuelo A. Cano Ana Cristina Carrodeguas Gilda E. Castillo Priscilla Chaves Michelle L. Chernicoff Damien M. Cooke Maria A. Cossio Laura G. Cruz Italo Valcy Da Silva Brito Dayana D. Davis Calazu Mariela I. Delgado Odalys Diaz Yelena Diaz
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Alberto J. Diaz Jr Layla El Hilu Claudia E. Estrada Pedro Falcon Mabel Fernandez Yameli Flores Brian Fonseca Steve Forero Paz Yanira M. Freire Hansel Frias Victoria Gonzalez Scott C. Graham Benjamin Guerrero Eliana Guzman Jose H. Hemen Reyna M. Hernandez Gloria C. Jacomino Saradia Laure B. Lerouge Ileana J. Lindsay Michelle M. Londono Esther V. Lopez Mary M. Lopez Francia M. Lopez Gonzalez
Henley Louis Pierre Jocelyn Martinez Maria T. Martinez Leon O. McNeil Jr Janet V. Medina Marissa K. Miles Jose A. Miranda Natalie M. Naranjo Natalie K. Nunez John M. O Mara Virama Oller Jessy L. Palma Marianne Pineda Norma Pizarro Marin Mercedes M. Ponce Gladys A. Ramos Birgitta M. Rausch Montoto Valeria D. Raventos Delver M. Retana Alma P. Riesen Joselyn M. Roane Nanett A. Rojas Emillia V. Roque
Eduard Rozenshteyn Ada M. Rueda Luisa M. Ruiz Natalie M. San Martin Dorys R. Saxlehner Jorge L. Segredo Perez David H. Snider Jr Ariana Taglioretti Christopher M. Townsend Luis E. Turmero Freytez Sandeep Varry Amber R. Webber 2021 Legislative Waivers Team Dulce M. Beltran Calvin S. Cheng Henry K. Cheng German M. Cruz Luisa Galecio David M. Granda Jennifer C. Halpern Stefany C. Lorio Janet V. Medina
FIU Service Excellence Award continued Natassia Morales Jessy L. Palma Mario N. Patterson
Division of Information Technology Ariel Collado Jorge L. Sanchez
The Accessibility Team Gabriela M. Alvarez Nicole A. Attong Garamis S. Campusano Mayte H. Capo Iris A. Elijah Jennifer L. Gebelein Talel Issa Valerie J. Johnsen Amanda L. Niguidula Robert R. Parhizgari Anne M. Prestamo Evangelia M. Prevolis Robert J. Romano Mariel A. Romero Guerra Eric Simon Krystal Sutherland Carlos E. Varona Leanne M. Wells Martha B. Wong
Electronic Process for Student Program/Plan Change Arianny Arellano Henry K. Cheng German M. Cruz Jose C. del Rosario Daniel A. Ramirez
Accounting Advising Team Christine N. Angel Gina M. Bretos Marisely Rojas Business Services Carlos A. Francisco Fernando J. Molina COB Office of Academic Advising Innovative Presenters Christine N. Angel Esther B. Aserraf Gina M. Bretos Oscar E. Diaz Genesis Dieguez Brantanique C. Homicil Gabriela M. Izaguirre Marisely Rojas Melissa Silveira Jennely M. Vasquez Department of Economics Team Mariela I. Delgado Victoria Gonzalez
Facilities Custodial Services Rafael A. Alonso Rosaivys Alvarez Yamila Alvarez Gloria Angel Jose A. Batista Cabrera Jose R. Bermudez Rita Borre Jamaal D. Brown Elena B. Cabrera Menendez Nidia Castillo Alfred Comabella Gilda Y. Corzo Ricardo J. Diaz Rubio Ana M. Fabregas Dagoberto Fuentes Ferreiro Adolfo A. Gonzalez Carlos A. Gonzalez Gonzalez Rosaida Gonzalez Ramirez Maria R. Guarin Dora Guerra Sinohska Guillen Rosa M. Hernandez De Morales Jose Hurtado Londono Ivone J. Ildefonso Pedro F. Lopez Gutierrez Adolfo J. Marengo Hilaria N. Martinez Lazara I. Medina Ana Y. Mejia Garcia Edwin A. Padilla Josefa Pena Leonard Eduardo R. Perez Menendez Debra L. Plez Jesus Ramirez Mercedes I. Ramirez Patino Norma H. Ramos Carlos M. Reynaldo
continued Carlos A. Rio Matienzo Wilfredo Rodriguez Jr Yudania Salas Navarro Esther Saldarriaga Horacio Sanchez Sara M. Sanchez Maria G. Sandigo Ana T. Santos Lazaro R. Santos Paula E. Solorzano Maria Suarez Gil Barbara R. Valdez Jorge Vilches Paulette Wilson Margarita M. Wray FIU Online Quality Assurance Management (QAM) Team Gladys Diaz Herminia D. Lezcano Nicole M. Sanchez Graham Center Team Rigoberto J. Campos Carlos F. Carrasco Manuel Fernandez Marcos A. Garcia Gonzalez Deborah E. Jutan Sanyo Mathew Manny Menendez Cristobal R. Molina Veronica Molina Andre E. Rodrigues Ayxa A. Vecino Housing Facilities Johann Barata Ramon Barba Jose Barrocas Helcio Camargo Hugo A. Cedeno Verdecia Magdalena Concepcion Hernandez Lazaro L. De Armas Jorge L. Diaz Steve M. Diezel Eduardo Dominguez Eduardo J. Enriquez Lazo Altagracia M. Espinal Idelmis Fernandez Perez Jorge Gomez
continued Angie G. Grillo Dulis V. Grullon Diego A. Guiu Portuondo Damaris Gutierrez Dayans Hernandez Garcia Yanelis Hernandez Valladares Michael A. Holness Kirkward Houston Jr James T. Johnson Jr Milbia Lopez Raul Martinez Danay Menendez Leonardo Morilla Maria I. Paz Chil Raul Ponzoa Thomas Recio Jannette S. Sawzak Juan C. Sosa Fabian V. Stallworth Ricardo Tijero Office of VP for Enrollment Management Services Support Team Glenda E. Centeno Clara Gonzalez Special Thanks: Catherine Moussa Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Migration Ali Bagheri Sybille S. Baylard Anu T. Chirinos Robert J. Ferrer Larisa Goldberg Talel Issa Michael R. Kirgan Jairo M. Lagos Eduardo J. Monteiro Robin Nadal Srinivas Popuri Irina Rabinovich Antonio Rodriguez Rene Rotella Craig L. Sawyer John R. Vargas Carlos E. Varona Joseph Wong
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FIU Service Excellence Award continued
P3 Ambassadors Marcos A. Garcia Gonzalez Alicia M. Moore Ayxa A. Vecino
SGA Budget Hearing Innovators Michelle M. Castro Matilde Gramling Silvana M. Rogelis
Panther TECH Jose Lopez Varela Larry Misrahi
Student Centers - AV Team Rigoberto J. Campos Andre E. Rodrigues
Pre and Post Award Team Scott C. Graham Lian Zhang
SUS Virtual Counselor Workshop Stephen Escudero Elena M. Martinez Jocelyn Martinez Barbarita Ramos
Presidential Events Team Nicole G. Hoyle Del Valle Jehnny P. Rivera Melanie M. Rodriguez
Transformation of Professional Development Tracking Team Eran Arbel Jennifer L. Baker Dayanis Borges Jaede T. Brereton Luz D. Cabrera Frias Alejandro Camacho Gonzalez Jose H. Hemen Talel Issa Arden Napier Rafael Perez Jr Robert J. Romano Mariel A. Romero Guerra Carlos E. Varona Joliett Vega Klucevsek
Wellness and Recreation Team Leoncio J. Alvarez Jr Joel J. Arancibia Brittany D. Baldwin Elie W. Bardawil Janet S. Branch Jennifer L. Cooper Pedro Falcon Thomas C. Giles Patricia Suarez Jonathan A. Torrey Barry T. Tucker
Presidential Excellence Award
Supported institutional, strategic, and operational excellence by restructuring processes to improve efficiency, productivity and quality; and/or implemented critical programs; received recognition from peers in the academic community for excellence in research, scholastic, or creative activities. Jeronimo Aguiar Bezerra Isabel Alfonsin Vittoria Jose Eirin Lopez Amal M. Elawady Ileana C. Gonzalez Benjamin Guerrero Gail M. Hansen Julio E. Ibarra Marie Flor V. Meneus Osama A. Mohammed Svetlana A. Roudenko Victoria E. Tomas Kang K. Yen 2021 Legislative Waivers Team Dulce M. Beltran Calvin S. Cheng Henry K. Cheng German M. Cruz Luisa Galecio David M. Granda Jennifer C. Halpern Stefany C. Lorio
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continued Janet V. Medina Natassia Morales Jessy L. Palma Mario N. Patterson FIU Online Marketing and Business Development Team Alexis A. Albuquerque Corey A. Burge Hobert B. Caudales Fabian E. De La Flor Eva Marie Gasson Garth D. Headley Ivan F. Marchena Karla G. Maria Juan A. Palenzuela Pulve Vanessa Perez Monica S. Smith
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Migration Ali Bagheri Sybille S. Baylard Anu T. Chirinos Robert J. Ferrer Larisa Goldberg Talel Issa Michael R. Kirgan Jairo M. Lagos Eduardo J. Monteiro Robin Nadal Srinivas Popuri Irina Rabinovich Antonio Rodriguez Rene Rotella Craig L. Sawyer John R. Vargas Carlos E. Varona Joseph Wong
Office of Veteran and Military Affairs Anthony DeSantis Luis F. Restrepo Special Thanks Alexandra Gutierrez Alessandra Krause Rosa Ore Marquay Smith Retention Outreach: Reducing Drop for Non-Payment Laura C. Castillo Katharine A. Conrad Marina Gitelman Johnny J. Jean April F. Lewis Rhesia C. Lewis Marina T. Marchena Kaitlyn S. Pereyra Cara E. Rolle Joanna L. Sanabria
FIU Community Award
Sponsored by Gabor Financial Solutions Supported the university’s mission by promoting high quality teaching, state-of-the-art research and creative activity or collaborative engagement with our local and global communities during the past year. This award is being sponsored by Gabor Financial Solutions. Rokeshia R. Ashley Diogo Duarte Garcia Pires Vanessa I. Gordon Hilary C. Landorf Maria K. Lovett Anjana Mishra Lorraine A. Nowakowski Gregory W. Schneider
The College Tour FIU Episode Elizabeth S. Garland Jaclyn G. Jonusas Timothy J. Long Elena M. Martinez Eduardo Merille Christopher Necuze Nicole A. Valle
The Content Production Team Mariang I. Almaguer Teresita Davis Antonio M. Delgado Michael A. Martin
Linda Fenner 3D Mobile Mammography Center Julia C. Bisschops Kassandra M. Grass Maria T. Martinez Lorraine A. Nowakowski Special Thanks Olga Nunez
President’s Access & Equity Award
Demonstrated efforts exceeding one’s mandated job responsibilities that promote the values of diversity and the importance of equity and inclusion at FIU. A demonstrated commitment to enhancing diversity university-wide that fosters a culture of inclusion and belonging on campus and/or within the surrounding community, shown leadership through positive interactions among persons of diverse backgrounds, and lived experiences which illustrate commitment to inclusion of persons within and outside of the institution who are members of traditionally under-represented groups. Emmanuele A. Bowles Charles P. Buscemi Barbara D. Cotto Jimenez Carlos A. Flores Erica Friedman Sarah A. Mathews Okezi T. Otovo Gustavo Roig Carleen Vincent Robinson
The Accessibility Team Gabriela M. Alvarez Nicole A. Attong Garamis S. Campusano Mayte H. Capo Iris A. Elijah Jennifer L. Gebelein Talel Issa Valerie J. Johnsen Amanda L. Niguidula
continued Robert R. Parhizgari Anne M. Prestamo Evangelia M. Prevolis Robert J. Romano Mariel A. Romero Guerra Eric Simon Krystal Sutherland Carlos E. Varona Leanne M. Wells
continued Martha B. Wong Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging for All: Manager Learning Series Team Emmanuele A. Bowles Joliett Vega Klucevsek
we thrive we excel we make an impact we make a difference
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in memoriam
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Carlos A. Borges Tutor, Center for Excellence in Writing College of Arts, Sciences & Education Barbara Collazo Custodial Worker I Facilities Management Mario I. Gonzalez AV Technician II Division of Information Technology Valerie E. Hall Office Associate, Biology College of Arts, Sciences & Education David Kadko Research Professor, Applied Research Center College of Engineering and Computing Guillermo Maravi Journeyman Plumber Facilities Management Maria T. Matheu Academic Records Officer III, Office of the Registrar Enrollment Services
Geoffrey S. Smith Professor, Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences College of Engineering and Computing
BECAUSE OF YOU
Frederick A. Schild Professor, COM Surgery Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
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THANK
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K YOU! Congratulations for your outstanding work and continued efforts in making FIU a great institution!
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