2024 GLOBAL SERVICE AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2024
Awards 2024 GLOBAL SERVICE AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS
Each year, faculty and/or staff members are granted Presidential Awards in recognition of extraordinary accomplishments and performance. The awards go to individuals who have made distinctive contributions to UMGC throughout their careers, through regular and active involvement in programs, activities, and projects that demonstrate a commitment to the university as a whole.
Mario Fail
Associate Director, Training
UMGC Asia
Mario Fail’s career at UMGC spans 17 years, and he currently serves as associate director of training at the Asia Yokota Headquarters in Fussa, Japan. Fail was nominated for his remarkable agility, exceptional ability to collaborate, and for using data-driven insights to refine processes and improve outcomes. His contributions include projects such as development of the Asia onboarding process, Fluid Implementation, SOAR, Advising Training Revamp Process, Graduate Program Workstream, Knowledge Articles Refresh Project, Inside Track Training, and the Inquiry to Graduation (I2G) Launch. His nominators noted, “Mario’s ability to stay ahead of trends and adapt to evolving needs underscores his commitment to fostering a culture of continuous transformation and excellence within the university, as well as an environment that not only values but also drives innovation through inclusivity [that] has significantly advanced UMGC’s goals and positively impacted our community.”
Dan Gallagher
Director, Effective Writing Center
UMGC Stateside
Dan Gallagher is director of the Effective Writing Center stateside and was nominated for the Presidential Award for his collaborative spirit and efforts to reshape the way that learners with disabilities and non-native English speakers are supported at the university. Gallagher’s supervisor noted, “Dan firmly believes that internal and institutional boundaries are irrelevant when working toward a common goal, a principle he demonstrates daily
Achievement Awards
in his work.” Gallagher embraces new, innovative cross-departmental solutions, such as establishing partnerships with Academic Affairs and Library Services, leveraging artificial intelligence within Academic Support and Student Services, and consolidating tutoring and the Effective Writing Center in one location for easier student access—all of which have been instrumental in optimizing learner success.
Susana Macias
Assistant Director, Student Success
UMGC
Stateside
Susana “Susie” Macias is an assistant director of Student Success stateside who has been part of the UMGC community for nearly a decade. She was nominated for a Presidential Award for her deep commitment to supporting diverse student populations and her innovative approach to building community within the university. According to her supervisor, “Susie's exceptional ability to connect with her team on a personal level, combined with her dedication to fostering their growth and success, has left a lasting and profound impact. As a leader, she is a ray of sunshine, bringing positivity and warmth that uplifts everyone around her. Her time as a success coach underscored her commitment to student achievement, touching countless lives and setting a standard of excellence that continues to inspire her team today.” Macias is also credited for enhancing the learner experience and streamlining business processes, fostering an inclusive and motivated team environment, and engaging deeply with the military community.
Francisco Muniz
Senior Manager, Subject Tutoring
UMGC
Stateside
Francisco Muniz is senior manager of subject tutoring stateside and was nominated for a Presidential Award for building strong internal partnerships in support of English language learners, reframing language gaps as opportunities for innovative support and identifying multilingual staff who can expand support for students as they engage with advisors,
coaches, or coordinators. In leading the Latino Students Support Group, he has also established a foundation that can be expanded to other underserved groups going forward. His supervisor notes, “Francisco collaborates with respect and care and leads by example, encouraging members from other cultural backgrounds to contribute their points of view, ideas, and decisions, based on their knowledge and experiences, to promote innovation. His collaboration with the Digital Student Experience team and the director of Academic Support Services highlights his strategic approach and ability to adapt his perspective, always considering the learner's viewpoint.”
Mark Rendon
Overseas Collegiate Professor UMGC Asia
Mark Rendon is an overseas collegiate professor at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. He was nominated for the Presidential Award for his approach to inclusive curriculum design and support of underrepresented learners, as well as his efforts to develop partnerships with international universities, paving the way for student exchange programs that expose our learners to diverse cultures and business practices. Rendon’s forward-thinking approach ensures that our MBA program remains at the forefront of global business education. A colleague stated that, “Mark's unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion, coupled with his remarkable ability to optimize agility and reach beyond traditional boundaries, has not only enriched our MBA program but has also set a standard for excellence in fostering an inclusive, adaptive, and forward-thinking academic environment.”
Achievement Awards
Elisabeth Rice
Associate Director, Academic Affairs
UMGC Europe
Elisabeth “Lisa” Rice currently serves as an associate director of Academic Affairs in Kaiserslautern, Germany, having been part of the UMGC community for more than three decades. She was nominated for the Presidential Award because of her operational agility—which ensures that we remain responsive to the needs of our diverse students, faculty, and staff—as well as for her collaborative nature, supporting the launch of innovative programs and practices in support of the university's mission. One nominator wrote, “There is no person who better personifies UMGC’s mission to inspire hope, empower dreams, and transform lives ... one student (and staff member and faculty member) at a time.”
William Stevens
Associate Director, Enrollment Operations
UMGC Asia
William “Will” Stevens is based at the Asia Yokota Headquarters in Fussa, Japan, where he serves as associate director of enrollment operations and as a member of the adjunct faculty. He was nominated for the Presidential Award because of his innovative spirit, which has led to the establishment of new, in-demand, noncredit courses. His work with the Stateside Student Success team to develop UMGC's global mission by exploring ways to help English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) students better succeed and his mentorship of faculty members are also noteworthy. His nominator wrote, “Will is never ever happy with the status quo and is relentless in making situations better. His professional and personal courage and a willingness to continue to challenge boundaries has led to several transformative solutions that have benefited both UMGC and, most importantly, our students.”
Cosmin Tomescu
Associate
Director, Technical Support
UMGC Europe
Cosmin Tomescu is associate director of technical support at UMGC’s location in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He was nominated for the Presidential Award because of his efforts to research and implement digital platforms and tools, such as cloud-based solutions for networks and collaboration tools that can be adapted for accessibility for those with disabilities, which have ensured that individuals from diverse backgrounds—including those with disabilities—have access to educational resources and opportunities, not just in Europe, but also downrange and globally. His foresight has also enabled UMGC to swiftly adapt to changing technological landscapes and educational needs. Tomescu’s supervisor stated, “His commitment to celebrating diversity has enriched the university community, promoting collaboration, understanding, and innovation, as [has] his commitment to fostering a more responsive and forward-thinking academic environment.”
Nikki Wyatt
Customer Relations Management Coordinator
UMGC Europe
Nicole “Nikki” Wyatt is located in Naples, Italy, and serves as a customer relations management coordinator. She was nominated for the Presidential Award for her pivotal role in transforming the outreach approach in the Mediterranean region, along with her proactive and collaborative approach that has not only improved enrollment numbers but also strengthened the overall student experience. Her nomination praised her commitment to excellence and ability to drive positive change across the organization, noting that, “Her openness to feedback and proactive approach have fostered a collaborative environment where every team member feels heard and respected. People from Europe, Asia, and stateside frequently seek her out, and she readily shares her expertise.”
Achievement Awards
NEWCOMER IMPACT AWARDS
The Newcomer Impact Awards, launched in 2023, recognize the significant contribution UMGC’s newest team members—those who have been with the university for three years or less—can have on the university’s success. The awards recognize and encourage bold thinking, initiative, courage, and persistence.
Shawna Griffin
Site Lead
UMGC Europe
Shawna Griffin has been with UMGC for three years and serves as a site lead in Naples, Italy. She has been recognized for her work to revamp the outreach strategy, ensuring that each learner receives personalized attention and support. A colleague stated, “Her commitment to professional development has strengthened the team and empowered them to provide the highest level of support to our learners. Without Shawna’s oversight, vision, and dedication, the Naples site would not be in the strong position it is today.”
Mariah Keen
Social Media Manager
UMGC Stateside
Mariah Keen rejoined UMGC three years ago after previously working for UMGC Europe. She currently serves as a social media manager. She is responsible for elevating UMGC’s presence and engagement on our social media channels, providing a seamless experience for learners who choose to connect with the university in the digital realm. Keen’s work also shares credit for the university’s record-breaking number of FAFSA completions, as she oversaw a highly effective campaign that connected with thousands of students, encouraging them to finish their applications. Her nominator noted, “Mariah always goes above and beyond to help others and to do her own job. She is extremely self-motivated and cares about helping students succeed.”
INNOVATION AWARDS
The Innovation Awards recognize UMGC staff and faculty members who develop innovative ideas, devices, or processes with the potential to create a positive and profound impact within the university.
Lindsey Frankenfield Senior Program and National Test Center Coordinator
UMGC Europe
Lindsey Frankenfield is a senior program and national test center coordinator who has been with UMGC for two years. Based in Aviano, Italy, Frankenfield was nominated for an Innovation Award for her efforts to transform the Student Ambassador Program into a robust, strategic initiative that has connected UMGC with countless potential students and partners. Her success in bolstering the program in Aviano has resulted in the successful launch of the network across the Mediterranean region, and it has become a cornerstone of a highly effective student engagement strategy. Frankenfield has demonstrated UMGC’s commitment to innovative, student-centered approaches, which ultimately contributes to the university’s reputation as a global leader in higher education.
Mindy Otis
Overseas Collegiate Professor
UMGC Europe
Mindy Otis is an overseas collegiate professor in Wiesbaden, Germany, and has served the UMGC community for a decade. She is being recognized with an Innovation Award for establishing two programs designed to offer learners extra support to ensure they attain their goals: a Friday night tutoring service and the UMGC Europe Chapter of Psi Chi for the university's psychology students. The colleague who nominated Otis noted, “She shows our current students and prospective students that the university and faculty care about their success, not only while they are current students but after graduation as well.”
Achievement Awards
BYLEE MASSEY MEMORIAL AWARD
The Bylee Massey Memorial Award is granted annually to a member of the faculty, staff, or student body who has gone “above and beyond” with his or her volunteer efforts, outside of normal responsibilities or assigned duties, for a university project or event, and whose efforts directly benefit UMGC students or programs. The award was created in part by the generosity of the Herman Maril Foundation to honor the spirit of service of Bylee Massey— wife of former UMGC President T. Benjamin Massey—who founded the university’s Maryland Artist Collection.
Jacklyn Wilson
Advanced Program and National Test Center Coordinator UMGC Europe
Jacklyn Wilson is an advanced program coordinator based at Prince Sultan Air Base in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She is being honored with the Bylee Massey Memorial Award for her work that transformed a basic tent into a vibrant Education Center, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for learners in that region. Additionally, she formed an innovative alliance— the Cultural Exchange Club—that has fostered cultural understanding and collaboration between U.S. and Saudi military personnel, enriching the educational experiences for all involved. Her nominator stated that Wilson “embodies the UMGC mission statement and the spirit of the Bylee Massey Award, which celebrates Ms. Massey’s grace, dignity, innovation, and her ‘above and beyond’ efforts for UMGC. Ms. Massey would find a kindred spirit in Jackie.”
FIFTY YEARS
Francis Concilus
FORTY YEARS
Lou D'Angelo
Adelaide Lagnese
THIRTY-FIVE YEARS
Shari Cammack
Jennifer Cullen
Mary Murrel
Robert Thomas
Angela Thompson
THIRTY YEARS
Allan Berg
Jeffrey Newbern
Michael Tisher
Wendy WilliamsSumpter
Patrick Celestin
Jacqueline Chapman
TWENTY YEARS
Mary Crowley-Farrell
Sarah Felber
Michael Filippone
Ahalya Hejmadi
Anne-Marie Hubbell
Richard Kruckow
Tyler Cole
Lenita Elletson
Mohamed Ezz
Uraness Feuz
Mitchell Finney
Brian Greenwood
Randall Hansen
Catina Hare
Paul Hartmann
Eugene Lockett
Susano Loya
Nasri Saab
Cynthia Sachs
Ranu Sharma
Karla Hersh
Amy Hoch
Madelaine Hossack
Candace Johnson
Carla Jones
Ashley Smith
Megan Tuozzo
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS
Saada Abdurehman
Cheryl Ashimine
Alba Beckford
Gloria Cole
Joseph Horstkamp
Elizabeth Mulherrin
Charles Neimeyer
Dawn Schwartz
April Shanahan
Alesha Tyson
Deena Vaughn
Patricia Williams
FIFTEEN YEARS
Niki Adjetey
Pamela Benbiga
Anthony Blocker
Patrick Bradley
Sean Bryan
Massiel Leech
Megan Loop
Bridget McKay
Albert Millard
Lenny Morales
Susan Morris
Casey O'Brien
Claibourne Patty
Courtney Peters
Kurtis Porter
Timothy Quezada
George Theoharis
Mamadou Thiam
Erin Thompson
Tanya Tinajero
Reza Zubair
TEN YEARS
Philip Adams
Carley Augustine
Ronald Breines
Joshua CamachoLeuck
Judith Carlos
Muyesser Cole
Nichole Duley
Brian East
Francis Flores
Melanie Glassford
Marcus Gradney
David Harmon
Justin Hasty
Geraldine Henderson
Priscilla Hicks
Rachel Higgins
Steven Holt
Jennifer Jak
Jocelynn Johnson
Samantha Jones
Jessica LaMoe
Service Awards
Catherine Leaning
Glenda Levi
Glenn Lorenzo
Sangai Baindu Marie
Lynch
Aaron Marshall
Jennifer Marson
Malia McCarrick
Terrance McDuffie
Judith McNeely
Caroline Monroe
Mindy Otis
Daniel Panaseth
Christopher Panzarella
LaCandance Queen
Nathichka Ramzey
Jenel Roberts
Natasha Rodriguez
Ariel Rosales
Nikki Sandoval
Megumi Savoy
Elizabeth Sheehan
Stephanie Sillers
Amanda Stapleton
Hinako TakahashiBreines
Cherilynn Temoney
Angelica Terso
Zhen Xu
FIVE YEARS
Malik Ables
Abiola Adegnika
Akosua Adjekum
Carlene Ainsworth
Melodie Alejandro
Bethany Allen
Nicholas Armero
Kelly Ascherl
Andrew Banks
Helen Barker
Jennifer Beil Bezawit Bekele
Shara Bennafield
Latetia Bennett
Michelle Berck
Kimberly Bills
Shaina Brewer
Lukas Britton
Jhonna Brookins
Lakendra Brown
Tiffney Burch
Kyle Callahan
Amber Canedo
Lina Cardona
Jill Carey
Yasmine CastanedaBrereton
Kristine Chin
Douglas Dalzell
Carl Davis
Christopher Davis
Katilynn Davis
Meghan Jones
Tiffany Jordan
Crystal Roberson
Alissa Rohlehr
Madison Donithan
Brianna Kress
Mary Kuyateh
Bryant Lampkin
Rhonda Diaz-Hollimon
Mariette Largess
Suvin Lee
Sherri Sampson
Brianna Samuels
Darlene Sanchez
Michael Sanders
Felecia Scott
Kamden Doss
Ange-Christelle Douza
Dorian Drake
Zaquoiyah Engram
Elizabeth Gall
Reynaldo Garcia
Jay Gonzales
Robert Grady
Shaun Graham
Stacey Graves
Orbrae Griffin
Stefan Gunther
Kevin Hancock
Kathleen Hebbel
Dail Huggins-Evans
Tiffany Jackson
DaCosta
Aaron Jasny
Carlene JeffersonWilson
Nathan Jirka
Tiffany Lide
Nina Liezel Legaspi
Christopher Malcolm
Kirsten Malone
Sophia-Ann Martin
Melissa Martinez
Alicia Martinson
Samara Massey
Laura Mazur
Cynthia McGinnis
Jamere McKnight
Trevor Moon
Tammi Mooney
Diane Shaffer
Shari Smith
John-Michael Spatt
Maria Staton
Ana Susilovic
Akesha Thomas
LaShawn Thompson
Aliyah Toler
Johnalee Waldron
Michael Mulvey
Francisco Muniz
Chiamaka Nnorom
Julie Novakowski
Rachel Payne
Jasmyne Price
Kelly Raney
Mark Rendon
Rachel Weaver
Ryan Wisniewski
ONE YEAR
Christina Abiba
Angelita Abrigo-Villarreal
Ricardo Acevedo
Julie Acosta
Elizabeth AguilarBarnett
Nikki Alexander
Nina Araujo
Service Awards
David Asetta
Damon Ashcraft
Arnettra Baker
Jean Baker
Jeneil Bamberg
Leah Barbato
Matthew Belanger
Brittney Bennett
Carvarie Bennett
Sarah Berry
Melody Blackledge
Mikayla Bostic
Tina Branam-Justice
Jeremy Brannan
Tammy Bresette
Dorina Brown
Jesse Brown
Dominique Butler
Chelsea Byer
Kiara Cabrera
Richard Cameron
Elvera Canfield
Sandra Cannon
Janelle Caple
Kia Carvalheira
Kelly Casey
Charleston Causey
Melissa Chambasian
Dandelion Charles
Jessica Chavez
Ryan Clabby
Rebecca Clapper
Zaira Cleckley
Megan Cleek
Sierra Clough
Patrick Coelus
Haley Cole
Christina Compton
Branden Conerly
Trude Cooke-Turner
Stephen Corgan
Shavonna Corprew
Raven Cortez
Ciara Costanzo
Scott Crawford
Sayaka Crosby
Tiffany Cusick
Ambur-lase Davenport
Alexander Davidson
Mary Dayton
Jennifer Denara
Nina Der-Heard
Laini Deskins
Tyler Dionne
Alexandra Dios
Julie Distelhorst
Christopher Dobbins
Jennifer Dobbs
Chenile Dupuis
Joseph Dyton
Danielle EdQuist
Cleopatra Edwards
William Ehrenfeld
Linda El Alami
Madison Ellis
Teresa Emrick
Christina Erazo
VenessaRenee Estebat
Leigh Ann Fabries
Kendahl Falen
James Falter
Linda Ferguson
Sheba Fevrier
Bethany Fisher
Samuel Fisher
Hunter Forsythe
Elisabeth Foster
Jackson Foy
Laurence Fraser
Tyler Freeman
Carla Gourdine
Courtney Gray
Erysse Green
Verlincia Green
2024 2024
James Griffeth
Tia Guzman
Dustin Hahn
Lakeshia Hamilton
Marquel Hayes
Karolyn Henein
Heather Hensgen
Grace Higdon
James Houck
Tanishia Hutchins
Melissa Jackson
Ashlyn Jenkins
Raquel Jenkins
Summer Jeter
Gustavo Jimenez
Kristen Leusink
Karen Lewis
Rafaela Li
Jennifer Nawrocki
Robert Negley
Nahomy Lopez
Kyra Lovell
Antionette Lyles
Meiosha Mack
Isaac McClure
Ashley McConnell
Kimberly McLeod
Marissa McShepard
Angela Newman
Folakemi Okiji
James Michael Opena
Adolfo Orellana
Hugo Orieny
Leesa Orton
George Palacios
Brittany Palmer
Lily Parker
Mardochee Julien-West
Kaitlyn Kaminsky
Kerri Keating
Courtney Kendzierski
Candice Kennedy
Thomas King
Michael Kono
Brandon Koster
Vanessa Kozak
Miranda LaBrecque
Destiny Laymon
Amy Leffingwell
Christian LeSueuer
Jessica Medina
Abundiz
Alexander Mendes
Christian MendozaAlvarenga
Benjamin Meyer
Claudia Molina
Stephanie Moncree
Karlamari Montanez
Barreto
Megha Patel
Brandon Patterson
Immanuel Patton
Nicholas Perez
Kristien Peterson
Kambree Moses
Shawn Mosley
Mena Moussa
Ada Muffoletto
Gloria Munoz
Charlize Murray
Joanne Nakano
Maddison Phimmasane
Dimitri Pixley
Justine Potter
Rebecca Poulin
Elsa Pruneda Martinez
Samantha Ramos
Aniyah Rasheed
Kayla Reams
Berniece Reese
Taylor Riley
Lindsay Roberson
Tonie Roberts
Service Awards
Jami Rodis
Angela Rodriguez
Alyson Roeding
Misha Ross
Jennifer Sackhoff
Anthony Salazar
Mario Sarmiento
Charis Scharer
Crystal Scheer
Chanesha Scott
Courtney Sensley
Madison Shannahan
Alysah Simonell
Marti Slaughter
Isabelle Sloan
Gavin Smith
Andrew Sohn
Ashley Sours
Damari Starks
Jermya Stephens
Diana Sullivan
Paula Swales
Jamey Sweeney
Franco Taffurelli
Robyn Tajzler
Bryanna Tarantino
Kutub Thakur
Kellie Therriault
Brandi Tompkins
Jessica Torres
Brennan Townsend
Shangnyne Townsend
Nancy Trojanowski
Nathan Tucker
Kelly Tumlin
Marci Twombly
Stephanie Urbina
Jasmin Ureste
Crystal Valley
Nancy Vestal
Dynia Walker
Vincent Walker
Latreshia Warner
Naseer WashingtonTurner
Randi Watson
Stephanie Weiser
Julianne Weiskircher
Alecia Welch
Agatha Leigh Weng
Theresa Wentland
Devon Wicker
ReeceJames Wideman
Kaili Wilkins
Coshik Williams
Nakeem Williams
Jacklyn Wilson
Steven Wilson
Ajami Winfrey-Glende
John Wood
Kate Wright
Alexis Wyatt
Konan Yao
Devan Young
Anthonette YoungBushrod
Kellen Zitani
Doctor of Business Administration
Jeffrey Gold
Patricia Jameson
Jessica LaMoe
Kathy So
Master of Business Administration
Melissa Sweeney
Alexander
Tara Weingardt
Zhen Xu
Kurtis Porter
Timothy Quezada
Justin Ruth
Darlene Sanchez
Amina Smith
Dylan Sullivan
Joshua Camacho-Leuck
Amanda Chavez
Eunji Choi
Madison Clay
Carolina Diaz
Aimee Eddington
Frank Hauer
Priscilla Jebaratnam
Kaitlyn Kaminsky
Alysha Lauron
Sailee Leatherwood
Patricia Leone
Tara Lewis
Stephanie Moncree
Ryan Moore
David Munoz
Danielle Quimbleyalexander
Dantrell Simmons
Master of Distance Education and E-Learning
Jennifer Matos
Joshua Yovich
Master of Science
Dalton Berry
Sophia Bottega
Heidi Buley
Rigoberto Castillo
Fernandez
Karen Hoover
Grace Hunter
Amber Huser
Ashley Kawagishi Yoo
Homer Thompson
Gregory Von Lehmen
Graduate Certificate
Akosua Adjekum
Nia Avery
Melanie Barner
Douglas Berkowitz
Melissa Beuerlein
Sophia Bottega
Kenyana McDaniels
Jean Menard
Parker Nielsen
Sadiq Nuur
Omolabake Olorunfemi
Alisa Parrish
Rachel Payne
Emily Piccione
Anne Brennan
William Etti
Joni Gonzalez
Errin Harris
Melissa Jackson
Summer Jeter
Jennifer Johnson
Meghan Jones
Mariah Keen
Melissa Laskowski
Beniece Lippert
Shawn McKenna
Kambree Moses
Employee Graduates
Sadiq Nuur
Rachel Payne
Kurtis Porter
Orvile Roachford
Liliya Roberts
Cosmin Tomescu
William Whalen
Rosemary Williams
Bachelor of Arts
Richard Robinson
Bachelor of Science
Mohammad Bahreni
Erik Chairez
Zoe Chalk
Bryan Clarke
Heather Daffan
Jessica De Graft Adjei
Keith Droit
Lenita Elletson
Keyonda Salmon
Xarria Tealer
Cosmin Tomescu
Keyana Washington
Rylee Whited
Mary Joy Williams
Mark Witten
Associate of Arts
Zoe Chalk
Christian MendozaAlvarenga
Abigail Pazcoguin
Angelica Perez
Aris Rush
Ariana Vazquez
Undergraduate Certificate
Theresa Bell
Amina Benouraida
Kyren Ellingford
Leah Ishii
Suvin Lee
Taylor McLane
Albert Millard
Mena Moussa
Aris Rush
Catherine Saucer
Rylee Whited
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