Recipients of the 2006 Excellence in Service Award were honored for their exceptional level of service to students, colleagues, alumni, or the surrounding community.

Melanie Andrich
Samantha Collier
Robert Emmons
Lois Jean Fromer
Robert Gerdes
Lisa Anne Laitman
Edward Levy
John O’Neal
Michael Sepanic
Kathleen Wagner

	Melanie Andrich, Associate Director, Study Abroad Program Nominated by: Julie Traxler, Assistant Dean II, Rutgers College Office of the Dean Outstanding Achievement: Melanie coordinates recruitment and retention efforts for the university’s more than 40 Study Abroad programs. At any given time, she is responsible for the needs of approximately 600 students in the application process, 400 students currently studying abroad, and 400 students who have just returned from semesters abroad. Melanie was responsible for the overhaul of the Study Abroad web site, and recently implemented a peer monitoring program and partnership with Sexual Assault Services to prepare students to safely live abroad. [ Back to Top ]
	Samantha Collier, Director of External Affairs School of Business–Camden Nominated by: Bridget Britton, Secretarial Assistant, School of Business–Camden Outstanding Achievement: Over the last year and a half, Samantha provided continuity, guidance, and support as the School of Business experienced transition under a new dean. The school was without a development officer and business manager during this same period of time, and Samantha assumed many of the day-to-day responsibilities of these positions as well. She is truly a “jack of all trades,” serving as a resource and primary contact for faculty, students, staff, alumni, parents, and potential donors. She is proactive in working with her colleagues to develop new programs for the school and serves as a valuable resource to both undergraduate and graduate students. [ Back to Top ]
	Robert Emmons, Assistant Director, Honors College, Rutgers–Camden Nominated by: Allen Woll, Director Honors College, Rutgers–Camden Outstanding Achievement: Robert serves as an adviser and mentor, welcoming incoming students to campus with extensive individual interviews and building relationships with them throughout their college careers. Creative and resourceful, he has led the effort to bring podcasting technology to Honors College and the Camden campus. He is quickly emerging as a national expert on podcasting technology and has served as a guest speaker at professional conferences on the topic. He has also worked with the Dean’s Office to produce a video of campus research efforts, volunteered to create the web site for the Office of Student Life, and organized the New Century Film Festival, which is being planned as an annual event on the Camden campus. [ Back to Top ]
	Lois Jean Fromer, Senior Administrative Assistant, Music Department Nominated by: George Stauffer, Dean, Mason Gross School of the Arts Outstanding Achievement: Lois has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the personal welfare of the students in the Music Department. In her daily activities, Lois serves as a source of encouragement and guidance for all music department students, and faculty rely on her as a source of expertise on student-related matters. She streamlined her department’s admissions process and administers scholarships in excess of $1.5 million. She has established a highly successful open house program for potential students and a unique “student for a day” program for admitted applicants. [ Back to Top ]
	Robert Gerdes, Project Manager, Office of Instructional and Research Technology Nominated by: Gayle Stein, Associate Director for Instructional Technology, Office of Instructional and Research Technology Outstanding Achievement: Robert has been instrumental is assessing the university’s video resources and needs. He has assumed a leadership role in the NJEDge.net statewide video working group and has brought information about state-of-the-industry video technologies to Rutgers. Robert has also devoted significant effort to conserving university funds while making essential software such as Maple, ChemDraw, and CensusSeat more accessible to students, faculty, and staff through universitywide licensing. This past year, his evaluation of hardware purchase proposals for student disk space storage resulted in a savings of $60,000 in student fee funds. [ Back to Top ]
	Lisa Anne Laitman, Director of Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program for Students Nominated by: Barbara Kachur, Substance Abuse Specialist, University Health Services Outstanding Achievement: Through hard work, dedication, and compassionate service, Lisa has improved the lives of hundreds of students who suffer from addiction. She has been a driving force behind the development and expansion of Recovery Housing, one of only three such programs in the country. She works cooperatively with student service staff, alumni, and the Housing office to address the social, emotional, and intellectual needs of students in recovery and offers them a comprehensive living environment. Under Lisa’s direction, Rutgers Recovery Housing has received national media attention and serves as the model program of its kind across the nation. [ Back to Top ]
	Edward Levy, Associate Dean of Students and Director of Recreational Services, Cook College Nominated by: Sean Spinello, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Outstanding Achievement: Dean Levy brought together a group of committed students to help change the lives of individuals affected by Hurricane Katrina. In early September 2005, he spearheaded relief efforts by planning a blood drive, water drive, and fundraising activities totaling $10,000. Edward organized a spring break trip for 84 Rutgers students and staff to help rebuilding homes in the St. Bernard Parish area of New Orleans. Under his direction, $32,000 was raised to cover all trip expenses for the students. He also coordinated academic components to compliment the spring break experience including options for independent study and a seminar course specifically designed around Hurricane Katrina. [ Back to Top ]
	John O’Neal, Lieutenant University Police Nominated by: Rhonda Harris, Chief, Rutgers University Police Outstanding Achievement: Lieutenant O’Neal’s leadership and commitment as an officer and investigator have helped elevate the reputation of the RUPD into one of the country’s most respected university police agencies and one of the top departments in the state. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to the safety and welfare of all members of the campus community. John has proven himself a “top notch” investigator yet never fails to demonstrate compassion and sensitivity to crime victims and their loved ones. Lieutenant O’Neal is a team player, supporting his colleagues through professional opportunities and acknowledging them for a job well done. [ Back to Top ]
	Michael Sepanic, Director of Campus Communications & Public Information Rutgers–Camden Nominated by: Peter Gold, Associate Provost for Economic Initiatives Rutgers–Camden Outstanding Achievement: Michael shapes the profile of the Camden campus through aggressive and comprehensive communications activities. He interacts with community, government, and business leaders to represent Rutgers–Camden, and played an important role in the universitywide budget advocacy efforts. He serves as a sounding board to the managers and leaders on campus and demonstrates leadership in managing difficult and complex crisis situations. As a colleague, Mike is available “24/7” and has an open door policy for all who seek his advice or expertise. [ Back to Top ]
	Kathleen Wagner, Administrative Assistant for the Undergraduate Program Rutgers Business School–Newark Nominated by: Sharon Lydon, Associate Dean, Rutgers Business School–Undergraduate Program–Newark Outstanding Achievement: Kathleen is a true advocate for students, treating them with respect, patience, and understanding. She provides support and academic advising for over 180 undergraduate students in the Rutgers Business School and consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism, knowledge, and resourcefulness in her interactions with them. She is a dedicated and reliable member of the School of Business team and has forged strong relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators. [ Back to Top ]

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