Service Awards Honorees 2020

Keva came to our college almost four years ago, with 16 years of experience in advising at FAU. She brought with her a vast knowledge of FAU's systems and policies, and expertise in working with students who are challenged with graduating on time. Keva now serves as the Retention Specialist and shares her knowledge in planning, organizing, and presenting individual and comprehensive support service sessions in the development and implementation of a customized retention plan. Keva demonstrates the ability to develop effective working relationships with her students, but also with faculty and staff. She demonstrates a commitment and dedication towards ensuring the academic success of the students, along with a notable committment and passion to her profession.

Ms. Aniela Aponte has, over her 20 years, performed her many jobs effectively and efficiently. She is always able to help anyone who may need assistance. In fact, Ms. Aponte, is our "go to" person for the COE at the Jupiter/MacArthur campus. Ms. Aponte has multiple responsibilities, and she exceeds expectations in each of her roles. Ms. Aponte is so effective in her roles, that other members of the College of Education staff will routinely reach out to her assistance, which she gladly provides. Her quality of work is outstanding. She is a true professional. Ms. Aniela Aponte has been, and continues to be, extremely valuable to the College of Education.

Dr. Allan Barsky demonstrates an exceptional commitment to the School, College, University and Profession through  his instruction, scholarship and service. Dr. Barsky not only provides leadership in our School, College and University, he also works tirelessly in every task he takes on. During the past year, notably, he responded to the needs in our profession by preparing several webinars as well as publications on the ethics of social work practice during the pandemic. Additionally, Dr. Barsky was instrumental in the development of a proposed certificate focused on social justice in our School. As a faculty member for 20 years, Dr. Barsky has been a crucial part of the development of both a Masters and Doctorate of Social Work program in our School.

Dr. Baxley’s scholarship, teaching, and service are grounded in concerns with equity and social justice and themes central in the Black community. Her aim is to support educators dedicated to multicultural education and serving underserved students. She had won 2 awards for excellence and innovation in teaching at FAU, supported FAU’s Urban Male Initiatives to empower/retain students of color, and founded the Sister Circle to support black female doctoral students.

Dr. Bogotch is a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology. His scholarship is focused on inclusive leadership for social justice for vulnerable populations. He is widely recognized for his scholarship, both nationally and internationally. Dr. Bogotch is a great mentor to younger faculty and doctoral students.

Congratulations, Dr. Michael Brady for 20 years of service. As Professor and Chair in Exceptional Student Education, you led an active faculty to reshape teacher education programs in special education. You co-developed our Bachelor’s in Early Care and Education, opened ACI for students with intellectual disability in 2016, and helped bring CARD to FAU. In 2018, you were FAU’s Scholar of the Year.

In 20 years, Paulo has managed more complex projects than any other PM in Design and Construction. He is a team player who recently assisted with several major projects such as the Student Union and the Schmidt Family Complex; his experience and taste are unique and the guarantee to successful projects for FAU.

Professor Broderick, in her 20 years of service has been a tireless advocate of undergraduate education, an active and engaged researcher and a highly esteemed colleague. We welcome this recognition.

Azita has been a valued member of Facilities Management for 20 years. Azita's knowledge of university and state guidelines for managing projects and other aspects of facilities is an asset not only to the department but to the university. Her historical knowledge has proven to be an asset. Azita is highly respected as a resource by the entire university community and the board of governors.

Don is a two-time graduate of FAU’s accounting program, and serves as Assistant Dean for Finance and Operations in the College of Business. In other words, he manages all of the money and most of the people in the College, and we are grateful for his efforts! Don is a man of the highest integrity and professional standards, and he and his family support FAU in so many ways, including contributions that have created an endowed scholarship. Don is one of those people that everyone knows can be counted on. And when things get difficult, as they always do, Don DeAquino will always work to be part of a solution that takes care of people and the University in the best way possible.

Ms. Devine has been working as the executive secratary of the School of Architecture for over 20 years. Her performance is exceptional and combines professionalism, integrity, experience, and insight. She has created a productive and sustained support of our program and is adored by all that come in contact with her. Faculty, students, and community members all give her the highest rating. The School is tremendously grateful for her years of service and looks forward to many more!

Dr Dinev is an extraordinary scholar and academic leader. As the Chair of the Department of Information Technology and Operations Management, she leads a large department, with over 300 majors. She continues to do innovative things, including recently guiding the new Business Analytics degree through the approval process. Her publication record makes her among the most highly cited scholars in the College of Business, and her research on data privacy and information security (some co-authored with Paul Hart) has particularly influential, and this record has resulted in her being recognized as a Dean’s Distinguished Professor in the College of Business.

As an Instructor for Introductory Biology courses, Dr. Frazier is one of the first faces that thousands of Biology majors at FAU encounter. Her passion for teaching and for the South Florida environment, however, extends to students beyond the Department of Biological Sciences. Through our Directed Independent Research and Honors programs, Dr. Frazier guides numerous undergraduate research projects that examine the ecology of the plants and animals at or near FAU. Her recent students have been studying gopher tortoises and their burrows, and she is a champion of the FAU Preserve. She advises the student organization SEEDS (Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity and Sustainability) and writes and speaks nationally on best practices in undergraduate mentoring.

Prof. Jeff Galin was recently promoted to full Professor in the Department of English. He is a leading scholar on Writing Across the Curriculum, and directs the WAC program at FAU. He is also the Director of the University Center for Excellence in Writing and the Community Center for Excellence in Writing, dedicate to improving the writing and communication skills of all students at FAU and those in the Community. He has also recently been a trailblazer in introducing Writing Enriched Curriculum to a number of Departments and Schools at FAU. Prof. Galin is one of the busiest and most dedicated faculty members at FAU when it comes to service to the department, college, university, and community. He is also a well-published researcher and a committed teached. FAU would not be the same without him.

Dr. Yolanda Gamboa, an integral member of the Department of Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative LIterature for 20 years, is an internationally-recognized scholar and translator. She has published extensively on literature and culture of the Spanish Golden Age, the lived experience of women in Spain and New World Florida, and literary translation studies. Her international scholarly standing earned her the Vern Williamsen Award (awarded by the Association of Hispanic Classical Theater) for the best book on Comedia studies published in the last three years. Dr. Gamboa's strong mentorship to generations of students s is equally noteworthy. We are incredibly proud of and grateful for all that Dr. Gamboa has accomplished, and we look forward to many more years of her illuminating presence.

Sheryl Gifford is a longtime successful Instructor in the English Department. She also successfully completed her Ph. D. in the Comparative Studies Ph. D. program in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters in the field of Caribbean Literature. She was acknowledged and honored as a "Master Teacher" a few years back and is appreciated by colleagues, students, and superisors for her dedication and hard work.

Johnny Harris is a loyal and dedicated employee. He is punctual, a hard worker and always willing to tackle any task given. He is pleasant, respectful and a team player. We greatly value his service at FAU 

Mr. Tavares Hill a.k.a., Tee, has been a loyal and valuable member of the FAU Property Management department for over 20 years. Starting as a Mail Courier and Assistant to the Property Surplus Manager, Tee has diligently worked his way to his current role as Property Manager. Over the years, Tee has built everlasting relationships while conducting inventory phases, barcoding projects, and surplus pickups in every campus of the University. Through his expertise and efficiency, Tee has repurposed assets with little to no impact to departmental budgets and has ultimately help save the University thousands of dollars each year. Tee has developed long-lasting connections in the community supporting local schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations. Tee continues to shine with a beaming personality, positive attitude, and eagerness to help. We hope to have him for many more years to come!

Dr. Hofmann teaches political communication, mass media and public discourse in the Multimedia Studies Journalism area within the School of Communication and Multimedia Studies. Hofmann has worked in public service broadcasting and at universities in both West Germany and the United States. He has published extensively on the technology, economics, and politics of media and journalism in the public sphere. Dr. Hofmann has been a dedicated advisor to countless journalism students, and has mentored many into outstading MA programs around the nation.

As a well established member of the EH&S department for over 20 years, Henry has contributed to the talent of FAU with his wide range of impressive credentials including being both a Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Safety Professional. Over the years, Henry created and fostered the first occupation medicine, occupational health, and golf cart safety programs at FAU.  He is well-known throughout the FAU community for his oversight in the areas of industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, emergency response to water events, respiratory protection, and ergonomics.

Ellen Ismalon joined the ESE Department in 2001 and has been organizing us ever since. Ellen coordinates course schedules, student issues, baby pictures, and book orders, and is affectionately known as the Department Den Mother. She is also a firm supporter of an old-school FAU motto: “We don’t refer problems to some else, we solve problems.” Thanks for your commitment to the Department Ellen!

Many individuals on the academic side of the university know Maria as a main connection to the Undergraduate Programs Committee and is always ready to assist faculty in understanding the curriculum process.  Maria is also responsible for maintaining and producing the University Catalog.  She also has an uncanny ability to locate documentation surrounding curriculum changes going years back.  Maria has a positive attitude and great smile that lights up a room.

Julia Lampman has a reputation throughout FAU for her generous acts of kindness and her amusing sense of humor. She has a significant impact on the positive morale in the financial aid office. In her position as a scholarship coordinator, she is compassionate, considerate, and caring with FAU students. Julia is well known in the University community as being friendly and kindhearted to everyone she meets. As we celebrate Julia’s 20 plus years of excellent service to our students, we are also thankful for the copious amounts of baked goods and numerous heartwarming quilts she has made for many of us!

Dr. Lepore is an accomplished chemist recognized nationally and internationally. Focus of his research program is the development of new organic reactions and their application to the synthesis of therapeutically important compounds. He inspired many of his students to pursue careers in chemistry.

He served as department chairman from 2004-2009. Has over 70 published articles in Combinatorial Designs and Cryptography, two patents, and over four million dollars in funded grants. 23 Ph.D. students: 16 at FAU and 7 in Nebraska. He was awarded the Euler Medal by the Institute for Combinatorics and its Applications in 2001.

"Rohan Mill’s 20 years of service at FAU’s College of Business began in his first role as coordinator to undergraduate and graduate business students. Rohan’s student-centered approach, charisma, boundless energy, and rapport-building abilities then earned him a coordinator role working with graduate students across our degree programs in Executive Education. Rohan’s longevity of service and unique perspective into the needs, challenges and opportunities of our diverse body of students, is undoubtedly informed by his own personal journey. As an immigrant from Dominica, Rohan moved to Florida to attend FAU, where he served as a Resident Assistant in the dormitories while studying International Business and International Economics. Not only did Rohan earn his Bachelor in Business Administration, he also met and married his wife, Shervaughn, a fellow Owl. Together they have a beautiful daughter, and perhaps future Owl, Sophia. Always professional and always positive, Rohan exemplifies Executive Education’s brand of excellent student service. His experience, understanding of students as professionals, and in-depth knowledge of what it takes for working professionals to succeed academically made him the ideal coordinator to serve students in the inaugural cohort of the Executive Ph.D. in Business—the highest degree our programs offer. In addition to Rohan’s unparalleled customer service “with a smile,” his leadership and wisdom have earned him high respect among students, alumni, faculty and his peers as well as his well-deserved promotion to Assistant Director of Executive Education. Rohan, or “Uncle Ro” as many of the coordinators refer to him—once the quintessential coordinator— is now the role model and mentor to those he leads and supervises. For the past 20 years, Rohan has consistently demonstrated his respect for and connection with people on every level as well as his passion for Executive Education, and his humility and willingness to always help and be of service—from the seemingly most menial of tasks (auditing data or picking up trash) to the more lofty like recruiting for and nurturing a highly visible new program. Perhaps what should be noted in this recognition are the day-to-day actions that have culminated into Rohan’s 20 years of loyal service: 20 years of smiles, 20 years of investment in students who are now alumni and successful business leaders, 20 years of discovering innovative ways to better serve FAU’s business community, 20 years of dedicated commitment to FAU Executive Education, and 20 years of being a thoughtful colleague, inspiring mentor and wonderful friend. "

Ashley, Thank you for all you do for the College of Science. You are an excellent employee and we are lucky to have you!

Scott is an essential employee of OIT’s Northern Technology Services (NTS), where he is in charge of supporting the NTS instructional computer labs, as well as assisting the College of Science faculty and staff with their technical needs. Scott has an engineering background, which has been helpful troubleshooting and resolving many complex technical issues. This past year Scott helped set up two new teaching labs for the College of Science, which will help the College advance its instructional programs at the Jupiter campus. His resourcefulness is an asset to our unit and to the University. He has an ability to find unique and innovative solutions to our clients’ problems.

The Division of Research at FAU would like to send its heartfelt congratulations to Tony in celebration of his 20-year work anniversary!  So many of those years have been alongside our division, providing excellent IT and Operations-related service with kindness and collegiality. Tony works with one ultimate goal in mind – to help create the best possible working environment for his colleagues. Tony is a valuable member of the Division of Research family, and we appreciate his time, talents, and temperament! In the last year, Tony joined OIT. Thank you, Tony for your dedication and all your hard work!

Dr. Keith Platt has served in various capacities during this 20 years in the School of Social Work. Given his extensive practice experience, Dr. Platt served as a field faculty member in our School for many years, working with local agencies to identify high-quality internships for our BSW and MSW students. He supported our students in their learning and growth in the signature pedagogy of social work education - field practicums. When our Doctor of Social Work program was launced in 2016, the first DSW program in the state of Florida, Dr. Platt immediately took an active role in the program, teaching three courses in the program, aiding in the development of clinical scholars in the field of social work practice, adminstration and education. 

As Director of the MacArthur Campus Library, Leah oversees all Jupiter Campus Library operations and services and is a valued member of the FAU Libraries’ Senior Leadership Team. Leah is recognized by her colleagues and the profession for her leadership and vision. She was a recipient of the 2019-2020 American Library Association (ALA) “I Love My Librarian Award” which recognizes the accomplishments of exceptional librarians. This prestigious award was in recognition for her many achievements including her significant library outreach projects at the community, national, and international level. Leah has also served as a mentor in the FAU Connections Mentoring Program.

Dr. Howard Prentice joined the Biomedical Science Dept at FAU when first established and played a key role in its growth into the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine in 2010. As a key member of numerous search committees, he contributed to the recruitment of many exceptional colleagues. He has profoundly contributed to the development and evolution of both the medical and graduate education programs. Dr. Prentice is a passionate and inspiring researcher and teacher. His collaborative nature and high productivity is evident by his publication and grant funding records.  He has mentored many trainees who have gone on to become successful scientists and physicians. Over the years, Dr. Prentice has served vital roles including the Chair of the P&T Committee for the College. Thank you for your service Dr. Prentice.

Denise Prescott coordinates budget and personnel activities for faculty and staff in the ESE Department. She is reliable, consistent, skillful, and most important – patient with her department Chair! Denise has a calming effect on the 4th floor, and holds a high professional standard for the Dept and College. We are so glad you are part of ESE! We are better because you are here!

For his entire academic career, Jim Riordan has assisted students in entering the world of sports in significant managerial roles. He built FAU Sport Management into a program that has received national and world renown. Along the way, Jim has done a great deal to increase the visibility and value of FAU athletics in many service and volunteer roles - and always been a true sportsman and great colleague. Jim shows great passion for FAU, for sports, for learning and for his students, a winning combination for success.

Rene is a valuable member of the OIT User Services team. In this capacity, he is responsible for the day-to-day management of the FAU Data Center as well as ensuring scheduled systems jobs run smoothly. Rene’s commitment to FAU and OIT is noteworthy. He is truly customer focused. He is always willing to go well beyond the call of duty. In the next few months, Rene will be retiring from FAU. As he starts this new chapter, we want to wish him the best of luck and thank him for his dedicated service.

We sincerely appreciate Dr. Seiman's dedication and service to CAPS and FAU's students over the past two decades.

We sincerely appreciate Dr. Seiman's dedication and service to CAPS and FAU's students over the past two decades.

Dr. Diane Sherman has truly been a leader in the Sandler School of Social Work. For the past several years, she has been instrumental in the School, College and University promotion and tenure procedures. Within our School, she mentors junior faculty in establishing themselves as experts in their field of study and developing a research agenda that promotes the goals of the School, College and University. During her 20 years at FAU, she has been instrumental in the development and growth of our Masters of Social Work program, as well as our Doctor of Social Work program, which was the first in the state of Florida in 2016.

“Christine has developed into a successful leader and role model for her staff and the university community. She excels in fostering a creative atmosphere within not only her Recruitment and Workforce Administration teams, but with all colleagues which creates the best outcomes for our customers. Christine takes great pride in doing what is right versus taking the easy way out. Her follow-through to ensure the successful completion of multiple projects is unparalleled, ensuring that the university is successful in its mission.”

Nate is a very well-known member of the Boca AV Services team. He has assisted faculty, staff, and students for 20 years. His high energy and commitment to helping people with technology in their classes and at events are outstanding. He is a very valued member of OIT, where he is a team player, and always working diligently to perform the best that he can. Thank you, Nate, for being part of our team, and for all your hard work over these many years. We are very fortunate to have you.

Greg is a dedicated and diligent employee. He is very service oriented and both anticipates and solves problems for the college. He's a great leader to his team and has done an especially good job as we absorbed two technology heavy units into the college.

As OIT’s Northern Technology Services (NTS) system administrator for the Jupiter campus, Rob was instrumental in getting the first cold server room at the campus, which now hosts the High-Performance Computing (HPC) and the Scripps equipment. Through the years, Rob’s responsibilities have extended to helping OIT’s Systems group in Boca with different projects, as well as assisting HBOI in modernizing its aging infrastructure. Rob is a dedicated and highly skilled individual. He has a great positive attitude, and he is always willing to assist and to participate in activities well beyond the call of duty and outside the work schedule. We are fortunate to have Rob as part of our OIT team. When asked about the highlight of his career, Rob responded it was the colleagues he has met along the way and all the opportunities he has been given.

Dr. Willems has served the Davie campus with her leadership, as well as students in the Educational Psychology program.

Chris Wong, Associate Director, Enterprise Systems, is a valuable member of the OIT family. He is dedicated, knowledgeable, and solutions oriented. Chris consistently demonstrates strong mentorship, and he is exceptionally well respected by his team and colleagues alike. Chris has done a superb job of shifting his team to a more user-centric philosophy. He has delivered on several key projects benefiting students and faculty members including, but not limited to, the document management system, the deployment of SharePoint, and the expansion of backup and recovery systems. Congratulations on achieving this milestone, Chris!