Stony Brook University will honor its most exceptional employees at the second annual Stony Awards on November 20. Interim President Richard McCormick announced this year’s finalists in a September 12 message to the SBU community. The awards ceremony will celebrate employees nominated by their peers and selected by leadership as exemplifying the university's values and achievements. They recognize individuals committed to Stony Brook’s mission, consistently going above and beyond in their roles.
“Our selection committee received hundreds of nominations for awards in our five categories this year, and selecting finalists from such a stellar lineup was no small feat,” McCormick said. “Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination and to our selection committee for your thorough review.”
“Congratulations to our finalists and to all who were nominated,” McCormick added. “Each of you is an outstanding example of the excellence this university is known for. Thank you for all you do for Stony Brook.”
The categories and their finalists are:
**President’s Award for Nurturing a Welcoming, Inclusive Campus Culture**
This award recognizes an employee nominated by faculty, staff, or administration for demonstrating exceptional commitment to promoting and advancing the university’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Lauren Donovan
- Laurel Scheinfeld
- Rewa Thompson
- Mitchell Trinka
**President’s Award for Excellence in Patient Service**
This award honors one or more employees who exemplify extraordinary human compassion and outstanding patient service.
- Poonamdeep Gill
- Colleen Healy
- Kacie Rocco
- Paula Tracy-Ashe
**Excellence in Leadership Award**
This award recognizes managers or supervisors for outstanding leadership in their roles in service to the university and highlights an employee who embodies all core values.
- Rick Gatteau
- Melissa Hogarty
- Deborah Lowen-Klein
- Marianna Savoca
- Lindsi Walker
**Community Award**
The Community Award honors employees involved both on and off campus who impact the lives of others at Stony Brook University and inspire others through their actions.
- Robert Harrison
- Christine Marsh
- Christopher Paparo
- Tracey Walters
**SB YOU Award**
The SB YOU award celebrates university employees who exemplify or inspire positive behaviors and beliefs that embody the mission and values of Stony Brook.
- Suria Bhatia
- Lisa Benz Scott
- Lauren Candela
- Lori Kie
The winner of the President’s Stony Brook Champion Award will be announced at the awards ceremony on Wednesday, November 20, at Flowerfield in Saint James, NY. The awards ceremony and dinner are by invitation only.
For complete award descriptions and bios of all finalists, visit the Stony Awards website.