During the Elmira College Employee Recognition event, attendees had a chance to relax and enjoy some camaraderie at the end of the academic year. The event celebrates service milestones and is a chance to say farewell to those retiring. This year, there were two retirement recognitions: Dr. Charles W. Lindsay, President, and Dave Tomkalski, Head Athletics Trainer.

“It’s been a privilege to serve over the past nine years,” said Lindsay. “It’s the people who make a difference. I will miss it here because of the camaraderie we’ve shared, but I know I’m leaving the College with a bright future ahead.”

During the event, the following awards were presented:

Douglas Anderson Award

Employees Recognized for Service and Dedication

For 34 years, Douglas Anderson of Elmira, an outstanding community leader and business executive, served Elmira College as a member of the Board of Trustees. In his honor, The Anderson Foundation and his daughter Bertha Anderson Greelee endowed The Douglas Anderson Award for administrative leadership at Elmira College. This year, the award was presented to Collin Hetherington, Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance and Athletic Communications.

Joseph Stein Award

Employees Recognized for Service and Dedication

The Josef Stein Award was established to honor the memory of this distinguished former trustee by his son-in-law, Dr. Edward Grandt, who for years was himself an active and highly respected member of the Board of Trustees. This award honors a relatively new member of the Elmira College faculty who has performed with distinction. This year, the award went to Dr. Susan McDaniel Hohenhaus, Associate Professor of Business Administration.

Catharine McGraw Rock Award

Employees Recognized for Service and Dedication

This award was established by a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Harold McGraw, of the McGraw-Hill Publishing Corporation, in honor of his daughter. Mr. McGraw was a devoted trustee and major benefactor of the College. This award is presented to a senior member of the Elmira College faculty. This year, the award went to Dr. Ping Zheng, Associate Professor of Psychology.

David Buchtel Memorial Award

Employees Recognized for Service and Dedication

This award was developed in honor of David Buchtel, who was a Housekeeper at Elmira College from 2013 to 2020. Buchtel was beloved by students. He knew most by name and showed interest in both their personal and academic lives. Buchtel passed unexpectedly in 2020, but his upbeat attitude, care in his duties, and impact on students will always be remembered through this annual award. This year, the award went to Jessa Barton ’24, Access Services Assistant & Collections Manager of art and related holdings.

Service Announcements

Employees Recognized for Service and Dedication

Five Years of Service:
  • Thad Phillips, Head Women’s Basketball Coach
  • Ytzel Flores Cristiansen, Associate Dean of Students
  • Mary Jo Kelleher, Senior Accountant
  • Larry Sager, Housekeeper
  • Steve Spina, Director of Facilities
  • Lindsay Baker, Director of Advancement Services
Ten Years of Service:

  • Penny Appenzellar, Director of Financial Aid
  • Jessica Carpenter, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources
  • Eileen Choi, Associate Professor of Nurse Education
  • Sue Copp, Coordinator, Clark Health Center
  • Aaron Kather, Assistant Professor of Art
  • Marcie Kilbourne, Lead Housekeeper, Murray Athletic Center
  • James Randall, Laboratory Manager & Chemical Hygiene Officer
  • Matt Seybold, Associate Professor of English
  • Joel Stoker, Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies

Twenty-Five Years of Service:
  • Dr. MaryJo Mahoney, Associate Professor of English and Director of Medical Humanities Minor

Retirees
  • Dr. Charles W. Lindsay, President
  • Dave Tomkalski, Head Athletics Trainer
Faculty Tenure
  • Dr. Martha Easton, Professor of Sociology, Social and Behavioral Sciences Chair
  • Dr. Mark Pitner, Professor of Asian History
  • Dr. Corey Stitls, Professor of Chemistry, Mathematics and Natural Sciences Chair
2025 Employee Graduates
  • Hannah Whittier ’23 MS ’26, MSEd in Literacy: Birth to Grade 12, EC
  • Adam Winchell MS ’26, MSEd in Literacy: Birth to Grade 12, EC
  • Noah Kennard, MSEd in Higher Education Administration, Tiffin University
  • Ytzel Flores Cristiansen, MS in Marketing, Baruch College

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