Niagara University RSS News Feed

Sara Villnave (February-April 2013)

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Sara Villnave, an assistant director in Niagara University’s Office of Admissions, received NU’s Outstanding Employee Award for February-April 2013. Villnave was presented with the award by the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., Niagara president.

A 2001 NU graduate, Villnave joined her alma mater as an admissions counselor in 2003 before being promoted to her current position in 2007.

A quote from one of her supervisors said, “Sara takes her job to heart. She works diligently toward the success of every event she undertakes….is meticulously organized and follows through on every detail. She keeps the rest of the office in line and on task during these often complex events. She is also a very compassionate counselor who always goes a bit further in advocating for applicants with a story.”

With regards to Villnave’s commitment to the Niagara community, a supervisor said, “Her work recruiting, meeting with families, planning events and all of the follow up has been exceptional this year. In this time of great stress and turnover in the office, Sara has taken on more and has been very successful realizing our need.”

In describing Villnave’s work, her supervisor added, “She interacts with the entire campus and has to work around all the obstacles and limitations involved when setting up these events and making them successful. She is always pleasant to work with and she always treats people with respect.”

Villnave’s Vincentian values were described in another nomination, stating, “As an alumna of Niagara, Sara not only learned the Vincentian values as a student, but carries out service to others daily in her job. She is the epitome of a professional and treats all people she encounters with dignity and respect. She is the type of person Niagara is proud of, both as a graduate and staff member of this community.”

Another nomination spoke of her commitment: “Sara is always positive, she is an alumna as well as a dedicated employee and takes great pride in the quality of her work, and the opinion others have of it means a great deal to her.”

Nominations for the quarterly award are made by NU employees, students, alumni, parents, or other persons who come in contact with NU employees. Honorees are eligible to receive gift certificates to area amenities, movie passes, two days off during the next quarter, NU athletics tickets and a universal parking tag that can be used in any non-handicapped parking spot on campus.

Please join us in congratulating Sara Villnave as the Outstanding Employee of the Quarter!

Rosanna Macri (October-December 2012)

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Carolyn Makey (June-August 2012)

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Mike Skowronski (March-May 2012)

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Mike Skowronski, an employer relations coordinator in Niagara University’s Office of Career Services, received NU’s first Outstanding Employee Award today. Skowronski, a Lewiston resident, was presented with the award by the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., Niagara president.

Skowronski, who has worked at NU since June 1992, is the first university employee to be recognized with the quarterly award. Nominations are made by NU employees, students, alumni, parents, or other persons who come in contact with NU employees.

A quote from his supervisor said, “Immediately captivated by his infectious smile and outgoing personality, many people don’t see the indomitable work ethic and commitment to helping others that makes Mike Skowronski an exemplary higher education professional. In every way possible, he embodies what it means to be a Niagaran. Through his involvement in many outside organizations Mike leverages Niagara as the school of choice among area recruiters. And he does it all so that students who receive a Niagara University degree can succeed.”

His supervisor also had this to say about Mike’s commitment to the Niagara University community and its Vincentian values: “In addition to his work in the Career Services Office, Mike is committed to Niagara University and its Vincentian values. His involvement in community service activities is extensive and the short list includes working to establish and maintain the Saint Vincent de Paul Store in Niagara Falls, the establishment of the ReNU Niagara Office as an outgrowth of a federal community outreach partnership grant and the urban ministry certificate program. Regardless of whether you spell it with a capital “V” or a lower case “v,” Mike Skowronski possesses the heart of a Vincentian and, for this reason alone, he deserves to be recognized. But when that heart is combined with the power he brings to the Office of Career Services, I can think of no better candidate for the very first Outstanding Employee Award than Mike Skowronski.”

Comments from another nomination stated, “Mike goes above and beyond to make sure every event runs smoothly. He works with students in the office, via email, the gym or anywhere he can assist them in making a smooth transition into the world of work; he is willing to ‘coach’ them.”

Another nomination spoke of Mike’s attitude and commitment. “He is committed, always positive, open to feedback and willing to participate in any activity that will help our students. He comes to work at all hours of the day if that is what our students need. He is a joy to work with.”

Niagara University would like to congratulate Mike Skowronski on being the first recipient of its Outstanding Employee Award.