Faculty Celebrated at York’s Inaugural YEmmy Awards May 2025 ushered in the YEmmy Awards, a new initiative to honor York College faculty for excellence in teaching, service, mentoring, assessment, and student support. The name “YEmmy” blends “York” and “eminent,” nodding playfully to television’s Emmy Awards, and celebrates York faculty’s outstanding contributions to student success. The event recognizes excellence in a variety of categories and pays homage to the dedicated faculty -- and some staff members -- who go above and beyond. Delightfully emceed by Professor Thomas Marion, Chair of Performing and Fine Arts, the inaugural event was well received by attendees. Winners were presented with awards in true award-show fashion, complete with a red carpet walk. Guests were photographed and videotaped as they arrived at the Faculty Dining Room, tastefully decorated for the occasion in the black and white theme with a hint of York red. To everyone’s surprise and delight, the evening was further elevated by the impromptu jazz performance of Professor Vincent Jones, Health & Human Performance during a brief intermission. “It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural York Faculty YEmmy Awards -- a celebration of the remarkable individuals who bring York College’s Mission, Vision, and Values to life every single day,” said Provost Derrick Brazill. “Tonight, we shine a spotlight on the faculty whose dedication, creativity, and leadership not only shape the future of our students but also drive York’s Strategic Plan forward. Whether through innovative teaching, impactful service, or transformative mentorship, your work is central to our shared goals of academic excellence, student success, and community engagement.” Dr. Brazill further acknowledged that the YEmmy Awards recognize excellence across five key categories that reflect the heart of York’s academic community. He listed them as: - Excellence in Teaching and Innovation
- Service
- Assessment
- Mentorship
- Supporting Student Success
“These awards are more than recognition,” he said. “They are a celebration of the passion, perseverance, and purpose that define York’s faculty. You are the reason why we continue to lead and to make a difference.” President Claudia Schrader, whose office collaborated with the Office of Academic Affairs to bring the event to life, thanked the nominees for their dedication. “I know they say everyone’s a winner,” said Dr. Schrader. “And it really is true. You have the best job in the world. You get to teach—and because of that, students win. We win. York wins. And the people whose lives our students touch, win too.” A review committee selected the winners after a rigorous nomination process. The recipients and their respective categories are: Excellence in Teaching and Innovation (Full-Time and Adjunct Faculty) - Andie Silva, Associate Professor, English Department
- Barbara Orlowski, Lecturer, Health Professions
- Jason Herel, Assistant Professor, Health Professions
- Nina Sabghir, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Nursing
- Reinold “Nick” McNickle, Lecturer, Health & Human Performance
- Virginia Thompson, Associate Professor, Mathematics & Computer Science
Outstanding Service Award (Full-Time and Adjunct Faculty) - Barbara Orlowski, Lecturer, Health Professions
- Phebe Kirkham, Lecturer, English
Excellence in Supporting Student Success - Clover Hutchinson, Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy
- Fawwaz Allie, Senior College Laboratory Technician, Communications Technology
- Regina Mesir, Accreditation Specialist, Teacher Education
Excellence in Assessment - Thitima Srivatanakul, Mathematics & Computer Science
- Timothy Paglione, Chair, Earth & Physical Sciences
Excellence in Mentorship - Chaitanand Radhamohan, Lecturer, Accounting and Finance
- Margaret Hickey, Assistant Professor, Nursing
- Mohammed J. Sarwar, Library
- Regina Mesir, Teacher Education Department
- Ruel Desamero, Professor, Chemistry
Dr. Virginia Thompson, one of six honorees recognized for Excellence in Teaching and Innovation, holds a doctorate in Mathematics Education from Columbia University. Reflecting on her academic journey as a York undergraduate in the 1990s, she said, “There was no Internet nor AI—only books. But I studied hard and spent a lot of time in the library.” Dr. Timothy Paglione, who could easily be referred to as the "king of Middle States service" for having served on a review committee every cycle since 2008, made a special effort to attend the festivities and receive his award. Provost Brazill closed by congratulating the honorees: “Let us take this moment to celebrate you, to thank you, and to reaffirm our commitment to excellence -- together.” The evening included a delicious meal and celebratory conversations. Click here to see the celebration images: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCfi2x. |