Pioneer Awards given to Bennett, Curran, Smith, and Williams

Alfred State’s Cory Bennett, Lois Curran, Frank Smith, and Joy Williams were honored with Pioneer Awards at the annual Recognition Celebration.

The Pioneer Award acknowledges those who have demonstrated commitment and dedication to the college’s mission and goals, have made contributions that have had a measurable positive impact on college operations, are seen as positive role models that show creativity and initiative, and have shown a consistent level of exceptional performance throughout their employment.

Cory Bennett, associate director of student accounts, is extremely smart and dedicated to making improvements used to create refunds, process payments, and reconcile both. He has created numerous electronic processes that have streamlined things to make it easier for students and staff.
Bennett is detail oriented and always on top of things. He is also willing to jump in to help when needed and is dedicated and willing to help his office in any way. 
He jumps in and helps get the job done and done correctly. It is important to him that his office be efficient and have a good reputation. He is the epitome of what a team member should be.
Lois Curran, administrative assistant to the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, is the go-to person for both faculty and staff and for the students. She helps in a variety of ways from processing critical documentation, to unlocking a door, to reuniting a student with their lost ID card. 
Curran is a key resource to new employees and students within the department. She develops relationships with them and makes them feel comfortable coming into the Dean’s office.  

She also sets the bar high and encourages others to strive for more. Her wealth of information and has built collegial relationships to help the office run efficiently.

Frank Smith, cleaner in the Student Development Center, is dedicated to the mission of the college by demonstrating care in helping present his building in the best way possible to our students, faculty and staff, and our visitors every single day.  He truly demonstrates Pioneer care.

He works hard to create a positive work environment and a positive first impression to visitors by continuously providing a comfortable and clean space for the students that use the building.

Smith shows impeccable care and pride in his duties.

Joy Williams, grants coordinator, consistently demonstrates her commitment to the students, faculty, and staff at Alfred State. She is always looking for opportunities to help fulfill open needs and create additional avenues of support.

Her impact on Alfred State is measured in the millions of grant dollars she has been able to secure and her experience with applying for grants of various kinds is invaluable.

Her excitement and happiness when good news comes is amazing to see and share in. She is kind, respectful, and supportive in her interactions with others and her standard of performance is top tier.

The quartet received a gift and a certificate to commemorate the honor.