SUNY Chancellor’s Awards

May 27, 2009

Three Herkimer County Community College faculty members are recipients of the prestigious SUNY Chancellor’s Award. Associate Professor of English Cynthia Gabriel was awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award for Excellence in Faculty Service was presented to Professor of Social Science Mary Jo Kelley. Admissions Assistant Clare Burth received the award for Excellence in Professional Service. The three received the awards at the College’s recent commencement.

Cynthia Gabriel, an HCCC alumna, brings a commitment to excel to the classroom. She has taught a wide variety of classes in her ten plus years at HCCC. She helped create new and innovative programs such as women’s studies. Gabriel was also a grant writer to start a new “teacher to teacher” program. Gabriel serves as president of the HCCC Alumni Association, and volunteers for the Herkimer County College Foundation as well as many community groups.

Mary Jo Kelley served on the presidential search committee and was chairperson of the College’s Middle States Accreditation committee. Kelley advises the Honors Program and stands out as a leader among the faculty. Her service and dedication to students, and contributions in the classroom are exceptional. She volunteers for community organizations and is a parent advocate for disabled children. She is a leader in the classroom, in the institution and in the community.

Clare Burth, admissions assistant for the past 23 years and an alum of HCCC, is known and respected across the state for her knowledge of admissions and her professional commitment. She has served as president of the SUNY College Admissions Professionals organization. Burth has responsibility for 10 core counties, which are the backbone of the College’s applicant pool. She has a tremendous amount of admissions experience and vision.

The recipients each received a medallion and an honorarium provided by the Herkimer County College Foundation.