Edison State Community College recently recognized outstanding employee performance during the 2022 President’s Spring Address. Each semester, Edison State recognizes a faculty or adjunct faculty member, a staff member, and a team with an Employee of the Semester award.
Erin Reese, Associate Professor of Biology and Science Lab Coordinator; Ryan Lusk, Site Manager; Shane Brake, Environmental Services Technician; Tom Burelison, Maintenance Supervisor; Kristin Ellis, Facilities Services Technician; Gale Finch, Environmental Services Technician; Tom Francis, Environmental Services Technician; Harold Hitchcock, Director of the Physical Plant & Facilities; James Pezzimenti, Facilities Services Technician; Nick Rudy, Facilities Services Lead Technician; Jeff (Scott) Schwilk, Facilities Services Technician; Jacob Thacker, Facilities Services Technician; and Chuck Whitney, Facilities Services Lead Technician II, were named the fall 2021 employees of the semester. The honorees were invited to enjoy a Dayton Dragons game from the Edison State suite at Fifth Third Field.
Reese was nominated for her dedication to promoting a positive environment and being a team player.
“Erin’s outgoing personality encourages other faculty and staff members to ask her for help, which she freely gives,” a nominator said.
“She is very student focused and generous with her time for them. Erin shows her love for teaching through her interactions with and support for her students.”
Reese has been an employee of Edison State for five years and holds a Master of Science degree.
Lusk was recognized for his willingness to always lend a helping hand and commitment to the College’s mission.
“He stepped up and helped tremendously with the crucial accreditation process for the Paramedic program,” said one nominator.
“Ryan provides support on an ongoing basis and goes out of his way to assist with anything on campus. He recognizes the value that Edison State provides to students in our region and strives for excellence.”
Lusk has been an employee of Edison State for two years and holds a Bachelor of Science degree.
The Edison State maintenance team was honored for their commitment, adaptability, and responsiveness.
“They work long, hard hours and make themselves available to students and staff alike,” a nominator said. “They’re quiet and in the background, but if you need any help, they’re there for you with a quick response time.”
“Everything they do improves the quality of our lives, from taking care of our building to being available whenever anything comes up that requires their care. During the pandemic, they worked hard to adapt our campus to provide a healthy environment for our safe return.”
Brake has been an employee of Edison State for two years; Burelison has been an employee of Edison State for 10.5 years; Ellis has been an employee of Edison State for over one year; Finch has been an employee of Edison State for two years; Francis has been an employee of Edison State for three years; Hitchcock has been an employee of Edison State for 13 years; Pezzimenti has been an employee of Edison State for two years; Rudy has been an employee of Edison State for nearly six years; Schwilk has been an employee of Edison State for 12 years; Thacker has been an employee of Edison State for three years; Whitney has been an employee of Edison State for 26 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in history.
All Edison State employees who demonstrate a commitment to performance excellence goals, core values, and continued growth are eligible to be nominated for the award. Those eligible for the award are nominated by their peers and then selected by the Valuing People Committee.
Photo: Erin Reese; Ryan Lusk; The Edison State Maintenance Team: Front (L to R): Shane Brake, Tom Burelison, Nick Rudy, Tom Francis; Back (L to R): Chuck Whitney, Scott Schwilk, Jacob Thacker, Harold Hitchcock, Kristin Ellis, James Pezzimenti (not pictured: Gale Finch)