Two staff members at Rutgers School of Environmental Sciences (SEBS) and New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) will receive special recognition at the 15th Annual "Celebration of Excellence" SEBS and NJAES Awards Dinner tonight. Kathy Maguire and Kenneth Michael Karamichael.

April 24, 2008

New Brunswick, NJ--Two staff members at Rutgers School of Environmental Sciences (SEBS) and New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) will receive special recognition at the 15th Annual "Celebration of Excellence" SEBS and NJAES Awards Dinner tonight. Kathy Maguire and Kenneth Michael Karamichael are being recognized for excellence in job performance; exemplary service to others; resourcefulness, innovation, and creativity; and continuous contributions to a positive, collaborative work environment. The award will be presented by Robert M. Goodman, executive dean of agriculture and natural resources. This is the first year that the Staff Recognition Award has been presented.

Kathleen Maguire is a secretarial assistant in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at SEBS. She has been central in the organization of several major departmental meetings of national and international stature. In addition to excelling at her routine duties in the department, such as preparation of exams, organization of the grading, grant preparation, and coordinating seminars, she has taken on extra responsibilities. This includes learning how to create a web site, and then designing one for the department and for the microbiology curriculum. She also spearheaded the idea of department newsletter, and now serves as coeditor of the publication.

"We are indebted to Kathy in so many ways," said Max Haggblom, professor of biochemistry and microbiology. "This includes her capability of jumping hurdles in order to focus on getting tasks accomplished, her common sense solutions to the dilemmas of desperate students, all combined with an infectious twinkle in her eye, engendering positive responses from faculty, staff and students. We cannot think of anyone more worthy for special recognition."

Kenneth Michael Karamichael is a senior program coordinator for the NJAES Office of Continuing Professional Education. During this time, he has successfully secured millions of dollars in grant and contract funding in the area of at-risk youth development. He brings agencies and departments together for common goals consistent with the NJAES community outreach mission. The most recent example is his design and development of a juvenile one-stop for out of school, drop out truant or court involved youth. This collaboration brings together and connects NJAES with the Newark Public Schools, City of Newark, Social Services, the family court systems and numerous other local and state agencies.

"Ken's consistent 'joyful' attitude and outlook is second to none," said Mike Green, director of communications for SEBS and NJAES. "He encourages and promotes a team approach in all the programs and projects that he manages. He is continually looking to see how academic units can be integrated into community outreach programs across the state."

Contact: Michele Hujber
Office of Communications
732-932-7000