Loyola University Chicago

University Staff Council

2009 Staff Recognition & Excellence Award Recipients

 

Congratulations to all the recipients of the 2009 Staff Recognition and Excellence Awards!

Staff Member of the Year:  Sangita Gosalia

"Sangita exemplifies all Jesuit ideals - she is a person for others, a great listener and brings wisdom beyond her years to every problem. She believes in the concept of Magis and is always striving to do more, be more, learn more, understand more, and teach more. She is committed to helping the poor and showing the Loyola community to understand the social injustices of the world by encouraging them to look beyond our backyard. She is model of Loyola's respect for all backgrounds, all religions, and all beliefs given her role as a woman-of-color."

Kay Egan Award (Person for Others):  Cathy O'Sullivan

"Cathy was the receptionist for the Institute for Pastoral Studies for a number years and the phone contact for our 250 students.  She befriended each and every one of them; brought coats and warm clothing for African students when winter came; looked for housing for international students and functioned somewhat like a counseling and hospitality center.  Cathy worked long hours and always did so with a smile and optimistic attitude.  In Sacramental Life, Cathy consistently knows and cares for those within and outside of her department – remembering us together to celebrate one another’s great accomplishments and to support those who are going through difficult times.  Cathy truly is a person for others."

Student Service Award (Person for Students): Thomas Hitcho

"One of our student-athletes seriously injured her knee at a soccer tryout for a regional team.  Her injury, an ACL tear, required surgery.  During the summer months, this student came to the alumni gym every day to rehab her knee with Dr. Hitcho.  Tom went above and beyond to assist this young woman in rehabilitating her injury.  I saw her parents at a game at the beginning of the year and this student’s mother, in tears, told me how they could never thank Dr. Hitcho enough for the time and effort he put into their daughter’s recovery.  The sincerity of their gratitude brought a tear to my eye.  Dr. Hitcho has a very kind heart and helps student-athletes with recovery during his off-times like the summer and/or on weekends.  His service to students is extraordinary and should be celebrated. "

Megs Langdon:  Patrick Eccles

"Patrick is an exemplary role model of service and justice for students, faculty, and staff at Loyola.  Patrick leads our students to the School of the American Vigil each year; works directly with the Illinois School of the Americas Watch, and represents Loyola on the board of Chicago Fair Trade and sits on the Loyola’s share holder advocacy committee.  He also accompanies at least one domestic or international trip each year.

He constantly strives to align his actions with his beliefs, whether it’s his own choices about food and clothing, or how he raises his children, or where he develops relationships in the community.  Patrick receives all who seek this path with openness and welcome, not judging anyone’s journey. I know the impact his presence has had in my own life; and I am confident that impact has rippled out to our students, faculty and staff into our local, national, and international community."

Rising Star Award: Steven Betancourt

"He is a very dedicated instructor who is more than willing to work hard.  He has been a great educational tool for the community.  Steven takes great care in working with his students, assisting them in their vocal and keyboard abilities, exercising the Jesuit “cura personalis” inside and outside his studio.  What makes Steven a Rising Star is his development of the Madonna della Strada Chapel Organ Concert Series. He produced 12 concerts since November of 2008 and will complete the series on October 18th 2009.  He uses his creativity in outstanding and collaborative ways that enrich students, faculty, and staff and the Rogers Park/Edgewater residences.  I see him continuing to make a difference at Loyola for years to come."

Team Spirit Award:  Special events

"This department consists of service-oriented employees who regularly and successfully interface with multiple internal departments and external vendors.  Behind the scenes, these group members juggle databases, review donor lists, track registrations, pick china and table cloths, arrange tasty menus, choose music and musicians, wrangle graduates, plan and attend countless meetings and they do so with positive attitudes!  They work tirelessly in service of the entire University.  They offer a spirit of gracious (and classy) hospitality at every event they coordinate."