2021 Staff Merit Awards Winners

Eileen Bevilacqua has demonstrated dedication to our students seven days a week from morning until night. Meeting every student’s unique needs, Eileen takes the time to counsel students on all aspects of their health and well-being, and the isolation and quarantine process, while providing an empathetic ear for the anxiety associated with the pandemic. Eileen’s health guidance and leadership of her team have been invaluable through the challenges of the past year.

Catherine Bock has shown remarkable leadership as a contact tracing administrator. She balanced her role in human resources with the demands of the contact tracing initiative in a manner that showed true leadership, commitment and care of the University community. It was Cat’s vision and understanding of systems that guided the creation of the procedures and policies that made it possible for the SJU community to have an on-ground experience in the fall semester.

Jeanne Bracy is smart, hardworking, creative, kind, witty, and fully committed to the University. She easily stepped into more comprehensive service and administrative tasks and has been instrumental in all aspects of classroom and departmental success. In addition to her usual duties, she served as the COVID safety liaison for all Department of Art. She is a problem solver, strategic thinker, counselor, tech supporter and manager.

Maria Kokol consistently shows her dedication to the well-being and care of our students. She arrives before everyone else and never leaves at her scheduled time. Maria's attitude is always of genuine concern and kindness, even on the days that she doesn't feel well. Throughout the pandemic, Maria has been a reassuring and caring presence for every student she has encountered.

The past year was especially challenging for the facilities management team and Debra Mizia’s devotion to supporting her colleagues through the demands of a pandemic and staff transition was unwavering. She worked tirelessly, often covering the duties of three different positions. Despite the incredible workload and high stress environment, she always displayed exceptional customer service and transparency no matter how big the challenge. Her dedication to SJU’s mission is an example for others to emulate.

Since last March, Jessica Moran-Buckridge has been at the forefront of the University’s response to COVID-19, working to lead our team through the safe closure of campus and beginning the long process of preparing campus for students to return in August. Her work managing the University’s isolation and quarantine process was exceptional. Residential students, their families, and the staff rely on Jessica for her leadership.

Michael Schwartz has taken on a significantly larger role this year due to staffing transitions. His positive attitude and willingness to take on additional duties was an asset. On top of that, Michael has soared to new heights as he has completely owned young alumni engagement and solicitation. He kicked off the advancement team’s Young Alumni Council and has made a significant impact on young alumni volunteers.

While Deb Dyer has always displayed extraordinary attention and customer service to our students and families, this year’s COVID-related challenges have required her to go above and beyond in her work for the SJU community. She has done so with care, clarity, and patience that is evidence of her commitment to SJU.

Dr. Jessica Joseph has been a huge attribute to the Kinney Center. She encourages the staff to be comfortable with the uncomfortable and is not afraid to call someone out respectfully for their biases.

Elizabeth Gallagher has been on the front lines in Philly's urban Catholic schools since many of them reopened this fall. She visits more than eight classrooms each week, coaching 1st-year teachers in this extraordinary year of education. Through her unwavering presence, even in a pandemic, she maintains excellent relationships with our partner schools, developed over the 10 years of ACESJU. She embodies SJU's commitment to social justice and equity daily.