The Cornell Human Ecology community celebrated a combined 155 years of service to the university at the annual Staff Service Awards and Recognition event on Oct. 9.

“As we celebrate our 100th birthday, it’s amazing to think of all the staff members who contributed to make the college what it is today,” said Rachel Dunifon, the Rebecca Q. and James C. Morgan Dean. “We couldn’t have gotten where we are without the hard work, innovative thinking and dedication of our staff.”

Dunifon recognized nine staff members for years of service at Cornell ranging from 5 to 35. She then turned to the seven staff members who were nominated for the Staff Recognition Award. The following individuals were nominated for service above and beyond their roles in the past year, providing exceptional contributions and helping advance the mission of the college:

• Marianne Arcangeli, graduate field assistant in the Department of Psychology 
• Caroline Brockner, director of finance and administration in the Department of Human Centered Design
• Christine Cioletti, administrative assistant in the Department of Human Centered Design
• Courtney Crawford, administrative assistant in the Cornell University Cooperative Extension-NYC
• Sabrina Jenner, administrative assistant in Human Resources, Facilities, and Strategic Initiatives
• Bailey Drewes Smith, research support specialist in the Lujan Lab in the Division of Nutritional Sciences
• Christie Hillenbrand, student services assistant in the Office of Admissions, Student and Career Development

Dunifon shared some of each nominee’s accomplishments before announcing the two winners of the 2024 Staff Recognition Award, Caroline Brockner and Christie Hillenbrand.

“While navigating post-Covid changes to international travel, newly unionized graduate students, and changing protocols, Caroline spent many hours working to develop summer funding policies, TA and fellowship allocation guidelines, and other ways of providing support for graduate students and faculty,” Dunifon said. She also acknowledged Brockner’s efforts in supporting the India/Sri Lanka trip associated with FSAD 4021 Textile and Apparel Production in South Asia.

Dunifon continued: “Christie is often the first point of contact for prospective students and their families, who have many questions about the admissions process. She handles office traffic and manages the office inbox and phone, all while making each guest feel welcomed.”

She concluded the event by recognizing the efforts of all staff.

“To everyone we recognized today – and to all our staff – I’m grateful that you choose to work in Cornell Human Ecology,” she said.