OSWEGO — Christy Huynh, associate director of SUNY Oswego’s Compass student success center, and Dr. Terry Tiballi, associate professor of mathematics, will receive the President’s Awards for Excellence in Professional Staff Service and for Excellence in Faculty Service, respectively, in April 20 ceremonies.
Huynh was recognized for spearheading initiatives such as establishing the campus Leadership Development Program and marshaling a host of other opportunities for student growth.
Tiballi is known for his mentorship of faculty colleagues and students, outstanding advisement work and helping reinvent core math coursework and math placement on campus.
The awards were created through the college’s Faculty Assembly to recognize outstanding faculty and professional staff members who demonstrate exceptional service in their contributions to the central mission of the college and who provide exemplary models of what it takes to make SUNY Oswego a community of excellence.
‘High impact’
“Christy’s life is a living testimony to service — to the college, the local community and to her family, friends and colleagues,” wrote Gary Morris, director of the Compass. “She has served in a leadership capacity in multiple areas of her personal life and professional career, and constantly provides high impact and meaningful contributions to all that she puts her hand to.”
In addition to Leadership Development, Morris noted that Huynh developed the Office of Service Learning and Community Service, which she formerly led, and was a key contributor to research supporting the application of the college’s successful bid for a prestigious Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Classification; resources to help undeclared students explore majors; strengths-based workshops for students, faculty and staff; the Mentor-Scholars program; and the Interfaith and Community Service Challenge.
“Christy is a wonderful blend of strategic and creative, visionary and production manager,” Morris said.
He added that Huynh, who has a master’s in counseling and psychological services and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, both from SUNY Oswego, serves or has served on college committees, the State Employees Federated Appeal fundraising drive, sophomore success initiatives, Compass strategic planning and as adviser to student organizations.
“I truly believe that student development and learning is and should be at the center of all I do, every day, all day,” Huynh wrote in a statement of her service philosophy.
‘Passionate, dedicated’
Tiballi, who has undergraduate degrees from Colgate University, a master’s degree from University of Vermont and a Ph.D. from University of Houston, drew strong support from colleagues for the faculty service award.
“Terry is very dedicated, devoted and very sincere in his service to the faculty, staff and students at this institution,” mathematics department chair Christopher Baltus wrote. “He is very passionate about his work and is very much dedicated to providing high quality service for everyone.”
Tiballi serves as advisement coordinator for the math department as well as a first-year and summer adviser, redesigned Oswego’s “College Algebra” course, co-authored the math department’s self-study for the college reaccreditation effort, has assessed the effectiveness of general education math courses, administers the Mathematics Proficiency Exam and served on the Office of Learning Services advisory committee, among other contributions.
His service philosophy emphasizes that “success and a friendly atmosphere are always interconnected,” according to submitted materials.
Preety Tripathi, a colleague on the mathematics faculty, said Tiballi lives his philosophy. “Right from the beginning, I looked upon him as an invaluable mentor,” she wrote. “He has always been available for discussion of issues related to teaching and service, and is always willing to go the extra mile to provide time, resources and suggestions as I need them.”
Tiballi and Huynh will formally receive their service awards April 20 as part of the SUNY Oswego Scholarly and Creative Activity Awards Ceremony.
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