51社区

Classified Senate has named Mario Cinquepalmi, administrative specialist for the Department of Recreation and Sport Pedagogy in the Patton College of Education, the Employee of the Month for January 2021.

This recognition is Classified Senate鈥檚 way of awarding those employees who have shown outstanding individual achievement and performance of their jobs, while inspiring and supporting the achievement of others. 

Criteria for selection include:

• Positive attitude and serving as a role model;
• Productivity and commitment to quality;
• Initiative and taking on additional responsibilities

Cinquepalmi was nominated by Ashley Allanson. The following is a sample of the comments made about Cinquepalmi in the nomination:

鈥淢ario is outstanding for a variety of reasons, including his selflessness, efficiency and craftsmanship, all of which have greatly contributed to the Recreation and Sport Pedagogy Department within the Patton College of Education. Mario consistently goes above and beyond his job duties every day to support all faculty within the department. Mario also works closely with the department chair and each program coordinator to ensure that the administrative duties can be done effectively so as not to burden the faculty.鈥� 

鈥淲hen faculty need assistance finalizing budgets, reimbursements, university travel related to scheduling and university-related purchases, Mario is there to either provide guidance and support or to complete the tasks. Due to his timeliness and the quality of his work, the faculty within the department trust Mario and know that he is a valuable asset.鈥� 

鈥淚n addition, Mario has created a OneDrive folder that allows for all documentation for students undertaking practicums during the Fall Semester to have in one place that is easily shareable and that allows students and faculty to sign PDFs that are needed in approving the work placements.鈥�

鈥淢ario also brings positive and warm energy into the department. Mario is the first person anyone sees when entering the office suite and he is incredibly professional in all his interactions. Having that kind of person in the office is valuable and creates positive space for all who interact with him.鈥� 

Cinquepalmi recently answered some get-to-know you questions:

How long have you worked at your job? 

I have been in my current role since September 2019.  I started at the University in 2016.

What are the most enjoyable things about your job?

I enjoy being able to contribute in a meaningful manner to the operation of our department.  Further, I enjoy working with people within the Patton College and across the University.  Hopefully, I will get to see everyone in person again in the not-too-distant future.

If you weren鈥檛 in your present job, you would be working as a ___? 

Good question 鈥� I don鈥檛 know, honestly. I have held a diverse set of positions within my employment history. For most of them, I have been able to find a sufficient number of enjoyable aspects of each job to keep me happy. 

What hobbies or interests do you enjoy pursuing when you鈥檙e not at work? 

I enjoy being outdoors when it is warm 鈥� hiking or walking or whatever else. Otherwise, I like to read when I am able to find the time.

What is something that most people don鈥檛 know about you? 

I have recently started in the master of social sciences program here at 51社区.

What is your favorite saying or quote? 

鈥淗e who fights with monsters must take care lest he thereby becomes a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.鈥� 鈥� Friedrich Nietzsche

More information is available on the Classified Senate website about the Employee of the Month program.