Awards, Honors, Appointments and Recognition
Gerald Benjamin, associate vice president for regional engagement and director of the Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach (CRREO), has been awarded a $5,000 grant by the Netherlands-America Foundation for his project, “The Worlds of Henry Hudson: Teaching and Understanding New Netherlands from a Transatlantic Perspective.” This intellectual event will be held in connection with the quadricentennial celebration of Henry Hudson’s exploration of the Hudson River and will explore the four “worlds” related to Hudson and his voyage: early modern overseas empires; the contacts between European and non-European people; colonial societies; and transatlantic networks.
Capt. Patricia Castellano received her University Police retirement badge at a party on Jan. 13.
Capt. Patricia Castellano retired from University Police on Jan. 14 after serving the college for 34 years. A retirement party was held for her on Jan. 13 at the College Terrace. Castellano began working with the department while she was a student at New Paltz. After graduating with a degree in biology, she became a police officer in 1974. Castellano was promoted to lieutenant in 1984; administrative lieutenant in 1996; and captain in 2005. Her areas of expertise include rape crisis intervention and general topics instruction. Castellano received the department’s Chief’s Award for Professionalism in 2003.
Julio González (Engineering) has been appointed associate dean of the School of Science and Engineering. He has served as interim associate dean since 2008. González has obtained three teaching awards at Colorado State University and SUNY New Paltz, including the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2001. His record of publications is reflected by his IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) senior member status. His service includes membership in the committees of Tenure and Reappointment, Promotion and Salary Increase; and Research, Awards and Leaves. He was also chair of the Academic Appeals Committee and was the faculty representative at the College Capital Planning Council. During his one-year term as interim associate dean, González was instrumental in creating a science advisory board comprised of local community colleges and at organizing and participating in a symposium for high school teachers. Both activities were geared toward increasing student enrollment in the School of Science and Engineering.
Chui-chun Lee, director of the Sojourner Truth Library, was awarded $12,164 by the New York State Department of Education for a project aimed at enhancing and facilitating materials acquisitions for regional resources sharing.