The campus community celebrated the outstanding achievements of two Binghamton University employees on Wednesday by presenting them with this year’s Distinguished Service Award.
The Professional Employees Council (PEC) honored Jeffrey Horowitz, assistant director of residential life for Dickinson Community, for consistently going above and beyond his normal duties.
“Jeff exemplifies what this award represents,” said Scott Geiger, chair of PEC. “Whether on campus or off, Jeff’s dedication to all that he does is apparent.”
Horowitz is an active volunteer for Special Olympics events in the area. He coaches teams, meeting with them weekly, and seeks volunteers for the program.
“I am a coach for a local training club that trains in soccer, bowling, volleyball, basketball, and track and then a coach for the state game for [b]asketball,” Horowitz wrote in an email.
Horowitz, who has worked at BU for 16 years, is responsible for managing Dickinson Community and the Dickinson Community office.
“My biggest highlight was being elected as President of the Northeast Association of College and University Housing Officers (2009-2010), because I had to use many skills and connections I learned in my position to be successful to lead an association that develops other housing professionals across the Northeast,” Horowitz wrote.
Horowitz thanked his coworkers for their support, and said he was honored to be selected for the award this year.
“I need to thank everyone I work with, because if it weren’t for those individuals, I wouldn’t be as successful with the job that I do,” he said.
Stephen Gowe, Assistant Director of Maintenance and Operations at BU, was the second employee honored.
Last year, Gowe played an integral role in organizing flood relief efforts on campus.
“I helped in any way I could with the flood last year,” he wrote in an email. “My duties ranged from loading a helicopter with food supplies to cleaning up around the event center.”
Gowe, who has worked at BU for more than 13 years, oversees all of the campus grounds and custodial operations as well as all residence hall maintenance.
“My career highlight would be being involved [in] the planning and building of the Fine Arts Memorial Courtyard and its constant evolution,” he said.
Geiger noted that the committee selected Gowe because he is extremely dedicated and has an “incredible work ethic.”
“Steve embodies qualities of a great leader,” Geiger said. “He is always there to get the job done.”
Gowe said he was surprised, but pleased, to hear of his selection for this year’s Distinguished Service Award.
“I was very shocked and honored to be selected for this award especially knowing all of the great people that work on this campus,” he said.
According to Geiger, the awards give the PEC a chance to recognize qualified University employees for their hard work.
“These awards are such a great opportunity to honor all of deserving professionals,” Geiger said.
University President Harvey Stenger said he was impressed by the accomplishments of the winners, but noted that they are just two of many hardworking employees at BU.
“This place is built with great people, great plans and a great future,” Stenger said. “We all know these people are fabulous employees.”
Horowitz encouraged students to experience more than just school at BU.
“Experience more than just the classes [you] take while at Binghamton University,” he said. “You may not realize what you learned in those other experiences like leadership, time management, public speaking, conflict resolution, may come back to help you in other opportunities you may have in life.”