AMHERST, N.Y. – Recipients of Daemen College’s 2016 Outstanding Faculty and Staff Awards were honored by President Gary A. Olson at a special presentation following his spring State of the College Address on March 30.

This year’s honorees are Karen Cash of Amherst, executive assistant for student affairs, Outstanding Staff Award; Jeffrey Pagano of Clarence, director of financial aid, Outstanding Administrator Award; and Justine Tutuska of South Buffalo, chair and assistant professor of health care studies, Outstanding Faculty Award.

“These award honorees truly exemplify Daemen’s high standards of excellence, and we are proud to recognize their exceptional commitment, contributions and service to the college,” said Olson.

Cash was commended for her “very high standards and dedication to the student affairs division. A respectful and conscientious staff member, she works hard to help students, faculty and staff.”

In recognizing Pagano, he was acknowledged for his “contributions to increasing student retention, and for always making time to provide assistance and to finding reasonable solutions to problems. He is highly regarded by his colleagues.”

Tutuska was praised as a “natural born teacher who works tirelessly on behalf of students and has developed several exceptional service learning experiences, as well as been instrumental in establishing two new master’s degree programs.”