How long have you worked at Buffalo State? What other areas have you served at the college?
I have worked for the Resources for Information, Technology, and Education (RITE) office as a senior systems programmer for 18 years. Additionally, I am an adjunct in the Computer Information Systems (CIS) Department. I have also worked at the Small Business Development Center during my college years.
What motivates you to provide excellent services for your colleagues, students, and supervisor?
I am motivated knowing I provide lifelong learning to students, combined with innovative technological skills which will enhance a new generation of progressive professionals in the workforce. Additionally, I believe that one person, whether a student, colleague, or supervisor can make a significant difference in many lives and overcome any challenges that come their way.
What personal philosophy about working with others guides your day-to-day work?
My personal philosophy about working with others is to practice ethical judgment and to put my best efforts forward with integrity.
What do you do when you are not working?
I engage in many church activities including volunteering as a Eucharistic Minister and various events for the Buffalo State Newman Center. Additionally, I volunteer for charitable organizations, such as Camp Good Days and Special Times and United Way Day of Caring. On the weekends, I attend several workshops and enjoy volunteering for Computer Science for High School (CS4HS) showcases and competitions. I am a commissioned New York State notary public to help serve the community. My free time is also spent participating in events such as the Corporate Challenge and commencement ceremonies with other Buffalo State colleagues. Spending time and having fun at a variety of alumni events or traveling with my husband and son keeps my family close-knit.
"Maria specializes in enterprise-wide system administration, server security, and server virtualization. She maintains over 50 systems for campus departments and personnel. Maria has many customers on campus who I am confident will vouch for her service to the campus and ambassador qualities.
Maria has worked with me in a professional capacity for the past 17 years. During this period, I have had the privilege of seeing Maria grow in her position, her campus presence, as well as her love for Buffalo State. Maria is an outstanding ambassador for Buffalo State who is proud to represent and promote the campus. I have witnessed Maria participate in many campus events wearing the Bengal’s orange and black promoting Buffalo State."
"Maria goes above and beyond her work duties to help the faculty, staff, and students at Buffalo State. In her position, with new system upgrades, security patches, and server fixes, work must be completed during off-hours during nights and weekends. Maria diligently stays to get the job done, so it appears seamless to each department who depends on having the technology up and running as efficiently as possible. Maria is a person who engages the campus as a community, not just a place to work. She cares about the staff and students and is actively involved in the college's civic engagement. She is well deserving of this award."
"As the 2017 Campaign Coordinator for the SEFA (United Way) campaign, I was overwhelmed by the sincerity and energy Maria had as an office liaison for the campaign. She has been a solicitor for over a decade and her enthusiasm is infectious. She was one of the main reasons we were able to meet and exceed our campaign goal."
"Maria has demonstrated her commitment to the Buffalo State community and the community at large in many different ways. She is very active in PSC, SEFA, and always goes above and beyond to improve the quality of life for students and her colleagues. She has participated in the annual Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention several years running which is just one example of her caring and commitment to serve others. Maria is a kind, warm, and giving person who is a joy to work with."
"Maria immediately came to mind when I read about the President’s Caring Bengal Award. She is a kind, caring, and genuine individual who strives to be of service to the college and the community. Maria can be counted on to be generous with her time and energy to help with a variety of campus activities. Her positivity contributes to a warm and welcoming campus environment.
Maria’s caring nature was evident in a recent divisional food drive for Milligan’s Food Pantry. At a recent RITE function, team members were encouraged to bring canned goods to donate to the food pantry. A few days later, Maria visited the pantry and noticed that the donated food had already been distributed to those in need. Maria quickly went about setting up collection boxes in ITEC, RITE, and College Relations. Within a few days, the division was able to donate another six boxes of food that Maria delivered to the pantry."
