SUNY Canton President Honors Meritorious Service Award Recipients
Canton, NY (06/17/2024) — Four SUNY Canton employees were recognized by President Zvi Szafran for their professional achievements at the annual Employee Recognition Day event in May.
Szafran selected Christina M. Leshko, Ph.D., Rebecca Olmstead, Pamela M. Sheldon, and Andrew C. Wood to receive the 2024 President's Meritorious Service Award, one of the college's highest honors.
"The collective value that this group has brought to our college is significant," Szafran said. "I'm pleased to celebrate their commitment to SUNY Canton and our students with this special award."
Christina M. Leshko, Ph.D.
Leshko began teaching at the college in 2018 and is a lecturer in the Social Sciences Department. She is actively involved in a number of campus committees, including the Diversity and Inclusion Council and the Anti-Racism Working Group. An innovative educator, Leshko has developed new course offerings and microcredentials related to advocacy and activism, as well as identified and revised courses to meet new diversity requirements.
Rebecca Olmstead
Olmstead was promoted from retail dining associate to her current position as dining operations supervisor, overseeing three campus retail locations. She sets high customer service standards for her and her team, and she helps her colleagues succeed through support, coaching, listening, and feedback. Olmstead is focused on providing a positive dining experience for students and staff, as well as making SUNY Canton a better place to learn and work.
Pamela M. Sheldon
Sheldon is retiring from the college with 29 years of service. She was a retail dining associate in Roos Court eatery, where she provided a welcoming, friendly atmosphere for patrons. As a valued member of the College Association team, Sheldon has gone above and beyond for students in ways that have made a difference in their lives. Her genuine care for students exemplifies SUNY Canton's values.
Andrew C. Wood
Wood is a SUNY Canton alumnus and a lecturer in the Criminal Justice Department. In addition to being an outstanding educator, he enthusiastically volunteers to assist with initiatives that aim to enrich the college experience. Wood is actively invested in students' well-being and connects them to campus resources when a need arises. The class of 2024 dedicated the Paysonian Yearbook to Wood in a gesture of appreciation for his positive impact on the student body.
About SUNY Canton
Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 23 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and will be transitioning to the SUNYAC in Fall 2024. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.
Media Attachments
SUNY Canton Lecturer Christina M. Leshko, Ph.D., receives the 2024 President's Meritorious Service Award from President Zvi Szafran, right, and College Council Chair Ronald M. O’Neill.
SUNY Canton Dining Operations Supervisor Rebecca Olmstead receives the 2024 President's Meritorious Service Award from President Zvi Szafran, right, and College Council Chair Ronald M. O’Neill.
SUNY Canton Retail Dining Associate Pamela M. Sheldon receives the 2024 President's Meritorious Service Award from President Zvi Szafran, right, and College Council Chair Ronald M. O’Neill.
SUNY Canton Lecturer Andrew C. Wood, center, receives the 2024 President's Meritorious Service Award from President Zvi Szafran, right, and College Council Chair Ronald M. O’Neill.