Established in 2004, the President’s Recognition Program acknowledges the exceptional contributions of University staff employees—as individuals and as members of teams—in the areas of service and collaboration. Bridge Awards honor University staff members for demonstrating an exceptional spirit of collaboration and the sharing of information and resources while pursuing the broad goal of excellent service to the benefit of the university.

Richard E. Miller has nominated members of the department’s Information Technology Services (ITS) Team—Russell Clarke, Maritza Cruz, Walter (Joe) Phillips, and Otilio Soto—for a President’s Bridge Award. In the past year, the ITS Team has been responsible for a number of significant projects that have helped to promote the department both within and beyond the Rutgers University community, as well as enhanced the technology literacy of the user communities at Rutgers English. The ITS Team has conceptualized and developed a Culture Lab in Murray Hall that will enable undergraduate students and members of the English Department to engage in digital media editing and cultural production. This state-of-the-art teaching lab is the only facility of its kind on campus. Working with the Program in American Language Studies (PALS), the ITS Team has transformed the Writing Program’s computer classroom at the Livingston College campus into a fully-functional digital smart lab that will provide students with various ESL learning resources and technology-driven programs to facilitate their learning of English. Embarking on an aggressive redevelopment plan to “brand” Rutgers English, the ITS Team has redesigned the department’s core and affiliated websites, including the Center for Cultural Analysis (CCA) and PALS, as well as created print materials promoting the many events sponsored by Rutgers English, including the Writers at Rutgers Reading Series.

Congratulations to Russell Clarke, Maritza Cruz, Walter (Joe) Phillips, and Otilio Soto for their well-deserved and well-earned nomination!

The President’s Recognition Program Awards Ceremony and Showcase is scheduled for Monday, October 17, 2005, in the Rutgers Student Center, Main Lounge and Multipurpose Room. President Richard L. McCormick will announce the recipients of the Excellence in Service and Bridge Awards during the awards ceremony. The University Community is invited to attend.

For more information about the President’s Recognition Program, visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/pres-recognition.html