Joyce Yokel and Paul Sousa receive the 2022 College of Engineering award for exemplary service.
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Joyce Yokel, administrative assistant, and Paul Sousa, professional technician, are the 2022 recipients of the UMass Dartmouth College of Engineering Outstanding Staff Award. Nominees are evaluated based on their exemplary service, commitment to the college's values, and notable contributions to the community of faculty, students, and staff.
“Joyce Yokel and Paul Sousa are recognized for their ability to create a positive environment and outlook for students and faculty, offer selfless services, and act as proud ambassadors of their departments, the college, and students,” said Dr. Jean VanderGheynst, dean of College of Engineering.
The committee also noted Yokel’s collegiality and willingness to lend a helping hand to the entire college of engineering, above and beyond her duties; being the face of the dean’s office throughout the stages of remote operations during COVID; and her engagement in providing an inclusive environment as part of the Urban Massachusetts Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Project.
Nominators noted Paul’s exemplary service by working above and beyond to help undergraduates and graduate students in all disciplines; creating a robust appointment system for students to easily access the machine shop during COVID; introducing innovative manufacturing processes to improve the quality of the curriculum; providing an inclusive environment, delineated by patience with students and welcoming and warmhearted manner; and a strong commitment to preparing the best generation of engineers.