Benvenuto Named KU Employee of the Month for October 2024

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Congratulations to Stephen Benvenuto, Facilities Technology Specialist, on being named Kutztown University Employee of the Month for October 2024.

Benvenuto’s nomination from Deb Bond, associate director of Business Services, reads:

“How do I get my doors to open at a specific time? How do I give access to an office space? Help, I've lost my Facilities printer connection! We need a new PIN code created! Where these requests end up?

These requests, in all likelihood, will be directed to Stephen Benvenuto, our Facilities Technology Specialist. While his role generally has him working behind the scenes in Facilities maintaining inventories, monitoring connections, troubleshooting issues and performing technology related problem resolution for our Facilities team of employees, his willingness to continually step in to fill gaps fully demonstrate the vital contributions he makes on a daily basis.

Over the past two years as we've had staff vacancies, particularly in our Key and Lock position, Stephen has made significant contributions over and above his assigned responsibilities. He proactively and independently immersed himself in learning all about the SMS software - the integral component of our campuswide card access system. He readily took on some of the responsibilities of the vacant position in a manner that demonstrates his dedication and support of the university. Through his initiative and effort, he is recognized as a content expert on this software. He has provided training to new users and readily makes himself available to support Authorizing Officials. In providing support related to the vacant position, Stephen also took on the responsibility of providing training and support to our student workers and managing their daily work assignments.

Stephen's exemplary teamwork is further evidenced by his willingness to jump in and also provide support to our Lock Shop. When a member of the campus community is having trouble with electronic access to their space – residence hall, academic or administrative – and the primary respondent is out of the office or otherwise engaged, Stephen will jump right in to assist. This often means he'll drop what he's doing and head out to provide assistance. His efforts and contributions are very much appreciated and make him a well deserving candidate for consideration of this honor.”

Nominations are collected from students, faculty and staff, and the Employee of the Month is selected by the Human Resources Advisory Council. A winner will be selected each month, and out of the 12 monthly winners one will be selected as Employee of the Year. The Employee of the Month will receive a plaque, reserved parking and a $100 monetary gift sponsored by President Hawkinson.

For more information on the award or to nominate someone, please visit the KU human resources website.