SUNY Canton President Honors Meritorious Service Award Recipients

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 its 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.