Human Resources Announces Employees of the Quarter (April – June)

Paul Iwancio, coordinator of instructional television with the New Media Studio (NMS), is the Exempt Staff Employee of the Quarter (Wednesday, April 1, to Tuesday, June 30). During the last 30 years, Iwancio has provided UMBC with instructional technology support, beginning as a student employee in the late 1970s. He joined the campus as a full-time employee in AV Services in 1986. Since joining the NMS three years ago, Iwancio’s duties have expanded and diversified. While continuing to coordinate class lecture recording, duplication services and video conference support, Iwancio has become a key member of the NMS’s video production team, developing into a talented media producer.
One of the best examples of Iwancio’s exceptional work is his evolving role in the Studio’s digital story work. In order to be more effective in these projects, he trained with the center for Digital Storytelling in workshop facilitation techniques. He has drawn on his own writing talents to help workshop participants develop exceptional digital stories. As the Studio’s Charlestown Digital Story project has developed over the last two years, his role has grown significantly. He was lead facilitator and coordinator during the most recent workshop at Charlestown. He contributes greatly to the project’s ongoing success and shares much of the credit for the Studio’s 2007 Telly award and 2008 New Media Consortium Center of Excellence Award.
“All who know Iwancio are struck with his high energy and willingness to put every bit of himself into whatever he takes on,” said NMS Director Bill Shewbridge. “His attention to detail and commitment to doing good work is evident in all he does.”
Iwancio has demonstrated his leadership abilities outside the UMBC community. He is founder and past president of the Baltimore Songwriters Association. He is actively pursuing a master’s degree in instructional technology at Towson University and is already applying what he has learned in his work at UMBC.
Iwancio had a luncheon celebration with a small group of colleagues. His formal presentation was Tuesday, April 21, at the Office of Information Technology’s (OIT) staff meeting.
Eva Valentine, accountant I for the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, is the Non-exempt Employee of the Quarter (Wednesday, April 1, to Tuesday, June 30). Valentine began her career at UMBC in 1989 as an accounting clerk III for the Comptroller’s Office after transferring from a state agency. She was promoted and later transferred to the Department of Education as an accounting associate in 1999. She continued to grow in her career and transferred to her current position in 2005.
Valentine was nominated by Emma Sellers, program management specialist in the Department of Political Science.
“Valentine is an inspiration to many of her coworkers because of her dedication to UMBC, wisdom and self-determination to constantly learn,” said Sellers.
Valentine has served on the President’s Commission for Women as treasurer for the past two years. During her free time, she is an active member of her church and attends school. She plans to graduate this May with a bachelor’s degree in management studies from the University of Maryland University College.
Valentine received her award on Friday, April 3, at a luncheon celebration. The faculty and staff of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology presented her with flowers and a gift certificate to her favorite spa.