Physical Plant Worker Receives 2022 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence

May 11, 2022

William Kappes, a custodial worker at Hudson Valley Community College for the past 15 years, was named as a 2022 recipient of the prestigious SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service.

Instituted in 1972 by the State University of New York, the Chancellor's Award recognizes exceptional contributions to the university by dedicated professionals. Since its inception, nearly 200 faculty and staff members from Hudson Valley have received the Chancellor's Award.

“We take great pride in announcing this year’s recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award,” said President Roger A. Ramsammy. “It is abundantly clear that Mr. Kappes exceeds his job responsibilities while displaying leadership and exceptional customer service on campus. It is my honor to salute his commitment to the college and share my appreciation for his outstanding dedication to his work.”

Kappes currently works in the Viking Child Care Center as well as Cogan and Williams Halls, where many of the Applied Technology programs such as Automotive Technical Services and Electrical Construction and Maintenance are housed. Due to the variety of lab spaces, these buildings provide an extra challenge for custodial workers, one nominator noted.

Campus faculty and staff who nominated Kappes for the university-wide honor noted his commitment to his work and his willingness to step in whenever and wherever he is needed. Many who supported his nomination noted that during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when applied technology courses and labs continued on campus, Kappes was vigilant in maintaining strict disinfection and cleaning standards.

Kappes is an alumnus of the college, having earned his associate in applied science degree in Business Administration in 2007.