Two SUNY Jamestown Community College staff members were awarded the 2021 President’s Award and State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence.
Karen Fuller-Markham, director of administrative services, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. Fuller-Markham joined JCC in April 2013 as director of finance and was promoted to her current position in November 2015.
Lynn Klingensmith, administrative assistant for JCC’s College Connections program, is the recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service. She started as a part-time administrative assistant in 2013 and was promoted to her current position in 2015.
administration, left, and Daniel DeMarte, JCC president.
Fuller-Markham owns an associate’s degree in business administration from JCC and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from St. Bonaventure University. Prior to coming to JCC, she worked for the accounting firm of Buffamante, Whipple, Buttafaro, P.C.
Fuller-Markham led an operations team at JCC that prepared for reopening campus during the pandemic. Her work coordinating the efforts of this team ensured the college was prepared, with a well-planned strategy for staff and students to return to JCC safely. In addition to leading the operations team, she manages the college’s CARES monies, including the distribution of funds to students following regulatory guidelines.
Fuller-Markham has been described by her colleagues as someone who takes pride in how she performs her job and in the success of the college. It is this selfless approach that serves as the backdrop for everything she does on behalf of JCC.
“Karen is not one to be satisfied with the status quo,” said JCC president Daniel DeMarte. “She is committed to the continuous improvement of the business office and of JCC as a whole, oftentimes serving on committees and workgroups that stretch beyond the scope of her role. What motivates Karen is a desire to see JCC succeed, which is why she does not hesitate to step up and help others.”
Fuller-Markham also serves on the Banner Student and Banner Steering committees at JCC. Outside of work, she is treasurer for the Next Level 716, Inc., participates in the Chautauqua Striders Run series, and is a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the Chautauqua Leadership Network Class of 2013.
Klingensmith earned an associate’s degree in business administration from SUNY Erie Community College and a bachelor’s degree in business management from SUNY Empire State College in 2019 while working full- and part-time jobs.
Prior to joining JCC, Klingensmith worked at Erie Community College, the Erie County Health Department, and Chautauqua Suites. In addition to her primary jobs, she has held a second job as a server in the restaurant industry.
Klingensmith’s attention to detail and mastery of processes ensures that the operational aspects of the College Connections program run smoothly. She works with others on and off campus to guarantee visitors have a great experience when attending program events.
“Lynn’s ability to easily adapt to change has been advantageous to the College Connections program,” DeMarte said. “She has risen to the challenge as enrollment has continued to grow and required numerous process changes, and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.