LANCASTER, Pa. - Steve Spadafore (Lancaster, Pa.), electronics engineer for the Departments of Physics and Astronomy at Franklin & Marshall, received the Richard Kneedler Distinguished Service Award at Saturday's (5/12) commencement exercises. The award, named in honor of the previous president of Franklin & Marshall, is designed to recognize one member of the professional staff for outstanding contributions and demonstrated commitment to the mission of the College.
Spadafore joined the College in 1986 as an electronics design and development specialist in the Psychology Department and in 1987, was promoted to electronics engineer. He joined Physics & Astronomy in 1995. In that role, he is responsible for setting up equipment for experiments, troubleshooting equipment when there's a problem and taking care of the department's computers by maintaining both hardware and software. His citation reads, "It would be difficult to find a scientist on this campus that does not think of Steve as 'the go-to guy' for any engineering project or idea." Spadafore was selected for his willingness to go above and beyond. His citation reads, "When the Physics & Astronomy Department needed to clean house, he was the driving force behind the department's popular garage sale. Not only did he help clear the shelves of old, obsolete equipment, he helped generate a tidy sum for the department budget that was used to buy new equipment. Several years ago, Steve also had a novel idea for raising money for the Physics and Astronomy Club — he found an old junker car for students and faculty and anyone else who wanted to take a whack with a sledgehammer, and hosted a destruct-a-thon. Steve handled the entire project — from finding out about insurance, to handling all the red tape that goes along with taking possession of a vehicle. The event was a 'smashing' success, and relieved a little pre-finals stress as well!" Spadafore is also respected at the College for his volunteer activities, He a dedicated volunteer at Mom's House. And during this past winter break, he accompanied 18 students to Pascagoula, Miss., to help with rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. His citation concludes, "The contributions of people like Steven Spadafore, who are living fulfilling lives and contributing meaningfully to their occupations, are not just behind-the-scenes - they are the public face of the College. Steve is creative, innovative, diligent, and indispensable. Franklin & Marshall is privileged to have him in its midst." -30- |
