Thirty years ago, Dawn Rowe, joined SUNY Geneseo as a stenographer, taking shorthand in Milne Library. Since then, she has worked in the college's education department for 24 years, and spent the last three years as a secretary II in the Facilities Services Department.
 
"The years have flown," says Rowe, because she enjoys the people she works with and the atmosphere at Geneseo so much.
 
Last month, Rowe was honored for her dedication to Geneseo and work with the 2009 Gloria and Van Quaal Outstanding Quality Service Award.
 
"I think it's a great honor," said Rowe. "I think there's a lot of people that deserve to be recognized and I was surprised that it was me."
 
"I couldn't be more pleased to recognize Dawn for her stellar service to the college," said Kenneth H. Levison, vice president for administration and finance. "Her long-time commitment to her job and to Geneseo without doubt exemplifies the qualities of the award."
 
The annual award recognizes an individual who has had a consistently high level of performance during his or her career, a recognizable and meaningful impact at the college, and has demonstration the ability to serve as a role model for others. The college established the award in 1997 through an endowment from the Geneseo Foundation in honor of the Quaals' many years of devoted service to the college and Geneseo community.

Van Quaal was vice president emeritus of business affairs and finance at Geneseo before his death in 2005, at age 80. While in Geneseo, Gloria Quaal was energetically involved in community activities. She now resides in Clifton Park, N.Y.
 
The selection committee chose Dawn from among three nominees this year. On the committee were Kirk Spangler, associate director of facilities services, who served as chair; Julie Briggs, assistant vice president for human resources; Rhonda Lander, director of human resources from Campus Auxiliary Services; Lenny Sancilio, dean of students; and Victor VanVliet, owner of Special T's store on Main Street.