Ed Degelsmith

This past year, Sergeant Ed Degelsmith was recognized with one of the Division’s Distinguished Performance Awards for Customer Service.

Each year, the Customer Service Award acknowledges an individual who always demonstrates professionalism by serving the needs of the University community. Sergeant Ed Degelsmith, who has been with the University since 1992, is a prime example of someone dedicated to providing outstanding customer service to the FIU community. The person who nominated Sergeant Degelsmith stated, “Ed goes above and beyond the call of duty by constantly seeking opportunities to help anyone.” He interacts regularly with BBC housing students, offering them his assistance. He has even been known to buy students in need a lunch. Sergeant Degelsmith extends his customer service to anyone who calls FIU a home. He has collaborated with the elementary school by Biscayne Bay Campus to offer traffic control and “high visibility policing.” Both the university and local community have expressed gratitude for FIU’s Public Safety in the form of letters and phone calls, and much of it due to Sergeant Degelsmith’s benevolence and respect for the ideals of customer service.

Ivette Duarte

This past year, Ivette Duare was recognized with one of the Division’s Distinguished Performance Awards for Team Player.

The Team Player Award recognizes an individual or group who works exceptionally well with others, both within the department and throughout the FIU community. 
Ivette Duarte, who has been with FIU since 1993, is viewed as an incredible team player by her colleagues. Her “team first” attitude has contributed to the success of the FIU Career Services Office and their collaboration within the FIU community.  Ivette brings 15 years of experience and an undaunted can-do attitude to the staff in Career Services. She has show great commitment to helping others on her team in any way she can.  Ivette has a solution-focused approach and exceptional stamina.  As a result, she has contributed numerous work hours while maintaining a great attitude.  One of Ivette’s nominators wrote, “All you need to do is watch her when she’s trying to help someone. In that split second, you can conclude that the person she’s trying to help, whoever it is, is the most important person for her at that moment. I guess that’s her nature. She is optimistic, positive, cheerful, while also caring compassionate, and a generous person to others.”