Employees of the Month
Employee of the Month: Dorothy Weinberger
According to Jason VanOra, Dorothy Weinberger is an unsung hero. “Finally we have this opportunity to sing her praises,” says Jason. “Every time there is a student in need, Dorothy is responding, ensuring students and faculty that everything will be okay.” Dorothy has been working at Kingsborough for over nine years, working under the Department of Behavioral Sciences since 2012. “I was a graduate of Kingsborough where I obtained my Associate’s in Education,” says Dorothy. “We are a close family. We have each other’s back. Always there for each other.”
A Brooklyn native, Dorothy is enthusiastic about her work. “It is a blessing to work at Kingsborough,” says our April Employee of the Month. “Before working at Kingsborough, I was a medical assistant in a doctor’s office where a lot of patients were faculty and students of Kingsborough.” Dorothy, however, had her sights set elsewhere and was interested in obtaining a job at Kingsborough. When the doctor she worked for retired, she walked into HR and filled out an application. “Two weeks after applying for a position, I received a job at Kingsborough, almost 10 years ago,” she adds.
Dorothy is grateful for her old chairperson. “Susan was fair and kind, and helped to guide me in my new job position. The support was amazing. Years later, I am equally grateful to work with Stuart and Cynthia.”
A proud parent, Dorothy’s children are inspired by her integrity in her personal and work life. Her other colleagues did not shy away from praising her work ethic. According to her department chair, Stuart Parker, “Dorothy handles every situation with a smile while getting the job done. She’s a perfect member of the team.”
Susan, Dorothy’s previous chair, admired how good she is with dealing with students and how well she handled them, always connecting them with the right people for their specific situation.
“You are an outstanding person, inside and outside of work,” chimed in Mickie Driscoll. “You are an example of wonderful customer service. Your team shines like bright stars.”
A little-known fact about Dorothy is her very dry and quirky sense of humor. “I am always trying to make people laugh and see the lighter side of things in the office,” she says. “I always try to be in a good mood and see the bright side of stuff instead of gloom and doom.”
Jason VanOra has observed that she does everything she can do, not only to make their department work, but to ensure it is workable, livable and humane. “She is so kind and always sends inspirational emails to the professors in her department.”
“I am really proud of my friend,” adds Mary Nieberg. Their children attended the same schools together, often assigned to the same classes. They not only work together, but continue their friendship even into today.
Cynthia Olvina appreciates Dorothy’s compassion and professionalism, especially during difficult times. “She mended hearts after a faculty member was lost,” Cynthia says. “I appreciate everything you do.” Dorothy feels equally glad to work with Cynthia. “Working with Cynthia Olvina has been great and there is a mutual respect.”
“She responds to student emails, even during the pandemic, within minutes,” says Catherine Ma. “She calls students after work hours, just to make sure they receive the information they need for their classes.”
“Sometimes students come in with concerns, some are about retaking a class for graduation. I like to help them as best as I can get what they need so they get what they came in asking for,” says Dorothy.
Everyone in her department sees her as a real friend to her coworkers. “She makes the office such a friendly place,” said another co-worker.
Dorothy loves to spend time with her family, especially her children. “I often go to Farmer’s markets and craft fairs. I do needlework, and during the pandemic, I probably finished three or four needlepoint projects and puzzles. That is what keeps me busy when I am not at work.”
When asked what her most memorable moment is, Dorothy responds, “Receiving this acknowledgment is my most memorable moment while working at Kingsborough.”
Congratulations, Dorothy!