ACM EMPLOYEES HONORED WITH LEAGUE EXCELLENCE AWARDS
CUMBERLAND, Md. (Feb. 1, 2023) – Allegany College of Maryland employees Heather Greise, Shauna McQuade and Kara Riley were nominated and selected by their peers to receive League Excellence Awards from the League for Innovation in the Community College. Greise and McQuade will travel to Tempe to be honored during The League’s annual Innovations Conference held March 11-14. Due to a conflict, Riley will attend a future Innovations Conference.
Heather Greise
Greise, an associate professor of Academic Development, joined the college in 2016.
Regarded as an expert teacher, she engages students in the learning process through
class activities, incorporating guest speakers, and finding opportunities for interactions
and growth. “She has a gift for presenting complex material in concise ways,” noted
a colleague. Known for her own personal commitment to learning, Greise completed the
college’s teaching and learning community program, continues to self-direct her own
research and is a frequent presenter at faculty teaching and learning community workshops.
She is a member of the college’s Academic Assessment Committee, and in 2022, she guided
the inclusion of general education learning outcomes in curriculum. She serves as
the faculty poetry editor for the Expressions student literary magazine. Greise is
known on campus and the community for her tireless work as co-chair of the Student
Emergency Support Committee, which oversees The Pantry, the college’s onsite permanent
food and personal supply pantry for students. Using videos and social media, in-person
and virtual presentations and on-campus events, Greise not only promotes The Pantry
but raises awareness of food and basic needs insecurity on college campuses. She works
closely with the college’s partner, UMD Extension SNAP-Ed, and the Western Maryland
Food Bank. Greise was recently recognized as part of the award-winning Basic Needs
Security Collaboration project.
Shauna McQuade
McQuade, director of Public Relations and Marketing and the college’s public information
officer, joined the institution in 2002. She is known for her leadership, commitment
to students and the student experience, and dedication to the college. She is well
regarded as a “a team player no matter her role on campus” and someone “who is always
open to suggestions, actively solves conflicts, and demonstrates a positive attitude
through all her responsibilities,” noted a colleague. McQuade was integral to navigating
the college through challenging times during the pandemic, ensuring transparent communication
and serving as a member of the COVID-19 Command Team. She introduced new and innovative
technology to the college’s marketing initiatives, including multi-platform advertising
campaigns, college recruiter-student texting and multi-campus digital signage, among
others. McQuade spearheaded the college’s marketing of the Navigate student app, revived
a student ambassador campaign, developed an electronic request process solution for
public relations and marketing services, and led her unit’s Comprehensive Unit Review.
McQuade actively serves on multiple college committees and has volunteered regularly
at The Pantry as part of the Student Emergency Support Committee. She is also a member
of the Maryland Council of Community Colleges Public Relations Officers and is a committed
lifelong learner, frequently participating in professional development activities.
She is a volunteer for multiple community causes.
Kara Riley
Riley, administrative assistant to the Dean of Information Technology, joined ACM
in 2000. “Kara is the face of IT, exemplifying a passionate and professional work
ethic,” noted a colleague. Riley was recognized for being committed to “operational
efficiencies” within the IT department, from creating a cost-tracking solution to
monitor campus-wide technology purchases to implementing a process for tracking print
management services, among others. She is also known for her creativity, leadership,
and time management skills, according to a colleague. Riley has been elected to the
college’s Associate Support Staff Association and Status committees, serving several
terms as chair and vice chair of both committees. Riley is dedicated to uplifting
and improving employee morale. She organizes department functions and serves as a
welcoming, engaging mentor to new employees. She was part of the college’s Policy
Workgroup and efforts to help develop an equitable Remote Work Policy. Riley is known
for going above and beyond. During the pandemic, she and a group of committee members
delivered meals and a gift of appreciation to each associate support staff when an
in-person holiday luncheon could not be held. She frequently helps those within the
greater community by organizing benefits and fundraisers.
A Tradition of Celebrating Excellence.
The League for Innovation in the Community College established the John & Suanne Roueche Excellence
Awards in 2012 to recognize outstanding faculty, staff, and leaders in the community
college field who have made a significant difference in the lives of students and
in the communities their colleges serve. Building upon past practice, the League continues
this tradition of celebrating excellence with the League Excellence Awards.
Media Contact: Kristin Kehrwald, communications coordinator, 301-784-5154
