Jeffery Jankowski, Sociology Chair and Professor, Psychology, Received Department of Defense Employer Support of Guard and Reserve Patriot Award
When Mark Zelcer, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, returned in March to Queensborough from active duty as a reservist, he went to Professor Jankowski’s office and presented him with a Department of Defense Employer Support of Guard and Reserve Patriot Award.
“Jeff was incredibly supportive and flexible when I suddenly had to leave and when I was gone longer than expected,” said Mark, a reservist who has been both deployed overseas and mobilized domestically in his almost 20-year career. Mark explained that reservists usually get at least six to nine months' notice. “I was asked to mobilize to Fort Meade, Maryland just before the start of the spring 2023 semester, with considerably less time to prepare.”
“Jeff had to scramble and find adjuncts, make sure annual evaluations were noted in my record, and keep track of my administrative file.”
“It is an honor to receive the Patriotic Employer Award. I thank Professor Mark Zelcer for his service to the country. Spending many months away from his family could not have been easy. With two young children at home, I’m certain that he was missed. Mark deserves our thanks for his service and sacrifice. The Department of Social Sciences is happy and proud to have Mark return. We look forward to having him back in the department and teaching our students philosophy. Welcome back, Mark!”
Born in Brooklyn, Mark is a CUNY graduate, having earned his B.A. from Brooklyn College in Philosophy in 1996 and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the Graduate Center in 2009, and an MA from Brooklyn College in 2012.
He began his teaching career at Queensborough as Assistant Professor of Philosophy six years ago in 2019.
“This deployment was emotionally draining for me, there was so much to deal with, but because of the support I received at the college, I was confident that there was nothing here I had to worry about.”
“Jeff is a thoughtful, considerate chair and great mentor to me and his faculty. I think the world of him.”
Mark also expressed his deep gratitude to Ysabel Macea, Director, Benefits Services in Human Resources, for her generous assistance.
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