Longtime SA assistant Carrus receives Saletta award at Fredonia

The Barbara Saletta Meritorious Service Award has been presented to Kathy Carrus, a long-serving member of the Student Association staff.

She received the award at an informal ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 7, led by Interim President Dennis Hefner and attended by previous Saletta Award winners as well as a Saletta family member, Diane Everett of Fredonia.

Carrus is an administrative assistant, but also wears many other hats that have made her a pillar of the Student Association and the campus community for 33 years. She has been a notary since 1982. In voluntary capacities, Carrus has served as senior class advisor since 2001 and advisor to the Alma Mater Society, the highest non-academic honor society on campus, beginning in 1992. She has also been a member of the Commencement Committee since 2001.

Part-time executive secretary at the Student Association was Carrus’ first position upon her appointment at Fredonia in 1986. She became its full-time administrative assistant, with duties that included handling all SA payroll responsibilities, in 1997. In 23 years, Carrus never missed a single payroll. It was noted that such a high level of responsibility and commitment exemplifies Carrus as a leader and makes her an indispensable employee.

In addition to her multiple advisory roles, Carrus consistently volunteers at a variety of other events. At Chiavetta’s chicken barbecue fundraisers, she’s seen handing out dinners, making sure people are satisfied and making it possible for those with special needs to be accommodated. She also coordinates the senior class picnic.

As a Commencement Committee member, Carrus plays a key role in the selection of student marshals. Her assistance with Student Association elections has been crucial and her coordination of the Alma Mater society selection process with the committee and collaboration with planning the induction event have been essential.

For many years, Carrus was solely responsible for producing the Freshman Record, the yearbook for first-year students published from 1998 to 2012. It featured student photos and general campus information useful to new students. Carrus was able to generate revenue through advertisements in the yearbook to support campus activities.

Carrus’ honesty and adherence to strong moral values have earned her the trust of students, co-workers and associates.

The Barbara Saletta Meritorious Service Award, established through the Fredonia College Foundation and presented annually, recognizes a secretarial or clerical employee for outstanding service attitude.