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Remembering Sam Drogo
| Dawson McDermott |
| It was my first big grievance and Sam and Ellis were helping me resolve the issue. I was running back and forth to HR and Payne Hall, each time inching closer to a settlement. After about three hours of doing this, I was a exhausted, physically and mentally. On top of it, I really didn't understand what was going on being new. Well, I sit down and Sam looks at me and says, "Isn't this fun!"...not a question, a statement of excitement. If I could have dropped kicked him at that moment I would have. I just didn't understand at that moment what he was saying. Now I do...it is fun...be assured, Sam has organized the angels and is negotiating time off and wage increases...while getting in some fishing. |
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| Colleen Kehoe-Robinson |
| The backdrop was Alexandria Bay....the mission, to learn about the negotiations process by taking part in a mock negotiation of a contract. For three days Sam and his team provided an invaluable experience for those of us new to negotiations. During a break between sessions, I had gone out for a walk, and I ran into Sam. As we walked and talked for those few minutes, he shared words of praise and encouragement for our efforts. He shared several anecdotes about previous negotiations, and generously answered several of the questions I had about some of the articles in our contract. |
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| Pamela Fess |
| I had the honor of being one of Sam's students many, many years ago when enrolled in the nursing program at MVCC. His class was difficult yet fair. I distincly remember the first day of class thinking to myself that this man should be a physician. What an incredible mind he had. His command of anatomy and physiology was stellar. Sam taugh with his heart as well as his head. Sam demonstrated passion and enthusiasm during every class. Additionally he gave unselfishly of his time. Sam would always remain with students after class to answer questions that may not have been answered during lecture.
After I graduated and began practicing as a Registered Nurse I was able to apply what I had learned in Sam's classroom to practice. It seemed as if "the light bulb of life turned on". Was I ever thankful for having an instructor with high standards that prepared me appropriately for the "real" world? You bet! I wish now that I had shared this with him.......
As most of you know, I am now a full time Assistant Professor in the nursing program at MVCC. My first day at the college I remember passing Sam in the hallway and we greeted one another with kind salutations. As I walked away I said to myself "Wow, I am actually working with this man". I had a sense of pride that cannot be put to words. I suspect many others have felt this same.
Allow me to close by stating that Sam will always be remembered throughout this community by several former nursing graduates. His legacy will live on through each patient centered nursing intervention. Without a doubt, nurses are delivering optimal patient care because of Sam's teaching. It's that simple.............Sam made a difference in the lives of students and these very same students are making a difference in someone elses life right now. Can't get much better than that. Thank you Sam. Gone but NEVER forgotten. |
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| Samuel L. Russo, Jr |
| I will always remember Sam as a trusted colleague, true gentleman, humanitarian and a very gifted scholar. He cared about employees and remains as a friend of all who labor.
We traded so many Italian/Scilian cooking recipies.
Sam
Samuel L. Russo. Jr.
M.A., Certificate Public Administration, B.A.
Grants Director
President Association of Mohawk Valley Administrators (AMVA)
School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS)
Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC)
a division of the State University of New York (SUNY)
sponsored by Oneida County
1101 Sherman Drive (AB 108)
Utica, NY 13501-5394
(315)792-5342 (Phone)
(315)792-5666 (Fax)
srusso@mvcc.edu
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| Nancy Caputo |
| When thinking back over the last 30+ years I have such wonderful memories of Sam. He was not only a colleague but a true friend and confidant. When I first began teaching I found myself gravitating to Sam for advice on teaching. He was never too busy to listen. He offered wonderful teaching techniques that helped me in becoming an effective educator. To this day I continue to use many of those wonderful techniques in my classroom. I will never forget his exact words - "Your students can always tell if you really care about them." Sam lived these words. Sam really cared.
I miss you Sam but I have been blessed to have had you as a mentor. Thank you dear friend. Nancy |
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| Norma Chrisman |
| My fondest memory of Sam is his contagious smile and laugh. The picture on this site is exactly how I will remember Sam.
Sam was a dedicated faculty member, unionist, family man...the list goes on and on. You knew that if Sam was involved in any group, that he wasn't just going to stand on the sidelines and watch the action from there. Sam would roll up his sleeves, jump in and get to work. His dedication to his life on and off campus was one to be admired.
We'll miss you Sam. |
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| Celia Domser |
| Sam Drogo will always be a part of the MVCC family. I met Sam 35 years ago as I entered as a new instructor of Science Laboratory Technology. Being new to the College wasn't easy if you didn't have someone to mentor you. Several people made it easy for me to learn the ropes at MVCC and Sam was one of them. I remember him offering to answer questions whenever I had any. We had a bit in common, not the least of which was our strong Italian family heritage. Only a few months ago we talked about who had cooked the Christmas meal and made the traditional dishes. We also spent time over the years comparing what Chemistry should cover to make things better for students when they got to A&P. Sam was always thinking about his students and I respected him so much for this. He was honest and fair, dedicated to both students and faculty at MVCC. Sam stood for what MVCC is all about. He made a difference in so very many lives and he will continue to do so. |
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| Don Kelly |
| How I'll miss that smiling face. How I'll miss that laugh. Sam always had time to share a laugh-sometimes at my expense, sometimes at his. He was a pleasure to teach with, a pleasure to serve with and always a pleasure to be with. Most of all, I'll miss Sam's advice. Whether I had a question about some difficult aspect of anatomy and physiology a questions about how best to handle a problem in lecture or lab, or just needed advice on how to proceed with something on the job, he was always there, ready to share his experience. What a wonderful colleague and friend. |
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| Heather Zimmerman '05 and '11 |
| One of the professors at MVCC I remember quite fondly is Professor Sam Drogo. He was basically what everyone has been saying about him on this website, in the newspaper, and on campus: a really nice guy who had a passion for teaching and for his students. There is one memory that stands out in my mind and helps to illustrate what a great, helpful person he was. I had Sam Drogo for Human Anatomy and Phsyiology for two semesters, lab and lecture in 2003/2004 school year. This two semester course was a requirement for the Liberal Arts and Science: Mathematics and Science (Biology) major to which I was enrolled at the time. We were doing the muscleskeletal system in lab and Professor Drogo assigned us a project to help us learn the muscles of the body. We were to break into groups of two or three and he assigned each group a group of muscles to learn. Nobody wanted to partner with me and I was the odd man out so to speak. When Professor Drogo asked me who were my partners I said I did not have any so he volunteered to be my partner. He assigned us to do the muscles and tendons of the arm; he do some and I do the rest. It worked out great and I got a decent grade out of it along with praise from him for doing an excellent job. He did not have to volunteer to be my partner and for that I am forever grateful. Thanks again, Professor Drogo! |
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