Employee of the Month: Alejandro Rodriguez a Name Everybody Knows

Alejandro "Alex" Rodriguez is a "household name" on the York College campus as the Administrative Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds and Custodial Services.

He is the driving force behind many operations that keep the campus running smoothly. His dedication to his work and his unwavering commitment to supporting the needs of the college community have earned him the honor of February 2025's Employee of the Month.

In recognition of his dedicated service, Alex was celebrated in late February with a plaque, certificate, and a banner proudly displayed on the outer door of his department, proclaiming: “A York Employee of the Month Works Here.”

A glowing nomination narrative submitted to the selection committee praised him for consistently demonstrating exceptional job performance and being an invaluable asset to the York College community. The nomination read, in part: “Alex Rodriguez consistently goes above and beyond to support every aspect of campus life. Whether responding to urgent needs or tackling routine maintenance tasks, he is always ready to help. No job is too big or too small for Alex. His quick response to emergencies and even his willingness to handle small tasks, such as changing clock batteries, showcase his dedication and dependability. Alex is always just a call away, making him an indispensable part of our operations.”

It added, “What truly sets Alejandro apart, however, is his remarkable approachability and his ability to connect with others. Across campus, Alex is known not only for his tireless work ethic but also for his infectious sense of humor and witty remarks that brighten everyone’s day. His positive energy and genuine care for colleagues and students alike embody the very spirit of his department. His dedication to fostering a supportive and efficient campus environment makes him the perfect role model for all.”

The nomination continued, highlighting Alex’s problem-solving abilities and creativity: “Alex truly exemplifies the phrase ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way.’ He consistently demonstrates a resourceful mindset, tackling challenges with innovative solutions. Whether it's locating missing event items, repurposing resources to meet unexpected demands, or stepping into roles beyond his typical responsibilities, Alex ensures that everything runs seamlessly. His ability to think outside the box and ‘make it happen’ has played a crucial role in the success of numerous campus events.”

The nomination makes clear that “It’s not just Alex’s innovative approach that impresses his colleagues -- it’s also his ability to inspire others. His proactive, solution-oriented mindset encourages those around him to take on challenges with a positive, can-do attitude. His leadership by example fosters a culture of efficiency and collaboration that benefits everyone on campus.”

The Employee of the Month initiative was established by interim President Claudia Schrader to celebrate and recognize the outstanding contributions of York College’s dedicated staff and faculty members. President Schrader, Vice President Ed Rios, Chief of Staff Nyisha Howell and the Employee of the Month Committee members were on hand to celebrate Rodriquez, as was Executive Director of Human Resources Carmel Boyle, who performed the presentation duties.

Congratulations, Alex! Your hard work and dedication truly make a difference for the campus community.