DeSales Recognizes 2025 Employees of the Year

Shocked, surprised, and a little confused. That’s how Al Weiner and Jackie Snyder described their reactions after finding out they were named the 2025 Employees of the Year.

The two were honored at the annual Employee Recognition Ceremony, where Weiner was recognized as the Professional Staff Employee of the Year and Snyder as the Support Staff Employee of the Year. With a combined 56 years of service, the impact that the two have made on the campus community cannot be overstated. 

Scott Coval, director of athletics, presented the award to Weiner, head men’s cross country and track and field coach, who has been at DeSales for 39 years. While Coval celebrated Weiner’s coaching successes, he noted that the recognition was not because of his winning records.  

“Our teams are competitive every year because of him,” Coval said. “But he’s not being honored because of what he does; he’s being honored because of how he does it: with humility, integrity, and great concern for his athletes.”

Jessica Faurl, Physician Assistant Program assistant, introduced Snyder, who came to DeSales in 2008 and has worked in several departments, including facilities, the former Division of Healthcare, and as department secretary of the PA program.  

“I come from a large family,” Snyder said. “And my parents taught us to take pride in our work, no matter what that work is. I feel like I have done that my whole life, and I hope I did a good job at it.”  

The ceremony also honored employees with service anniversaries. Among them, Fred Richter, women’s head basketball coach, celebrated 35 years. Robert Blumenstein, Ph.D., associate provost of transition; Tom McNamara ’92, M’21, executive director of communications; Carol Gullo Mest, Ph.D., chair of graduate nursing programs; and Susan Richter of campus environment were all recognized for 30 years of service.