45 Years of Service

Margaret Borelli, Neurology

A research associate in Neurology, Margaret is most proud of the fact that she has been able to balance her work responsibilities with raising her family of six children. Reflecting on this journey, she says, “Yale has given me the flexibility, the time, and the benefits to be a working mother with a successful career.” This experience informs the practical and heartfelt advice she gives to fellow Yale staff members: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be eager to take on new assignments. Be kind to everyone! You never know when you may need their help, and it makes for a pleasant working environment.”

Richard Caspole, Yale Center for British Art

Looking back on his Yale career, Richard shares life lessons: “Learning the value of being part of something greater is forefront in my mind. Then, kindness and respect will make a difference. And it is best to be someone who can be counted on.” This philosophy has guided him through four-plus decades of service to the Yale Center for British Art. Richard says he is happy that he has been a role model for his children by demonstrating that a person can earn a living by doing something they enjoy. Memorable moments include playing in a workmate band at holiday parties to picketing in a Halloween costume while riding in a colleague’s champagne-pink 1959 Cadillac during the 1984 strike. Richard also feels fondly about the years he spent with “…a dear friend walking a three-mile loop around campus and New Haven at lunchtime. Rain, snow, and raw temperatures saw us sharing the day’s rant.”

Michele Chipello, Controller’s Office

When Michelle thinks about her more than four decades at Yale, she “…can honestly say I’ve come to the office day in and day out and have enjoyed my work and my position.” This trademark positivity signals her dedication to the Controller’s Office Payroll Services as a payroll administrator. What has contributed to this feeling is the strong sense of camaraderie within her team: “We’ve been fortunate enough to have always had a team in Payroll that works well together and really respects one another.” The rewards of Michele’s workplace experience include the learning opportunities she has had at Yale, particularly the group activities that fostered new connections and friendships. Her advice to others who are new to Yale is: “…explore new opportunities, never be afraid to ask questions, and work closely with your team and coworkers.”

Ellen Cohn, The Papers of Benjamin Franklin

Ellen feels privileged to hve spent her career “…among the unparalleled resources of the Benjamin Franklin Collection in Sterling Memorial Library, researching, annotating, and publishing the collected papers of one of history’s most brilliant, perceptive, charming, and influential figures.” Publishing every known item that Franklin wrote, she notes, is only the beginning; the edition also includes every known letter he received. They came from men and women of all social classes and backgrounds, writing from all over America, Great Britain, and Europe, and they discuss nearly every topic imaginable. Researching these long-forgotten voices, she says, “and weaving their stories together with Franklin’s own extraordinary life, is extremely challenging.” But “the thrill of discovery” means that the work is “endlessly fascinating,” she says, “even after 45 years.”

Lisa DeLizio, Internal Medicine

One thing that keeps Lisa smiling at Yale is seeing friends and colleagues throughout campus. “With 45 years here, I’m always running into someone I know,” she says. “I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible staff, administrators, clinicians, and researchers at the university as well as at Yale New Haven Hospital.” Lisa believes it is wise to build relationships outside one’s comfort zone and that her exposure to a diverse community has been invaluable for her development as a person. Early on in her career, she took the advice of an accomplished colleague who encouraged her to take part in the educational and training opportunities at the university. “Yale has provided me with a wealth of opportunities to grow beyond what I perceived my boundaries to be,” Lisa said, “and even after 45 years I’m still learning and being challenged.”

Joanne Donadio, Development

Starting in the Associate Treasurer’s Office and only two years on the job, Joanne fondly remembers receiving a gift from a retiring University Librarian. “I was so touched; I still have the umbrella today which always reminds me of her,” she recalls. Now a senior advancement systems lead, support desk manager, Joanne has helped the Development Office over the years with programming, training, and solving data issues. Continuous education has meant a lot—“One lesson that made an impact is to keep learning, ask questions, and find out the reason why,” she shares. Joanne appreciates the camaraderie with colleagues, especially during department gatherings and outings, which included boat rides on the Liberty Bell, cheering on the New Haven Ravens, and development campaign celebrations. Joanne is also proud of doing work she loves for so many years: “Many people do not stay in one place for long anymore, but Yale has so many different job opportunities that you can switch jobs and still be employed here.”

Cynthia Harris, Internal Medicine

Forming meaningful relationships with patients as she helps them is what makes Internal Medicine’s Cynthia most proud when she muses on her career working in Authorizations and Referrals. She is responsible for obtaining insurance authorizations for specialty office visits as an accountant assistant. With more than four decades on the job, she has built “great friendships” with colleagues that she cherishes and remembers fondly all the fun they have had together. Her advice to others is simple and sincere: “Yale is a wonderful place to work.”

Gregory Mouning, Printing & Publishing Services

Greg began his Yale career working third shift at the former Yale Computer Center, now School of Management, running back-up programs on the IBM/360 mainframe computers. His parents worked in the Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry department; so, working at the university was a family affair. Marveling at how far technology has advanced and how quickly the years passed, Greg also notes how his career formed through the support of his supervisors: “Every boss I’ve had encouraged me to make the most of the opportunities here. It’s why I have pride in the work I do.” This encouragement led him to discover that education extends beyond the classroom and how important it is to seek out knowledge and avail oneself of free resources. One opportunity was playing on a departmental softball team at the Yale Athletics Field, and another was experiencing camaraderie and teamwork on the job. His advice? “Have a positive mindset.”

Betsey Pesapane, Pediatrics

One of Betsey’s favorite Yale memories was when she mentored new hires: “We worked very closely together, and seeing their confidence and skills develop over time was heartwarming.” She has also enjoyed holiday celebrations with colleagues and attending the annual Yale Staff Appreciation Day. She is most grateful for her long-lasting career at Yale: “Celebrating 45 years at such a prestigious institution is a testament to my commitment and passion for my work.” Along the way, she learned the importance of resilience, diversity, and lifelong learning. And she had unforgettable experiences: “Whether cheering for the Bulldogs at a game, enjoying a performance at the Yale Repertory Theatre, or strolling through the art gallery,” added Betsey, “such moments have brought a lot of joy to my time at Yale.”

Theresa Pierson, Faculty of Arts & Sciences

Theresa’s years at Yale have taught her to “…always remain grateful because by remaining grateful, the glass is always half full!” Her career in the Faculty of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office and the Yale Graduate School of Arts & Sciences has been marked by a series of opportunities and promotions that have pushed her beyond her own expectations She says, “Each has instilled in me a deep sense of pride.” Theresa finds it hard to pick just one memory of her time at Yale but feels the most fun has been working with remarkable colleagues who have become lifelong friends, bringing joy and laughter into her life. Wisdom does often come with decades of work experience, and she likes to share these pearls: “Show up for work every day and give your best; volunteer to be on committees; ask questions even if no one else does; be kind and always find time to let your team know how much you appreciate them.”

Alexander Poznansky, Library, Technical Services

Alexander has dedicated 45 years to Yale’s Sterling Memorial Library. Deeply knowledgeable in his field, he has cataloged thousands of books for the 129-year-old Slavic collection. His belief in doing one’s absolute best is evident not only in his library work but also in his own scholarly endeavors. Alexander is the author and scholar of the life and works of Tchaikovsky, books that have been translated into many languages. One of his fondest memories at Yale is being surrounded by bright and talented colleagues who have generously shared their scholarship and expertise. This collaborative community has been a source of joy and inspiration for him as has Yale’s rich academic heritage. Alexander’s advice to others is to be persistent and to strive for excellence, a philosophy that has guided him throughout his distinguished career at Yale.

Chery Royka, Procurement

Chery has been an important member of Yale Procurement with dedication and enthusiasm that has been noteworthy for decades. She takes great pride in her long tenure at Yale, thankful for the training and friendships that have enriched her career along the way. She enjoys reflecting on how much Yale has evolved technologically since the 1970s: “For instance,” she says, “how the use of mimeograph, printing presses, and manual graphic design changed to computers, automated processes, touch screens, remote working, and sophisticated software that results in accurate and efficient production in a quarter of the time.” Among Chery’s most enjoyable experiences is her time spent with her coworker Rosemarie planning legendary Halloween events: “Our department became known for our Halloween extravaganza which would win us awards yearly. People across campus would come visit to see our extreme imagination and take pictures of the decor and us in our costumes. It was great!”

Stephanie Spangler, Office of the Provost

Stephanie reflects fondly on her career journey, sharing that she has learned that “every challenge also comes with opportunity—to learn, to explore, to grow, to reflect, to cultivate new relationships, and to create new approaches.” This philosophy has led her to powerful and productive collaborations with a multitude of “wise, creative, and committed colleagues” whose partnership makes her most proud of … “what we have accomplished together … from patient-centered health care delivery to interest-based problem solving and negotiations to resources to support for those impacted by sex-based misconduct to a campus-wide pandemic response.” When Stephanie looks back over these decades of accomplishment, the memory that emerges is of her first day of her first job at the Yale Health Plan. “I can still feel the joy and excitement,” she says. “The sense of unlimited possibility and the warmth and vibrancy of the campus community were palpable‚ and so, so welcoming.”

Susan Thompson, Collection of Musical Instruments

Susan arrived at Yale in the late 1970s as an oboe student in the School of Music. Since then, as curator of the Collection of Musical Instruments, she has mounted numerous exhibits and engaged in research that has led to publications about keyboard and wind instruments, in particular. She also has played an active role in the renovation of the museum’s building and galleries, the establishment of a board of advisors, the cultivation of donors, the growth of a concert series featuring international artists, and the creation of rich collaborations with Yale College, campus professional schools, and museums. Susan says that she could not have predicted her Yale journey as an incoming graduate student: “Yale has provided me with a wealth of opportunities to evolve far beyond my original, self-perceived boundaries. I’ve had the privilege of working with exceptional, inquisitive people dedicated to the care and preservation of prized objects and works of art.