RICHARD AVDOIAN
Richard Avdoian is a nationally recognized human resource expert who speaks professionally to associations and corporate clients in the area of teamwork, leadership and employee development.
A 1971 graduate of the Liberal Arts program at NCCC, Richard was active in many clubs and organizations throughout his college years. As vice president of NCCC Student Government Association, Richard took part in groundbreaking ceremonies with former Governor Nelson Rockefeller.
After graduating from NCCC, Richard continued his education at Niagara University where he received his B.A. degree in sociology & minority studies and a master degree in counseling. He also earned a master degree in social work from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.
Avdoian's credentials for employee development and teamwork expertise rank him among the top speakers in the United States and form the foundation for his ability to deliver excellent material. He has worked as a consultant with clients in over forty different industries such as health care, finance, education, and human resources. He combines book smarts and street smarts to deliver content rich, high energy, innovative programs that inspire, and motivate people to explore and reach their full potential.
Avdoian formed TeamWork By Design, a consulting firm in 1995 which offers seminars & workshops, executive & business coaching and consulting services. He works primarily with clients committed to recruiting, training and retaining highly motivated productive employees.
Drawing on his 25 years in private practice as a psychotherapist, Richard founded the Illinois Men's Institute and Voyager Experience to challenge men to gain insight and understanding into the dynamics of male attitudes, values and behaviors related to their family, marriage, personal health, and career.
In July, 2002 he received the designation of Certified Speaking Professional (C.S.P.) from the National Speakers Association, the highest earned level of excellence attainable in the industry and a distinction representing the top seven percent of all members of the profession.
His colleague, Jennifer Harms, nominated Richard for this award and wrote in the nomination form, "I admire his dedication to his profession and his ability to reach out and touch the lives of so many people year after year, in new and creative ways."
Richard and his wife Nancy reside in Fairview Heights, IL, near St. Louis, MO. and have a son, Gregory.
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ELLEN (HARRIS) SWAN
Ellen (Harris) Swan is currently a Product Development Manager at Praxair Inc., in Tonawanda, NY.
Ellen is a 1983 graduate of Niagara County Community College earning her degree in Science Laboratory Technology. After graduation from NCCC, she continued her education at Medialle College, where she earned her Bachelors of Science degree. She then went on to complete a Masters of Business degree at University of Buffalo.
Prior to moving back to the area to accept a position at Praxair, Ellen worked for twenty-two years at Honeywell International, Inc. in various capacities. She started at Honeywell as a laboratory technician and quickly advanced to become a Senior Project Scientist working in new product discovery. She is co-author of forty-eight issued United States and Foreign patents for her research in the development of ozone safe replacements for solvents, degreasers, propellants and refrigerants. Her work in this area also led to several commercial products for Honeywell and she was named Top Female Inventor for Honeywell Specialty Materials in 2002, a title she still holds within Honeywell today.
Ellen's career continued to advance as she moved into the marketing and business development for Honeywell International. Most recently, her position was Business Development Manager where she was in charge of all aspects of commercial and technical development for existing and new product opportunities.
Ellen has served as a member of the NCCC Science Laboratory Technology Curriculum Advisory Board. She was instrumental in assisting grant-funding opportunities for equipment purchase and donations from Honeywell. Ellen has also been a volunteer with an outreach program in conjunction with Honeywell and the American Chemical Society for local schools in the Buffalo area to encourage the interest in science and science-related career choices.
Ellen has three children, ages 13, 15 and 18. Ellen and her family reside in Lancaster, NY.
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LOUISE VOLPE
Louise Volpe, a 1968 graduate of NCCC, was the Assistant to the President/Executive Secretary to the Board of Trustees at NCCC for the past eighteen years until her retirement in September. In addition, she is the Business Manager of the College Association, a position she has held since 1997.
Since graduating from the Executive Secretarial Science program, Louise has worked at NCCC for her entire professional career. Some of the positions she has held in her thirty-eight years at NCCC are Secretary to the Dean of Students, Secretary to the Dean of Administrative Affairs, and Secretary to the Director of Business/Financial Services, Stenographer in Central Services, and her very first position at the College, Secretary to the Director of the Evening Division. From 1988 to 2005, Louise was the Coordinator of Commencement planning the graduation ceremonies for students. The NCCC Student Activities Office has honored Louise for her service to the College and in 1982; she received the President's award for Excellence in Clerical and Support Services.
A member of dozens of campus wide committees, Louise is an active volunteer for the College. Currently she serves on the NCCC Alumni Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of the Alliance Niagara Federal Credit Union. She has also been a member of the NCCC Foundation Gala Steering Committee, several Middle States Self-Study Committees, the 25th Anniversary and the 40th Anniversary celebrations of the College. Louise coordinated and planned all activities associated with the inauguration ceremonies of three NCCC Presidents in 1989, 1999 and 2003.
From 1980 to 1985, Louise served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Specialist 1st Class. She has also been an active volunteer with the Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club Auction, a member of the Niagara Falls Chapter of the Professional Secretaries International and a former officer of the NCCC Office Personnel Association.
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