SUNY Oswego Career Services earned two top honors at the recent SUNY Career Development Organization (SUNYCDO) conference, reflecting the office’s commitment to excellence, innovation and student-centered impact.

Jason Virginia, office manager in Career Services, received the Unsung Hero award, recognizing a SUNYCDO member who positively influences programs from behind the scenes with a positive attitude, a willingness to help in any capacity and pursuit of the highest standards. This marks the first time in SUNYCDO’s history that an individual in a specialist administrative role has received this honor.

Virginia was recognized for his outstanding work in event support, financial controls, use of artificial intelligence, graphic design and technology integration. Since joining the office in May 2021, he has transformed key operational areas, including budgetary management, staff professional development processes, digital event communications and branding initiatives for Career Services programs and for the Career Coaches themselves.

“Jason’s abilities, productivity, professionalism and contributions have been staggering,” said Gary Morris, director of Career Services. “His impact has truly elevated our office and made a tangible difference for our students, colleagues and the campus community.”

SUNY Oswego Career Services also received the Excellence in Employer/Community Collaboration: Office Award, which recognizes programs that engage employers and community partners to enhance career education, networking and recruiting.

The award highlighted the office’s comprehensive reimagining of its two major career fairs, transforming a 40-year-old model into an integrated, student-centered experience that better connects employers, alumni, graduate schools and students. By combining the Graduate School Fair and the Career & Internship Fair into one “Dream Big” event in the Deborah F. Stanley Arena and Convocation Hall, the office achieved record-breaking student attendance while expanding employer and graduate school participation.

New initiatives included employer professional development sessions, alumni and graduate school networking events, enhanced transportation to increase accessibility, a sensory friendly quiet space and innovative branding using the arena’s scoreboard and sponsored swag bags. These efforts also resulted in greater diversity among student participants and an expanded employer base, providing students with richer opportunities to explore pathways and build their futures.

“These recognitions highlight the creativity, dedication and cross-campus collaboration that define our Career Services team’s approach to reimagining how we support students and partners,” Morris said. “They reflect SUNY Oswego’s deep commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers and lives — and the invaluable contributions of our campus partners, including faculty, student organizations, Experiential Learning, the Advisement Center, University Advancement and many more who help make this work possible.”

For more information about SUNY Oswego Career Services and upcoming career development opportunities, visit oswego.edu/careerservices.