Albany, NY—Russell Sage College's department of athletics announced their award winners for the 2021-2022 academic year at the annual awards banquet.  At the event, RSC created the Rosaire Murphy Service Award named in recognition of the Athletic Department Office Coordinator that will be retiring in June after 22 years of service to the department. The award which was given out for the first time on May 9, was given to a student worker who shows the same devotion and dedication to the department as Murphy has throughout her outstanding tenure at Sage.

Senior Athletic Communication worker, Shawna Smith (Kingston, NY/Kingston) and senior event management worker Francesca Gigliotti (Dalton, MA/Wahconah Regional) were both bestowed the inaugural award for their dedication and attention to detail during their tenure with the athletic department.

Smith, who worked as a member of the athletic communications staff for nearly three years, assisted with every role from creating graphics for social media, to statistics keeping, photography, assisting with streaming and many other functions, excelled during her time at Sage.

Ann King Director of Athletic Communications noted of Smith, "Her attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond made her a great choice for this award." King added, "Her work ethic combined with her tremendous personality and ability to learn new skills and while also taking on new roles made her an invaluable employee for our department."

Gigliotti, who was also a four-year letterwinner with the women's volleyball team, worked many roles within event management. She was always willing to show up early and stay late and handle any role that was asked of her.  

Assistant Athletic Director Erica Li noted, "Congratulations to Franny on receiving the first ever Rosaire Murphy Service Award." She added, "Franny made an impact on our athletic department through her work as a student-worker for our home contests. She worked every sport we offered and you often found her filling the most difficult positions. Franny's professionalism, timeliness, and work ethic will be missed."