RIT recognized for excellence in human resource programming

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A. Sue Weisler

RIT’s Fit for Retirement benefits team includes, from left, Valerie Liegey and Brett Lagoe, benefits representatives; Judy DeCourcey, senior benefits specialist; and Renee Brownstein, associate director of human resources.

Two programs implemented by RIT’s Department of Human Resources are being recognized for innovation and successful outcomes. One of these initiative focuses on the financial health of university employees while the other targets overall wellness on campus.

The eastern region of the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, or CUPA-HR, honored RIT with the Excellence in Human Resource Practices Award for the Fit for Retirement program. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in improving the quality of programs and services that are offered through effective human resource administration practices.

Fit for Retirement is RIT’s branded educational and promotional initiative designed to encourage and assist employees in increasing their retirement savings. Coordinators of the program say that, since its creation in 2006, faculty and staff contribution rates to the university’s 403(b) retirement plans have increased dramatically. The program has been submitted to CUPA-HR’s national awards committee, and it will now be considered for the National Excellence in Human Resource Practice Award to be announced in October.

In addition, RIT has been selected for the Wealth of Health Award, sponsored by the Rochester Business Journal, which is designed to encourage and support employee wellness. RIT is recognized in the “3,000 employees and up” category for its Better Me employee wellness program. Led by Midge Berfield, RIT’s manager of employee health and wellness, Better Me is provided to campus employees to help them explore healthy lifestyles while connecting participants to a variety of related services available on campus. Rochester Business Journal will present the award during a ceremony on June 9.

“These awards are external recognition of the leading edge work that is being done by our benefits and wellness staff to deliver the very best practices and programs to RIT faculty and staff,” says Patty Spinelli, assistant vice president of human resources. “I’m proud of the significant contribution our staff makes to ensuring that RIT is a great place to work.”