BINGHAMTON, NY – The Binghamton University Professional Employees Council (PEC) will recognize Holly Horn and Rachel Coker as this year’s Distinguished Service Award winners at the fall luncheon, at noon, Wednesday, Oct. 23, in the University Union’s Mandela Room on campus.

Since joining campus as a career counselor in 2005, Horn has risen to assistant director of the Career Development Center (CDC), where she has been a key player in developing new and innovative programs to help students and alumni. Instrumental in the development of internships, her leadership, team spirit and technological prowess have been invaluable to CDC personnel. As noted by her peers, her style of supervision allows for creativity among the staff while enforcing CDC’s communication and focus on goals.

Able to delegate, trust and fine-tune details in the office so that it continues to function effectively and efficiently, Horn remains aware of job-market trends and student needs. Her creativity and ability to "think outside of the box" are invaluable to the ongoing development and packaging of CDC educational program offerings.

Coker, director of research advancement, has made numerous service contributions to the campus since her arrival in 2005, primarily developing and implementing marketing strategies to advance the University’s research profile. Coker writes and edits the University’s award-winning Binghamton Research magazine and oversees the Research Division’s website. In addition, she is a valuable contributor to countless ad hoc communication and marketing initiatives. As noted by one of her peers, she consistently produces exceptional work while meeting deadlines, has a "can-do" attitude toward difficult tasks and produces creative solutions to difficult problems with professionalism and grace. A leader, teammate and energetic and enthusiastic professional who steps up without being asked, Coker sets a standard of excellence for everyone at Binghamton University.

The Professional Employees Council (PEC) is the officially recognized organization of professional employees at Binghamton University, consisting of 26 elected members who represent the concerns and needs of their constituents. The PEC "exists to contribute to the growth and welfare of professional employees." Working with the other members of the University community, professionals are an integral part of Binghamton University and contribute greatly to its excellence.