Julie Paradiso Recognized as a Recipient of NC State’s 2024 Awards for Excellence

The Department of Forest Biomaterials is thrilled to announce that Julie Paradiso has been honored as a recipient of NC State’s 2024 Awards for Excellence, the university’s highest honor for non-faculty members.

Julie joined NC State in August 2014 as an administrative assistant to the Director of the LGBT Student Center. In June 2015, she transferred to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, where she provided administrative support to top-performing faculty in the areas of HR, Contracts & Grants, and Purchasing. In September 2019, Julie was promoted to HR Specialist and recognized with the Pride of the WolfPack Award for her exceptional support to faculty members. In October 2020, she transferred to Forest Biomaterials, becoming the Executive Assistant to Dr. Marko Hakovirta. She was promoted to the Business Office in December 2023.

Julie received recognition in the “Outstanding State Government Service” category, which celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their duties, significantly advancing state service to the citizens of North Carolina.

Dr. Katherine Saul, interim department head at the time of Julie’s nomination, praised her saying, “Julie Paradiso is an exceptional and unselfish staff member whose devotion to the Department of Forest Biomaterials has been essential to the smooth operation of this department during a time of significant transition.” Dr. Saul proceeds to list numerous ways in which Julie goes above and beyond and ends her nomination by saying “There is no question that she is an outstanding asset to the department, College, and NC State, and ultimately the citizens of North Carolina, and the best and most impactful staff member I have ever worked with”.

Additionally, faculty member Dr. Lucian Lucia echoed these sentiments, highlighting Julie’s unwavering dedication and adaptability during challenging times. “Despite the enormous time expenditures required for this massive change in the administrative culture, Julie never complained, never faltered, and never gave up to ensure Forest Biomaterials’ (FB) faculty were professionally supported to maintain the essential departmental teaching, research, and outreach roles.” he stated.

Congratulations again, Julie! Your exceptional service and dedication are deeply appreciated.