Adele Gutierrez has come to work at SUNY Old Westbury since 2011 as a nurse in the Student Health Center, focused on bringing care and compassion to the campus’ students and her colleagues. Outside work, she brings the same philosophy to her work with a variety of organizations serving children, teens and those with special needs.
For her dedication and commitment to improving the lives of children, Gutierrez was among 21 Long Islanders honored during the “2024 Long Island School Hero Awards,” a recognition bestowed recently by the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying.
“These heroes were selected for their unwavering dedication to fostering safe, supportive and inclusive environments for students,” said the coalition’s founder and executive director, Joe Salamone. “Their contributions go beyond the classroom, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless young people across our Long Island communities.”
Along with her professional responsibilities providing care and counsel to the students of SUNY Old Westbury, Gutierrez manages the campus’ Employee Assistance Program, an effort that enhances employee well-being, increases productivity, and improve morale in the workplace.
“Adele really is a ‘hero’ when it comes to caring and compassion,” said Randall M-J Edouard, vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Old Westbury. “She radiates positivity and works hard to make life better for everyone around her. She is so deserving of this honor!”
Her downtime is not spent idly either. She is a member of the Long Island Pride Lions Club whose "mission is to provide support and assistance to LGBTQ organizations across Long Island.” Through a variety of events, it raises funds for charities and community projects.
The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying is the region's only nonprofit organization dedicated to combatting the harmful impacts of bullying through advocacy, education and outreach.