Employee of the Month - December 2024
Marci Bacani, Department Coordinator
College of Liberal Arts
Romance, German, Russian Languages and Literatures
Awarded Wednesday, December 4 at Friendship Walk. Marcy was joined by President Jane Close Conoley, department chair Dr. Aparna Nayak, administrative services manager Terie Bostic, and College of Liberal Arts colleagues.
Over a span of five months, several faculty members individually took the opportunity to commend Marcy Bacani and the impact that she has made on both programs and people within the department of Romance, German, Russian Languages and Literatures (RGRLL).
Dr. Guilia Togato, associate professor of Translation Studies, contributed glowing praise, “Marcy’s organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail were on full display during one of the most significant events held on campus this past spring—The Student Success Celebration. Behind the scenes, Marcy orchestrated every detail, from logistics to guest accommodations, ensuring the event ran like clockwork. Her contributions were vital to its success, and thanks to her, the event not only met expectations but surpassed them, reflecting positively on both our department and the university. It’s this kind of dedication and behind-the-scenes magic that makes Marcy truly irreplaceable.
“…Though much of her work happens behind the scenes, the impact of her efforts is felt by everyone. Marcy’s attention to detail is the invisible thread that ties together each event, allowing them to run seamlessly and ensuring that our department consistently projects professionalism and fosters a strong sense of community. Without her, these gatherings simply wouldn’t be the same.
“Her leadership extends into the unprecedented establishment of a psycholinguistics lab to study language acquisition and bilingualism, the Cohabit PsyLing Lab, a project that was both complex and unfamiliar territory for our department. The groundwork Marcy laid was monumental in ensuring the lab’s success…She reached across departments, collaborating with faculty and staff, showing exemplary outreach and initiative…Her initiative, organizational expertise, and boundless energy were the catalysts for the lab’s success.
“Beyond her technical and administrative contributions, what truly sets Marcy apart is her ability to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere. Whether she’s assisting faculty, guiding students through procedures, or onboarding new staff, Marcy consistently operates with kindness, patience, and respect. Her actions reflect CSULB’s core values of inclusivity and respect for every individual, making her a role model for those around her.”
Dr. Adria Martin-Mor, assistant professor of Translation Studies, noted, “Her dedication to promoting cultural awareness through language-related events aligns perfectly with the department's mission of fostering global perspectives and intercultural understanding.”
“Marcy has been, and still is, a veritable asset for our department since her first day at RGRLL. She is always on top of things, never forgets anything, and does everything with a great attitude. Her desire to help and generosity are infectious. We are all better people thanks to her,” added Dr. Enrico Vettore, professor of Italian Studies.
Marcy enthusiastically shared, “As someone who’s lived in Long Beach my whole life, I love being part of such a diverse community. I enjoy all the different aspects of my job and the opportunity to learn something new just about every day.
“In my position as department coordinator, I have the opportunity to engage my analytical side through tasks like scheduling and working with spreadsheets, as well as my creative side through web design and creating promotional materials.
“Special thanks to Aparna (Nayak), Cindy (Roman), and my amazing Communication Studies office mates for making every day so enjoyable!
“In my free time I enjoy cheering on our Beach volleyball team, taking nature walks, reading, rollerblading, and spending time with my family.”