It’s written in stone: Samantha Azevedo DiMuzio, NSHE specialist 1 for the College of Engineering, is the University’s Distinguished Classified Employee for 2023. DiMuzio and other University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno award recipients were honored at the June 22 ceremony at the campus’ Honor Court, which features granite pillars upon which awardees’ names are engraved.
DiMuzio is a 16-year employee in the College of Engineering and also is a University graduate, an avid equestrian and, according to award nominator Assistant Dean Candice Bauer, is all-knowing when it comes to the college.
“Sam is the College of Engineering’s omniscient being,” Bauer wrote. “She knows all, sees all and does all. She is well-deserving of the recognition for the Distinguished Classified Employee Award. Sam brings kindness to all interactions and demonstrates a positive attitude, has high-quality work and is innovative in her work. Sam is exceptional in every way.”
DiMuzio is a longtime member of the Wolf Pack: she earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from the College of Education in 2002 and a Bachelor of Science in animal science from the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources in 2012. With Engineering since 2006, she has witnessed more than a few of moments of camaraderie and cheer at the heart of the college.
“There’s a couple that stand out: when we first brought back the early 1900s University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno tradition of the Engineer’s Brawl in 2008 and watching engineering students ‘dance’; losing my voice while cheering on the Concrete Canoe Team at the Sparks Marina when they first hosted regionals here in 2012; and pie-ing professors with whipped cream pies during EWeek 2018,” DiMuzio said, reflecting on her favorite Engineering memories.
DiMuzio also was the University’s Employee of Month in October 2014, recognized for her work with students as well as her organizational skills.
“Our College has a gem in Sam DiMuzio,” Dean Erick Jones said. “She’s an indispensable part of our team.”
DiMuzio handles the bulk of student administration and events for Engineering. She organizes and schedules engineering courses, co-advises the Engineering Leadership Council (ELC), helps oversee the Engineering Tutoring Center, organizes the Order of the Engineer ceremonies, coordinates the Welcome Back barbecue, helps the ELC organize Engineer’s Week and Engineer’s Brawl (which is a social, not a fight), as well as find answers that no one else can.
DiMuzio has a hand in everything around the college.
“Sam has been my assistant for 13 years,” Associate Dean Indira Chatterjee said, “and has been unwavering in her dedication to her job that involves so many multiple facets, from working with the student leaders of engineering clubs to managing the engineering tutoring center and everything in between.
“She is the go-to person in the College when anyone needs information,” Chatterjee added. “She is always willing to help and go the extra mile and has come through for me on the most challenging tasks I have thrown her way! Her energy is amazing and I do not know a single person who does not appreciate all the work she does for the College.”
When not juggling duties for the College, DiMuzio might be found delivering mail on horseback. DiMuzio is the ÁùºÏ±¦µä Division president of the National Pony Express Association, which honors the history of the Pony Express, a horseback mail route from Missouri to California that operated in the pre-railroad American West of 1860-1861. Every year, the group re-enacts the ride once made by Pony Express riders, carrying letters in a leather mochila — or saddle pouch — which is said to weigh a whole lot more than it did in 1860.
But as usual, DiMuzio comes through, whether it’s for Engineering or for fun.
