“I told him to reconsider because I didn’t want him to be away from us in the evening, but he felt it was his responsibility to take care of his family,” she said, referring to the couple’s five children.
Today, Duverge’s daughter is a freshman at Rose Hill and Cesar is finishing up his senior year at Fordham at the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.
On Nov. 30, the couple celebrated Cesar’s 20th anniversary at the University’s annual 1841 Awards ceremony, which recognized support staff members who have been with Fordham for 20 years.
Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of Fordham, called this year’s 16 recognized employees the “secret strength and heart of the University.”
“You do everything in a hidden way to bring life, light, and happiness,” said Father McShane. “When I see you in the halls or in offices, you make my heart sing because I know you love Fordham, you love the students, and you love the mission.”
For the Duverge family, the commitment to the University required a commitment by the entire family. Cesar’s son Daniel said that even though his dad worked nights through most of his childhood, he was always there for them.
“He made it to all of our events and he lost a lot of sleep for it, but he got it done,” he said.
Yvette agreed, and made the point that the focus on their children’s education has been the “fruit of his labor.” Now, with his own education nearing completion, Cesar holds very clear ideas about Fordham and his family.
“A place like Fordham opens their minds. It keeps them from viewing the world one specific way,” he said. “It allows them to see the big picture, and that’s something.”
It took Cesar a couple of years to adjust to working the day shift—and he wasn’t the only one. Awardee Freddy Martinez likewise worked the night shift for several years and he said it took him three years to adjust to the daytime schedule.
Like Cesar, his nighttime schedule required a commitment from the entire family.
“I used to cry when he left for work,” said his daughter Carmen, who is one of four children. “We were so happy when he came home; we were all running to him.”
Freddy said that he and his wife Elizabeth met nearby at Lehman College, where they both worked. He got the idea of working for Fordham while he was waiting for the bus on Fordham Road and saw the new Walsh Library being built. He applied and got the job. Eventually, Elizabeth joined him at Rose Hill; she now works in operations.
Again and again, stories of families and Fordham melded at the event.
Moira Linnehan was joined by her “best friend,” i.e. – her mom.
And while awardee Sally Ann Trinagli’s “babies,” a Jack Russell terrier and two beagles, weren’t at the event, they were in her thoughts—Tringali is enrolled in the Graduate School of Social Service’s Nonprofit Leadership program, and will be using her education to lobby New York State for animal welfare.
Awardee and Bronx resident Florencio Baez Jr. was joined by his family— wife Ana and his sons Angelo and Kevin. Kevin graduated from the Gabelli School of Business last spring.
“He chose Fordham to be close to us,” said Baez, of his son Kevin.
The 1841 Award Recipients for 2016
Anthony Aviles – Post office, Rose Hill
Florencio Baez, Jr. – Facilities Operations
Maria Bernardi – Enrollment Services
Fibia Corona – Custodial Services
Cesar Duverge – Custodial Services
George Elias – Lombardi Center Operations
Anthony R. Fata, Jr. – Facilities Operations
Julio Garcia – Facilities Operations
Ann Marie N. Gavinelli – School of Law
Moira E. Linnehan – School of Law
Freddy Martinez – Custodial Services
Maria E. Mira – Facilities Operations
Stephen Savidge – Facilities Operations
Ismael Torres, Jr. – Enrollment Services
SallyAnn Tringali – Graduate School of Social Service
