BGSU administrative staff members honored at annual awards ceremony

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Bowling Green State University administrative staff members were recognized for their outstanding contributions and dedication to the University during the 41st annual Administrative Staff Awards held on May 7 in the Lenhart Grand Ballroom at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.

Put on by the BGSU Administrative Staff Council, the awards celebrate the personnel who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth functioning of the University. In addition to recognition, this year’s award recipients received a one-of-a-kind sculpture created by BGSU glass teaching professor and Arts Village Director Joel O’Dorisio.

Newcomer of the Year
Recognizing new staff members who have made a significant impact, the Newcomer of the Year award highlights one’s dedication and positive influence within a short period of joining BGSU. Any administrative staff member employed for at least one year but less than three years is eligible to be nominated.

This year, Adam Smith, coordinator of Civic Engagement at the C. Raymond Marvin Center for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement, was honored with the award. Smith was nominated by Dr. Nicholas Hennessy, Brett Holden and Kendra Lutes.

BG Best Award
The BG Best Award celebrates excellence and outstanding contributions by administrative staff members. It acknowledges their exceptional work and commitment to the University learning community.

This year, Dr. Jacob Clemens, senior director for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement at the C. Raymond Marvin Center for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement, was selected as the BG Best Award winner. Clemens was nominated by Kyle Calvey, Katie Chaney, Gabe Dunbar, Emma Horner, Kendra Lutes, Will McLean and Adam Smith.

Diversity and Belonging Award
This award honors staff members who actively promote diversity, inclusion and a sense of belonging within the BGSU learning community.

This year, Kori Koschalk-Newmister and Carissa Newsome of the Center for Women and Gender Equity, Gender Violence Prevention and Education Services were announced as winners. Both were nominated by Dr. Kacee Ferrell Snyder.

Dr. Michael R. Ferrari Award
Named after Dr. Michael R. Ferrari, who inspired countless colleagues as interim president of BGSU from 1981-82, this award is the highest honor an administrative staff member can receive through the Administrative Staff Council. It recognizes the administrative staff member of the year.

This year, Mark Fox, director of Technology Transfer and Services and interim director of the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research with the Division of Research, was named the award winner. As part of his recognition, Fox will choose between receiving $1,000 and a designated parking space for a year or a $1,500 award.

He was nominated by Dr. Ali Eskandarian, interim vice president of the Division of Research.

Additional recognition
The Spirit of BG Award recognizes exceptional administrative staff members who consistently go above and beyond their job descriptions. The award is continuous, with applications accepted throughout the year and one winner is selected monthly.

At the May 7 ceremony, DeVona Smith was announced as April’s award recipient. Smith is the coordinator for Student Engagement and Programming with the Thompson Scholarship Programs.

Previous winners for the academic year include:

• March - Emily Gattozzi, University Libraries
• February – Dr. Cordula Mora, director, Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship
• January – Jasmine Gordon Schulz, executive assistant and development coordinator, College of Arts and Sciences
• December – Dr. Jessica Mitchell-Corsino, BGSU Counseling Center
• November – Seth Campbell, coordinator of Student Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion, BGSU Firelands
• October – Troy Spikes, Campus Services
• September – Katie Gankosky, Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
• August - Morgan Alexander-Coster, Thompson Scholarship Programs
• July - Greg Dickerson, Radbill Center for College and Life Design