Spirit of BG Award
Every day, BGSU thrives because of the compassion, kindness, courage, expertise and extra effort shown by our administrative staff. These “above and beyond” moments, often unnoticed, are what make our campus community strong.
The Spirit of BG Award recognizes administrative staff members who embody the University’s core values in their daily work. Each month, one outstanding staff member is honored for making a positive difference at BGSU.
- Recognition: $75 and an award presentation
- Eligibility: Any full-time or part-time administrative staff member
- Deadline: Nominations are due on the last day of each month
Criteria
Nominees should reflect one or more of BGSU’s values:
- Respect and inclusion
- Collaboration and community
- Intellectual and personal growth
- Innovation and entrepreneurism
- Excellence
How to Nominate
Complete the nomination form.
- Include a short summary (max 250 words) describing why this person deserves recognition and how they demonstrate BGSU’s values.
- NOTE: Nominations do not carry over. To be considered again, resubmit your nomination the following month.
Congratulations to our winners!
Mikayla Russ, corporate engagement specialist, Corporate Partnerships, is the winner of the January 2026 Spirit of BG Award! Mikayla was nominated by Kerry Spitze who wrote the following:
"Mikayla exemplifies the true Spirit of BGSU through her extraordinary commitment to the institution and the people it serves. A two-time graduate of Bowling Green State University, Mikayla’s connection to BGSU runs deep and is reflected in every role she has taken on across campus and beyond. From serving as a student member of the Board of Trustees, to participating as a speaker in TEDx, to her involvement with the Marvin Center for Student Leadership & Civic Engagement, Mikayla has consistently demonstrated intellectual and personal growth while uplifting the broader university community.
In her current role on our team, Mikayla brings excellence, innovation, and an authentic passion for BGSU’s mission. She has a rare ability to speak about the university’s values in a way that is genuine, inspiring, and rooted in lived experience rather than scripted messaging. Her work reflects deep respect and inclusion, as she builds meaningful relationships and creates welcoming spaces for partners, colleagues, and students alike.
Mikayla also balances her professional contributions with coaching a cheer team that recently placed fourth at nationals, demonstrating remarkable dedication, leadership, and community spirit. Her continued service, enthusiasm, and unwavering pride in BGSU make her exceptionally deserving of this recognition."
2024-25
- July - Maite Hall, International Programs and Partnerships
- August - Ehab Elmorsy, College of Education
- September - Eric Crimmins, Information Technology Services
- October - Jason Hartigan, Student Finacial Aid and Scholarships
- December - Rachel Froman, Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections
- January - Dermot Forde, College of Health and Human Services
- February - Heather Milne, Office of Registration and Records
- March - Erica Mills, Office of Admissions
- April - Kendra Lutes, Marvin Center for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement
- May - Tyler Bill, Marvin Center for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement
2023-24
- July - Greg Dickerson, Radbill Center for College and Life Design
- August - Morgan Alexander-Coster, Thompson Scholarship Programs
- September - Katie Gankosky, Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
- October - Troy Spikes, Campus Services
- November - Seth Campbell, Firelands Office of Campus Life and Engagement
- December - Dr. Jessica Mitchell-Corsino, Counseling Center
- January - Jasmine Gordon Schulz, College of Arts and Sciences
- February - Dr. Cordula Mora, Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship
- March - Emily Gattozzi, University Libraries
- April - DeVona Smith, Thompson Scholarship Programs
- May - Laura Moore, University Advancement
- June - Ashley Hartman, Recreation and Wellness
2022-23
- July - Jenn Buening, Firelands Academic & Career Counseling
- August - Jason Graven, Nontraditional and Military Student Services
- September - Meredith Errington, Information Technology Services
- October - Lori Fox, Nontraditional and Military Student Services
- November - Will O'Leary, Intercollegiate Athletics
- December - Krista Westrick-Payne, Sociology/National Center for Family & Marriage Research
- January - Dae'lyn Do, Thompson Scholarship Programs
- February - Kori Koschalk-Newmister, Center for Women and Gender Equity
- March - Derm Forde, College of Health and Human Services
- April - Kari Wilson, Office of Academic Affairs
- May - Holly Barber, Center for Faculty Excellence
- June - Jennifer Morehart, University Libraries
2021-22
- September - Harley King, Athletics
- October - Laura Barned, Student Success and Life Design
- November - Victoria Kontos, Firelands Admissions
- December - Becky Cogswell, Office of Registration and Records
- January - Kristin Payne, Thompson Scholarship Programs
- February - Danielle Parker, University Advancement
- March - Erica Mills, Office of Admissions
- May - Bob Kline, Student Success and Life Design
- June - Brandi Barhite, Office of Admissions
2020-21
- August - Paul Valdez, Center of Public Impact
- September - Kim Brooks, Undergraduate Education
- October - Michael Leopardo, Intercollegiate Athletics
- November - Claire Hoover, College of Education
- December - Kristi Peiffer, Campus Construction
- January - Michael Laurello, College of Musical Arts
2019-20
- September – Jamie Wlosowicz, Center for Women and Gender Equity
- October – Julie Hamann, Firelands Instructional Media
- November – Karyn Smith, Recreation and Wellness
- December – Holly Cipriani, College Credit Plus Program
- January – Chad Fletcher, Information Technology Services
- February – Toni Gordon, Diversity and Belonging
Updated: 02/20/2026 12:02PM