Administrative staff applauds contributions of Cummings, Thompson, Buening

Administrative staff celebrated the end of the academic year and the contributions of its members to the success of the University at the annual Administrative Staff Council reception May 13.

Quoting BGSU’s theme of Belong. Stand Out. Go Far., President Rodney Rogers said that administrative staff are an especially important part of helping not only BGSU students to feel they belong but also one another.

“You create a supportive environment that helps students and others thrive, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do for the University,” he said.

In addition to the moral and professional support administrative staff provide, Administrative Staff Council also provides financial support. This year, ASC awarded $2,000 in professional development funds to staff members and $4,000 in scholarships to four students, ASC Chair Beth Detwiler announced.

Awards were presented to Tom Cummings, director of engineering and technical services at WBGU-TV, the winner of the Michael R. Ferrari Award; Sara Thompson, assistant director of annual giving in University Advancement, named Rookie of the Year, and Jennifer Buening, assistant director of strategic enrollments initiatives for BGSU Firelands, who took home the BG Best Award.

Most notable of Buening’s accomplishments has been her “tremendous leadership for the Firelands Pathway program,” said nominator Andy Alt, assistant vice provost for academic affairs. The program, which provides support and assistance to students to obtain a four-year degree, has grown dramatically under her leadership, as has its retention rate. Buening also served as 2017-18 chair of the University Academic Support Council, comprising about 50 administrative staff members from academic and student affairs who meet monthly to discuss issues and challenges facing students and develop strategies to address those challenges.

“She has made significant contributions to student success initiatives across BGSU,” Alt said.