BGSU Zoom News

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Davis honored in D.C. for algae research | Administrative staff awards

Timothy Davis (left) with his Gears of Government President’s Award co-winners and former colleagues Stephanie Moore and Gregory Doucette.

Davis honored in Washington, D.C., for research on harmful algal blooms

Dr. Timothy Davis, an associate professor of biological sciences at Bowling Green State University, received the Gears of Government President’s Award on May 22 for significantly advancing rapid and remote detection of harmful algal bloom toxins (HABs).

The President’s Awards recognize the best of the best. They are the highest level of distinction within the Gears of Government Awards program, with awardees selected from more than 200 teams and individuals already recognized by their agencies for outstanding mission results, customer service and accountable stewardship.

The awards ceremony took place in the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Davis and two other scientists, Drs. Gregory Doucette and Stephanie Moore, were recognized for their work with members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The scientists deployed robotic Environmental Sample Processors (ESPs) for the first time, transmitting near-real-time measurements of toxins in Lake Erie and off the coast of Washington state.

Grubbs on narcissistic generation - The New York Times
Guzzo on declining fertility rate - The Atlantic, InStyle
Brown on marriage longevity - The Tribune Review
Brown on declining divorce rate - Cosmopolitan
Mills on transportation grant program - APM Reports
Guzzo on impact of student debt on delay in having children - Al Jazeera
Miller on 2020 vote - 13abc

Administrative staff gather at the annual spring reception hosted by Administrative Staff Council.

Administrative staff cap off year with celebration of excellence

After a busy and productive year, BGSU administrative staff gathered May 21 at the annual Administrative Staff Council spring reception to celebrate the achievements and impact of the 722 members of administrative staff. Three awards were presented — the Michael R. Ferrari Award, the BG Best, and the Rookie of the Year. The support of administrative staff for one another was demonstrated by the 135 members who either nominated or wrote a letter in support of a colleague this year, including 75 nominations for the monthly Spirit of BG Award, said Chris Bullins, dean of students.

President Rodney Rogers told the group that, following the previous weekend’s commencement for nearly 2,500 students, it was a time to reflect on and be grateful for all the individuals who played a role in their development.

“I hope you understand and take great satisfaction in the value you bring to society as part of a university whose mission is to create public good,” Rogers said.

Outgoing ASC Chair Margo Kammeyer reported that, through fundraising and donations, ASC gave $7,000 in student scholarships this year, up from $4,000 last year, and $2,000 in professional development funds. Administrative staff contributed an additional 403 items to the Martin Luther King Jr. food drive in January.

Jason Walton

2019 Michael R. Ferrari Award
Walton brings kindness, expertise, creativity to his multiple roles

When the call went out for nominations for the 2019 Michael R. Ferrari Award, the top award given to administrative staff, the School of Art did not hesitate. “The burden lies not in knowing who to nominate, as he is the most deserving candidate we could imagine, but in trying to find the right words to convey what an incredible asset he is, not only to the School of Art and to Theatre and Film, but the entire university.”

That person is Jason Walton, collaborative arts digital technology coordinator. As the Ferrari Award winner, he received $1,000 and a reserved parking space for a year, and a plaque in his honor will hang in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union. The award was presented at the May 21 Administrative Staff Council annual reception. Named for former interim president “Mick” Ferrari, it recognizes those who represent the values he exemplified: demonstrated excellence in one’s work while also promoting harmony, having strong relationships with the University community and being committed to the growth and betterment of BGSU and its students.

Walton was nominated by faculty and staff in both of his areas, the School of Art and the Department of Theatre and Film, to unanimous acclaim. “In many ways, Jason exceeds the challenging requirements and expectations for the award,” his nominators said.

Robb Nardecchia

‘BG Best’ fits award-winner Robb Nardecchia

The criteria for the BG Best Award from Administrative Staff Council could have been written for Robb Nardecchia, a web applications developer in the Office of Marketing and Communications. In a time when online information and services are crucial, his commitment to excellence and continual improvement has enhanced the University’s web presence both internally and externally. Nardecchia was chosen as the 2019 BG Best recipient, and received the honor at the ASC spring reception May 21.

BG Best recognizes administrative staff members who have shown outstanding commitment to BGSU, implemented a new idea or program that benefits the learning community, and demonstrated exemplary commitment to the BGSU community. Recipients receive a cash award of $100 and a plaque.

Gabe Dunbar

Rookie of the Year
Dunbar’s emotional intelligence, outreach boost student success

In just two short years, Gabe Dunbar has made a tremendous impact at BGSU, not only for nontraditional students, but across campus, particularly in the arenas of engagement and retention. Dunbar was named the 2019 Rookie of the Year at the Administrative Staff Council spring reception May 21. Along with the award, he received $100 and a plaque.

Awarded to staff who have been with the University for at least one but not more than three years, the Rookie of the Year recognizes an administrative staff member who has played an integral part in implementing an idea, program or procedure designed to enhance or improve student recruitment, retention and/or engagement. Dunbar has been a program coordinator in Nontraditional and Military Student Services (NTMSS) since May 2017.

Dr. Michael Brown, sales and event marketing manager with Conference and Event Services, nominated Dunbar or the award.

“As part of his official position at the university, Gabe has personally connected with nontraditional students (those 23 or older, military, or student parents) who are taking a different approach to college,” Brown wrote. “Sadly, as a result of challenging life circumstances, these students generally struggle with persistence and graduating in a timely manner. Gabe has spearheaded a personalized approach to engaging with these students in a uniquely compassionate and empathetic manner.

OBITUARIES
James Litwin, 75, died May 16. He worked at the University from in 1972-96, first as assistant to the director of the former Modular Achievement Program and then as senior staff associate for the University Division of General Studies. He also served as director of institutional studies from 1975-79, and director of undergraduate studies.

Don Cook, 88, died May 18 in Columbus. A former assistant director of admissions, he served on the Alumni Board of Trustees and received the Alumni Service Award in 1977. He was the husband of former BGSU Trustee Sharon Cook.

Take advantage of free Compliance Day training June 6

Spots are still available for the University’s free training to address various aspects of compliance during the seventh annual Compliance Day, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 6 in 228 Bowen-Thompson Student Union (Multipurpose Room). Pre-approval for four CLEs is available for attorneys.

Sessions will be led by representatives from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs; the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division; and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC). View the agenda

Register online

Guests with disabilities are requested to notify Accessibility Services in advance if they need special services, assistance or appropriate modifications to fully participate in this event by emailing access@bgsu.edu or calling 419-372-8495.