Bowling Green State University recently recognized the outstanding contributions and dedication of its administrative and classified staff members during an awards ceremony at the end of the academic year.
The awards celebrate the personnel who largely work behind the scenes, playing a crucial role in shaping the BGSU experience for students, faculty and fellow staff members.
Newcomer of the Year Award: Natalie Tranelli-Jacobs, Life Design coach
This award highlights new staff members’ 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 for this award.
A nomination letter for Tranelli-Jacobs read: “Since her arrival at BGSU in August 2023, Natalie Tranelli-Jacobs has been a quiet, humble, yet shining star in the Radbill Center for College and Life Design. As a Life Design coach in a department that preaches innovation and experiential learning for students, Natalie made an immediate and significant impact.”
BG Best Award: Karyn Smith, assistant director, fitness and wellness
This award celebrates excellence and outstanding contributions by administrative staff members. It acknowledges their exceptional work and commitment to the university community.
An excerpt from Smith’s nomination letter read: “She is helping to change the trajectory of people’s lives by motivating and inspiring them often to make small lifestyle changes that turn into large life gains. Karyn also embodies a public university for the public good by creating a community of care for faculty, staff, students and the surrounding community.”
Inclusion and Belonging Award: Day of Dialogue Planning Committee
This award honors staff members who actively promote inclusion and a sense of belonging within the BGSU community. Their efforts contribute to a more inclusive campus environment.
Members of the planning committee included Dr. Robert Alexander, Ana Brown, Dr. Jacob Clemens, Kendra Lutes, Hannah Marozzi, Adam Smith and Dr. Katie Stygles.
The committee’s nomination read in part: “The Day of Dialogue: Engaging in Democracy, held the day after the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, was one of the most meaningful efforts I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of at BGSU. What stood out to me is the way it was designed to be open to everyone. It was steady, thoughtful and grounded in the belief that dialogue matters. That our differences don’t have to divide us, and that democracy, at its best, should include all of us.”
Dr. Michael R. Ferrari Award: Julie Hamann, director of technology support services, BGSU Firelands
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.
Hamann’s nomination letter read: “Julie is completely committed to the College and BGSU and is genuinely focused on and desirous of helping every student, faculty and staff member succeed. She is tireless in her activities on campus, not only related to her assigned responsibilities, but also giving freely of her personal time and skills to many other areas. Julie is the ‘go-to’ person on the Firelands campus and willingly and without complaint gives of her time and expertise to provide assistance in any way she is able, to anyone who needs it.”
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 winners selected monthly.
Administrative staff winners include:
- Kendra Lutes, associate director, Marvin Center
- Erica Mills, associate director, visits and events
- Heather Milne, degree audit analyst
- Dermot Forde, administrator, program planning, College of Health and Human Services advising
- Rachel Froman, career design coach
- Jason Hartigan, associate director of systems and assessment
- Eric Crimmins, technology support specialist
- Ehab Elmorsy, assess and partnerships coordinator
- Maite Hall, coordinator, international student services
- Ashley Hartman, health educator, mental health
- Laura Moore, executive director of donor relations and stewardship
Classified staff winners include:
- Linda Gerber, College of Education and Human Development
- Kristin Payne, Thompson Scholarship Programs
- Lisa Molnar, School of Art
- Karla Leady, Student Engagement and Residence Life
- Cynthia Diller, University Postal Services
- Debra Huff, University Postal Services
- Chad Warner, University Postal Services
- Shelby Kuney, University Postal Services
- Paula Kiehl, Planning, Construction and Campus Services
- Shelly Schwamberger, Planning, Construction and Campus Services
- Annie Long, Student Housing
- Deb Cairl Lucio, Recreation and Wellness
- Don Gump, Campus Services
- Amy Kolk, secretary, School of Applied Human Development
- Nichole Eschedor, College of Education and Human Development
- Lori Firsdon, Office of the Dean of Students
- Michelle Roehl, Counseling Center
- Sheri Messaros, Mileti Alumni Center
- Sonia Duran, Jerome Library
- Matthew Sayre, Department of Theatre and Film
Outstanding Service Award 2024-25
- Suzanne Swoap, administrative assistant, accounting/MIS
