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!
Mitch Miller, coordinator of technology services, College of Education and Human Development, is the winner of the February 2026 Spirit of BG Award! Mitch was nominated by Maureen Wilson who wrote the following:
"Mitch Miller, Coordinator of Technology Services in the College of Education and Human Development, exemplifies the Spirit of BG through his unwavering commitment to collaboration, community, innovation, and excellence. Mitch is a constant presence of positivity and professionalism—ever cheerful, approachable, and genuinely eager to help students, faculty, and staff navigate technology challenges so they can do their best work.
In a time of significant institutional change, Mitch has played a critical role in ensuring the College of Education and Human Development meets new federal accessibility requirements. The push to bring websites into compliance required extensive edits and updates to nearly every page of the EDHD website. Mitch took on this challenge with diligence and care, serving as the primary point of contact between the college and Marketing and Communications to coordinate updates across pages with shared and separate ownership. His attention to detail, persistence, and collaborative approach ensured progress remained steady and solutions were thoughtfully implemented.
Beyond this major effort, Mitch consistently goes above and beyond expectations. Whether responding to a last-minute technology concern, assisting a student, or helping faculty adapt tools for teaching and learning, he approaches every request with patience, expertise, and a problem-solving mindset. His willingness to help, paired with his deep institutional knowledge, strengthens our community and advances the University’s mission.
Mitch Miller truly embodies the Spirit of BG through his dedication, innovation, and exceptional service to others."
2025-26
- July - No nominations
- August - Suzanne Zampino, Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
- September - Megan Bond, Resort and Attraction Management
- October - Ashleigh Deifenbach, Thompson Scholarship Programs
- November - Troy Spikes, Campus Operations
- December - No nominations
- January - Mikayla Russ, Corporate Partnerships
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
- June - No nominations
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: 05/07/2026 01:29PM