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!
Ashleigh Diefenbach, scholarship advisor, Thompson Scholarship Programs, is the winner of the October 2025 Spirit of BG Award! Ashleigh was nominated by Mary Kay Hiser who wrote the following:
"I am excited to nominate Ashleigh Diefenbach for the Spirit of BG Award! Ashleigh serves as a Scholarship Advisor in Thompson Scholarship Programs. She worked in our office for two years as a Graduate Advisor and is now going into her second academic year as a full-time staff member.
Each August, we host a Summer Link Program and a One-Day Orientation to welcome our 240 new first-year Thompson Scholars to BGSU and our scholarship program. Ashleigh has worked closely with her supervisor, Kristin, in the planning and logistics of these large-scale events, including providing leadership and direction for our current scholars who serve as Summer Link leaders. This event is focused on helping our new scholars feel a sense of belonging and community as they transition to their new home at BGSU. Ashleigh has done an excellent job supporting these events.
Summer Link is often seen as the “cooler” event. This year she really took lead of our One-Day Orientation and innovated to make the experience much more special for both the new students and One-Day leaders. This year was the best One-Day experience yet! It really helped the participants of One-Day not feel like they were missing out because they weren’t able to attend Summer Link. Ashleigh collaborated well with our team, incorporated new ideas, and made it an experience that still cultivated community and belonging.
I am grateful and proud of my whole team but specifically want to acknowledge Ashleigh’s leadership with our One-Day Orientation."
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: 12/01/2025 01:39PM