BGSU recognizes dedication of University’s administrative and classified staff members

The annual awards ceremony celebrates those who play a crucial role in shaping the BGSU experience

Each year, Bowling Green State University recognizes the outstanding contributions and dedication among the University’s administrative and classified staff members during an awards ceremony at the end of the academic year. 

These 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.

The nomination letter 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 the nomination letter: “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 (Robert Alexander, Ana Brown, Jacob Clemens, Kendra Lutes, Hannah Marozzi, Adam Smith and Katie Stygles)

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.  

The nomination, in part, read: “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. This wasn’t a flashy or high-pressure event. 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, Firelands director of technology support services

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.  

The 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.”

The Spirit of BG Award recognizes exceptional administrative and classified staff members who consistently go above and beyond their job descriptions.

Administrative staff

April - Kendra Lutes, associate director, Marvin Center
March - Erica Mills, associate director, visits & events
February – Heather Milne, degree audit analyst
January – Dermot Forde, administrator, program planning, HHS advising
December – Rachel Froman, career design coach
October – Jason Hartigan, associate director of systems and assessment
September – Eric Crimmins, technology support specialist
August - Ehab Elmorsy, assess and partnerships coordinator
July - Maite Hall, coordinator, international student services
June - Ashley Hartman, health educator, mental health
May - Laura Moore, executive director of donor relations and stewardship

Classified staff

May - Linda Gerber, College of EDHD                          
July - Kristin Payne, Thompson Scholarship Programs and Lisa Molnar, School of Art          
Aug. - Karla Leady, Student Engagement and Residence Life 
Sept. - Cynthia Diller, Debra Huff, Chad Warner and Shelby Kuney, Postal Services
Sept. - Paula Kiehl and Shelly Schwamberger, Planning, Construction and Campus Services
Nov. - Annie Long, Student Housing
Feb.- Sheri Messaros, Mileti Alumni Center; Sonia Duran, Jerome Library; Matthew Sayre, Theatre & Film                        
March - Lori Firsdon, Dean of Students and Michelle Roehl, Counseling Center
April - Nichole Eschedor, College of EDHD
May - Deb Cairl Lucio, Recreation & Wellness; Don Gump, Custodial Staff; Amy Kolk, secretary

Outstanding Service Award 2024-25 – Suzanne Swoap, administrative assistant, accounting/MIS