BGSU recognizes employees for years of service and impact during annual awards ceremony

Nearly 300 employees were recognized for a combined 4,918 years of service

Commitment, dedication and loyalty were cited repeatedly as nearly 300 Bowling Green State University faculty and staff members were honored for their service to the University community.

At the annual employee Service Awards, BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers, who has spent two decades in leadership roles at Bowling Green, drew on his accounting background to calculate the breadth of the group's commitment.

President Rogers said that while the total years represent a tangible number, the value of their commitment is incalculable.

“That’s 4,918 years of service we are honoring. I think about the years of service, yes, but it is really about those dedicated years of service that each of you has provided to our campus,” he said. “The work that you do is why public education is so important. You are part of a learning community that is making a real difference in the lives of people and making sure that we deliver on that mantra of being a public university for the public good.”

The University honors its employees with their fifth year of service and then every five years that follows. This year’s awards recognized 127 faculty members and 161 BGSU staff members representing eight cohorts with five to 40 years of service.

Viva McCarver, chief human resources officer, reminded the award honorees that their loyalty to their roles at BGSU is “something incredibly meaningful” and that, through their service and dedication, they are the people who make Bowling Green State University such a unique and special place.

“We are recognizing an extraordinary group of individuals whose commitment has helped to shape the very foundation of this University,” she said. “What truly sets us apart is the experience students have when they get here. That experience is shaped by you, your passion, your care, and your commitment to student success. You are the backbone of the University.”

Marsha Bostelman, who retired recently from her role as an administrative assistant in the Schmidthorst College of Business Department of Marketing, was honored for her 40 years of service to the University.

“In my 40 years at BGSU, I’ve worked in five different areas across campus. They’ve all been rewarding in different ways,” she said. “I felt very respected and recognized for my work and dedication by the college, staff, faculty and students. I’m always proud to say I was employed at Bowling Green State University. Once a Falcon, always a Falcon!”

Apollos Nwauwa, Ph.D., a history professor, said that when he first came to Bowling Green from Providence, Rhode Island, in Fall 2000, his wife was convinced that they would be departing soon for a place “with less cornfields.” A quarter of a century of service to BGSU later, the Nwauwa family remains part of the fabric of the University and the Bowling Green community.

“We are still here, and now she thinks we should buy our retirement home here. There is something about Bowling Green and BGSU,” he said. “You may underrate the area at first sight, only to be drawn deeper and inescapably tied to it.”

Dwayne Gremler, Ph.D., a marketing professor, was also honored for 25 years of service at the University. Gremler, who said he was very proud of his time at Bowling Green, has the distinction of being the first faculty member to be appointed as both BGSU Distinguished Research Professor and BGSU Distinguished Teaching Professor by the BGSU Board of Trustees.

Christina Miller, a teaching professor of mathematics who was honored for 20 years of service, said she had interviewed for a position at BGSU on the day before her wedding, but the prospect of working at the University pulled her away from the wedding preparations.

“I left a nail appointment in town to interview for the job I really wanted,” she said. “I earned both an undergraduate and graduate degree from BGSU, so when I got the position, my previous professors and mentors became my colleagues and friends. Teaching here is truly a blessing I don’t take for granted.”

Joshua Knudsen, an assistant general manager in Dining Services who was recognized for 20 years of service, said that what started out as simply a job morphed into a career at BGSU.

“Somewhere along the way, it became so much more than just serving students food; it turned into a lifetime of memories, conversations and connections with thousands of students who passed through BGSU,” he said. “I am grateful for the people, the memories and the chance to be a small part of so many students’ time at BGSU.”

Brady Gaskins, Ph.D., an academic advisor in the Schmidthorst College of Business, reminded those being honored that they are what make BGSU a special place.

“You are the foundation of this university’s success and why we continue to offer students the best college experience in Ohio,” he said.