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!
Claire Hoover, student engagement and programming coordinator, Thompson Scholarship Programs, is the winner of the February 2026 Spirit of BG Award! Claire was nominated by Mary Kay Hiser who wrote the following:
"It is my pleasure to nominate Claire Hoover for the Spirit of BG Award! If you know Claire, you know she LOVES BGSU; but even if you’ve never met, it will quickly become obvious her passion for BGSU and its impact. There are many reasons why Claire is deserving of this recognition but I will focus on her role as advisor to our Thompson Student Leadership Team (SLT).
As a student org, our SLT supports and expands the work of our office (Thompson Scholarship Programs) in providing opportunities for our Thompson Scholars (1200+ students) to connect, engage, and serve. The group supports our goal of building our Thompson community and providing growth and development. Claire bridges the gap and engages deeply with the leadership team so the student voice is heard. She attends meetings on Sunday nights and meets with exec/cabinet, as well as continues to strengthen communication across the committees and builds structures and best practices to support the students and our department.
Claire does a great job cultivating our student leaders and encouraging them to step into roles of leadership. Claire challenges and supports the team and encourages them to be intentional about why they are hosting the events they are and emphasizes the value that each event brings to the community. She has helped them think outside of the box and initiate new ideas, including hosting their own fundraising events. She has provided an inclusive and welcoming environment, open to new ideas all to benefit our students."
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: 04/02/2026 09:10AM