Past Recipients

Sierra is described as brilliant, kind, and passionate. Her nominator shared, "She has dedicated countless hours to creating a more positive OWU experience for every student. Sierra is also extremely active in extracurriculars, including PRIDE, Astronomy Club, Circle K, and Service Oriented Crocheting & Knitting (SOCK), a new organization she helped create in order to provide hand-made goods to those in need. After all of this, she still finds time to be an active member of SAGE. 

They are described as hardworking, passionate, and dedicated. They are a strong leader and have been involved in improving sustainability and student life on campus. Peyton's involvement with WCSA, starting the Beekeeping Club, as the Environmental Studies Department intern, and student chair of the Sustainability Task Force, has ensured students opinions are heard and reminds the university of its dedication and responsibility to sustainability.

Zain is described as reliable, dedicated, and resilient. His nominator said, "Zain is a senior finance major with a minor in sports science. He is a member of Delta Tau Delta, a Corns Scholar and a member of HORIZONS international. He is also an intern at Brinks Home Security. Zain has helped many international students during his time at OWU with the IOCP office, organizing events like orientations and trips for international students to get them the resources and information they need."

Pam is described as kind, empathetic, and professional. Her nominator explained, "She has been the only staff support for 3 of the busiest and largest majors on campus for years.  She has been the critical person coordinating some of OWU's most prestigious guest speakers.  Most folks do not know what goes into bringing a Nobel Prize winner of 4 star general.  It is incredibly hard and time consuming work."

Leigh Ann is described as kind, friendly, and dedicated. Her nominator explained, "She is heading all the COVID testing and OWU wouldn't be open and operating if it weren't for her heroic efforts. Many wouldn't have jobs, classes, etc., without the efforts of this one person this fall. She should be celebrated, extensively."

Bonnie is described as caring, dedicated, and proactive. In her 30 years here, she has contributed in so many ways.She is amazing and anticipates questions or problems and actively works to resolve them in advance. She is responsive to faculty, staff, students, and alumni as they interact with the Libraries. She never hesitates to go the extra mile to help her colleagues.

Franchesca is described as dedicated, kind, and brilliant. Her nominator explained,  "Dr. Nestor led voter registration and Get Out The Vote efforts at OWU. She came up with new ways to engage students with voter education, by creating videos and online training for voter registration. She helped create a more streamlined process for getting students utility bills, helped answer any questions."

Barb is described as knowledgeable, considerate, and responsible. Her nominator shared, "She knows and interacts with many staff, faculty, and students on campus, including senior leadership. She does all of this for the benefit of OWU, and is not looking for special recognition which is exactly why I believe Barb deserves to be recognized by You are OWU. I feel safer being on campus knowing that Barb is working here."

Rita is described as empathetic, passionate, and well spoken. Her nominator shared, "Dr. Trimble is an incredible professor in our Women and Gender Studies department. While teaching world-shifting ideas and dense pieces of literature, she never fails to nurture and encourage her students to remain intersectional and open to the thoughts of others."

Danielle is described as dedicated, hard working, and passionate. Her nominator shared, "Danielle goes above and beyond in her passions and in serving the OWU Politics & Government Department. It is more than just a major to her-- it is her life and her passion. She is a top member of Model UN and Mock Convention, and has also recently worked with her Co-President Alexis Greene brought  back College Democrats as a club on our campus."

Emma is described as compassionate, ambitious, and inspiring. Her nominator explained, "During her time at OWU, she has served as president of the OWTsiders, is currently a president for Circle K, has been involved in the English student board, tutoring, admissions, and the Marching Bishops. This past summer, she created "The Blanket Initiative" which allows to students to use their crochet and knitting skills to benefit The Comprehensive Cancer Center at Ohio State University."

Lillie is described as compassionate, helpful, and selfless. Her nominator explained, "Lillie is a member of the Ohio Wesleyan Marching band and is loved by all her peers in the band. She is always early to rehearsals and late to leave due to her always helping others out. She goes out of her way to make sure that everything and everyone is at their best. She cares so much for the people in her community and I know that whether or not she realizes it, she truly represents what it means to be OWU."

Kail is described as dedicated, trustworthy, and reliable. His nominator shared, "Kail always contributes to the Physics and Astronomy Department in very significant and meaningful ways.  Kail selflessly assisted with numerous technical issues and support that would have been very difficult for me to handle on my own. I don't know how I would have gotten through this challenging and time consuming preparation without Kail's help!"

Lisa is described as Influential, empathetic, and dogmatic. Her nominator shared, "Lisa has been an incredible asset to the Ohio Wesleyan University, first in her capacity within the Chaplain's Office, as an Academic Coach, and now as the Assistant Director of International and Off-Campus Programming. She has mentored students academically and personally, helping them sort through the very complex and critical issues of faith, politics, academic weaknesses, and in their identities as global travelers."

IOCP's nominator shared, "IOCP is deserving of special recognition for their work bringing people back safely from all over the world, and making sure each and every person knew someone was looking out for them. I promise you that students and their families will remember the support and care shown for the rest of their lives."

Reese is described as a leader, helper and friendly. Founder of First Generation Investors on campus, Reese has spent this semester working hard to get this non-profit chapter started at Ohio Wesleyan. First Generation Investors not only allows OWU students to get familiar with stock market and investing, but impacts the lives of local high schoolers at Hayes High School by providing them an 8 week program to learn key financial and investing concepts!

David is described as calm, caring, and dedicated. His nominator explained, "David has really stepped up in a big way to help fill the gaps at the help desk and front line of the card office. The loss of positions and transition of duties is never easy, but David has remained calm and dedicated to providing the best possible service for our students, faculty, and staff."

Claire is described as passionate, competitive, and carting. Her nominator explained, "She has made countless sacrifices to be a student athlete, like all student athletes.  But to be student teaching, a full time 50 hour a week job, and leading the OWU women's basketball team in scoring is above and beyond the typical! She recently was the 16th woman from OWU to score 1,000 points for her career on the OWU women's basketball team."

Jenny is described as dependable, efficient and strong.Her nominated said, "Jenny responded to a call to action in a major way - by taking on the leadership of a significant Ohio Wesleyan initiative - the Lifelong Learning Institute. She led a committee of folks, including Ohio Wesleyan alumni, to plan a resoundingly successful six-week session of classes for older adults. Feedback from the participants has been overwhelmingly positive. 

She is described as energetic, hardworking, and determined. Her nominator explained, "Her circle of influence extends far beyond the thirty members of this band. She injects fun and excitement into the lives of her students by giving them a creative outlet to escape to every week, in a fun and welcoming way. She helps keep the campus community strong, intact, and proud."

Greg is described as dedicated, loyal, and trustworthy. His nominator explained, "He handles all HVAC controls on campus and emergencies. He is very personable, efficient, and very likable."

Jordan is described as humble, courageous, and committed. His nominator shared, "He was one of our fitness instructors in the FITOWU program during the fall 2018. I learned of his achievements on the football team, but what really impressed me was his backstory. After graduating in the spring, he plans to enlist in the Navy and continue his attitude of hard work and service. I am very proud and honored to have gotten to know him and his incredible story."

Melanie is described as trustworthy, persistent, and dedicated. Her nominator shared, "Melanie spent the summer months ensuring that OWU would have the PPE necessary to allow us to open campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also procured for campus stand-alone HEPA air filtration units for classrooms so that our classrooms can be as safe as possible."

Karli is described as passionate, involved, and thoughtful. Her nominator said, "She is passionate about psychology, child-development and adolescent development, mental health, psychotherapy treatment, couples, and family studies. She embodies strengths of advocacy for marginalized populations, sincere care for others, self-awareness and balance in life, and being an active member of campus."

Allie is described as creative, innovative and responsive. She brought her videography talents to the OWU Social Media platform, allowing OWU to showcase faculty, students, and the beautiful campus. In the throws of COVID-19, Allie has remained on the front line of student communication. Engaged with faculty and students alike, Allie has created a fun, helpful, and healthy environment through social media.

Martine is described as authentic, strong, caring. Her nominator explained, "On one very busy day, Martine had a moment of clarity. Martine spoke many truths about how hard and unpredictable life had been, how easy it was to cast blame and criticism without stopping to consider what everyone was going through, and – most importantly – how important it was to consider the amazing and remarkable things we had jointly accomplished. I am grateful she acted for our greater good."

Laurel's nominator explained, "Dr. Anderson is constantly doing something new, interesting, and relevant for the OWU community, whether she's speaking to take a stand for a clean water bill at OWU's Mock Convention or helping offer OWU's free online course about COVID-19. Her involvement and kindhearted manner are the epitome of OWU's spirit and values."

When a PA blizzard prevented OWU alumnus Dr. Brady Porter from conducting his annual museum workshop, students Moira Meehan, Denecia Young, and Emery Manz stepped up with only one hour notice to teach an 8 hour bird study skin preparation workshop. When the building power failed 30 minutes in, the students, along with Zoology Museum student curator Josh Pletcher, packed up the entire lab, moved it into another lab that had windows for light, and carried on.

The students' nominators said, "Each of these nominees has seen things at OWU that they want to fix and instead of discussing it and then dropping it. They have actively tried to fix it, creating a bias-related incident report, running and being elected for VP of WCSA, running for senate, and actively speaking up in the community."

The Interfaith Leadership Council is described as cooperative and inclusive. Their nominator explained, "The group planned Better Together Week which included an Introduction to Buddhism meeting, a movie night at the Interfaith House, an introduction to the Muslim tradition of fasting and a catered dinner, a Songs of Zion hymn sing, and a panel about Faith Myths and Misconceptions. Currently, the group is planning a collection for the Delaware Diaper Bank."

Kirk is described as detailed, reliable, and motivated. He is a key member of the Information Systems Department. His work has influenced faculty, staff, students, and alumni through implementing new efficiencies and features to improve functionality. He is also implementing the new housing system, which will directly impact OWU students. 

Tyler is courteous, professional, and responsive. His nominator shared, "He is the FITOWU supervisor and a part-time instructor in Health and Human Kinetics. He coordinated the program's enrollment to ensure the program's success, safety and wellness."

Joe and Jason's nominators shared, "During this time of quarantine, Jason & Joe have bent over backwards to help me.They were both readily available, even though both were busy with many other, more important tasks. Both are always positive, proactive, and professional. They are always patient and helpful in every interaction, going above and beyond to identify and solve issues. I'm fortunate and grateful to call them colleagues and friends."

They are described motivated, funny, and caring. The two women coordinated and implemented the new version of Orientation and Camp Oh-Wooo over the summer of 2018. They managed student staffs, as well as worked alongside professional members of the OWU community. They have changed the history of OWU transitional programming for incoming students for the better!

Shay is described enthusiastic, positive, and diligent. Her nominator shared, "She is consistently a positive and upbeat presence in our office! She leads tours and many families have told me that because of her great attitude and wonderful endorsement of OWU, they have decided to apply.  She is kind to everyone and truly embodies the spirit of OWU."

Their nominator wrote, "What I saw was a model of civil discourse, a gathering of people from vastly different political perspectives. They had come together to learn about the importance of understanding the relationships between military actions, the military industrial complex, civil rights and liberties, and the related environmental damage.  A small event can serve as inspiration. It can motivate all of us to include others more widely."

He is described as friendly, reliable, and dependable. His nominator explained, "Every time we need AV set-up, he is on top of it. We seem to have numerous technical issues with our laptops/camera/tv and Zoom and if it is 5 minutes before a meeting starts, he will run over and come to the rescue. He is a valued campus partner and we can't thank him enough for all he does for everyone!"

ResLife's nominator shared, "Residential Life has worked tirelessly to coordinate and assist students as they move home due to Coronavirus. The move-out was unexpected and stressful for everyone, but they really pulled it off."

Mike is described as helpful, student focused, thoughtful. His nominator shared, "He is extremely thoughtful of his fellow campus colleagues, taking into consideration how he can help others in his processes or decision-making no matter how large or small. As covid hit, Mike coordinated efforts with book return communications and collections during such a precarious time even when he was essentially a department of 1. "

Dylan is described as kind hearted, knowledgeable, and tireless. His nominator shared, "He is one of the few people I have met who is not only exceptionally involved in all kinds of areas on campus, but also who manages to still put 110% into everything he does. Between his work in the SOAN department, a Merrick Mentor, a key member of President's Club, a leader of Mock Convention, a Summer Orientation Director, a member of countless other organizations, and an utterly devoted friend."

Karen is described as helpful, giving, and optimistic. Her nominator explained, "Karen is always there to give assistance and goes out of her way to help anyone that comes into our office... workers, students, faculty, retired, guests all stop by just to have a quick chat and get her smiling face. She is one of the go to's in our office if you need any type of information."

John is described patient, encouraging, and single-minded. His nominator shared, "Dr. Krygier has pushed tirelessly for infrastructure to make OWU's campus more environmentally sustainable, and his work is paying off! It was announced that the long-planned chimney swift tower (a false chimney which will provide needed habitat for the chimney swift bird) is due to begin construction in 2021."