Awards

The Professional Staff Association of Western's annual awards program recognizes outstanding job performance and service to the association.

Deadline for 2024-2025 nominations: April 1, 2025

Recent award recipients

Image

Outstanding New Professional

Michelle Brown, Navigation Specialist, Student Affairs

Outstanding Professional

Josh Byers, Machine Shop Specialist, Department of Physics

Tony Griffin Service Award

David Birkam, Graphic Designer, WMUx

Outstanding New Professional Award

An award presented to an outstanding administrator or professional with five or fewer years of service to Western Michigan University. Selection is based on the following criteria:

  • Recognized excellence in overall job performance.
  • Outstanding service to their specific department or division.
  • Contributions to department or division (presentations, committee work, projects).
  • Willingness to assist beyond normal expectations.
  • Dedication to the profession.
  • Shows initiative or creativity.
  • Nominee does not have to be an active member of the association.

Image
Karlee Pirrotta with Outstanding New Professional Award.
YearRecipient
2022-23Karlee Pirrotta
2021-22Mike Berdowski
2020-21Nathan Nguyen
2019-20Canceled due to COVID
2018-19Alecia Chenault 
2017-18Beth Northuis
2016-17Lindsey S. Palar
2015-16Jenna Gehl Jones
2014-15Adam Arocho
2013-14Jennifer C. Hsu
2012-13Kerstan Ryan
2011-12Kathy Purnell
2010-11Daniela Schröeter
2009-10Tom Krol
2008-09Kirk Sundling
2007-08Michael Vlassis
2006-07Jennifer Bailey
2005-06Laura Ciccantell
2003-04Dr. Elizabeth Teviotdale
2002-03Dr. Gary Kirk
2001-02Felicia Crawford

Outstanding Professional Award

An award presented to an outstanding administrator or professional with five or more years of service to Western Michigan University. Selection is based on the following criteria:

  • Recognized excellence in overall job performance.
  • Outstanding service to their specific department or division.
  • Contribution to department/division (presentations, committee work, projects).
  • Willingness to assist beyond normal expectations.
  • Dedication to the profession.
  • Shows initiative or creativity in the profession.
  • Nominee does not have to be an active member of the association.

Image
Elena Wood with Outstanding Professional Award.
YearRecipient
2022-23Elena Wood
2021-22Denise Wheatley
2020-21Laura Ciccantell
2019-20Canceled due to COVID
2018-19Andrea Bau
2017-18Theresa Whitaker
2016-17Derek Earl Andree
2015-16Dr. Erika Carr
2014-15Tim Holysz
2013-14Suzanne Beals
2012-13Judy Gipper
2011-12Wayne Pushie
2010-11Sheila Atherton
2009-10Amy Seth
2008-09Mary Ramlow
2007-08Thom Myers
2006-07Lynda Hunt
2005-06Sue Oole
2004-05Christine McDowell
2003-04Richard McMullen
2002-03Charlotte Giscombe

Tony Griffin Service Award

An award presented to an active member of the association. This award is named in memory of past president Tony Griffin. Selection will be based on the following criteria:

  • Active membership in the organization.
  • Outstanding service on an appointed committee or the Executive Board.
  • Significant contributions to the goals of the association.

Image
Sara Volmering with Tony Griffin Service Award.
YearRecipient
2022-23Sara Volmering
2021-22Stephanie Radant
2020-21William McQuitty
2019-20Canceled due to COVID
2018-19Malia Roberts
2017-18Monica Liggins-Abrams
2016-17Teri Schrimpf
2015-16Michelle Loedeman
2014-15Jeanne Baron
2013-14Chris Voss
2012-13Amy Seth
2011-12Lynda Hunt
2010-11Julie Nemire
2009-10Joe Odehnal
2008-09Gail Kurtz
2007-08Faith Wicklund
2006-07Tammy Boneburg
2005-06Michele McLaughlin
2004-05No Recipient
2003-04Mary Ramlow
2002-03Gail Kurtz
2001-02Toby Boyle, Marilyn Kritzman
2000-01Lisa Knutson
1999-2000Joan O'Bryan
1998-99Joe Odehnal
1997-98Tony Griffin

Interested in becoming a member of the PSAW?

It's easy. All WMU exempt staff are eligible to join.