University recognizes outstanding staff members, seeks input for annual award

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Every day, Western Michigan University staff members go above and beyond to help the WMU community thrive. Those exceptional contributions are honored with the Make a Difference Awards—the University's highest accolade for non-faculty employees. There are semiannual and annual award recipients recognized each year based on nominations from across campus. Now that spring honorees have been announced, the Make a Difference Awards Committee is seeing input on annual award winners.

The following outstanding employees received the spring 2020 semiannual award:

• Michelle Adams, executive assistant, student affairs, Office of the Associate Dean

• Jonathan Collier, business systems analyst, Office of Information Technology

• Judy Gipper, director, Dining Services

• Ashley Goodwin, military advocate, Center for Academic Success Programs

• Brianna McCann, administrative assistant senior, Office for Sustainability

• Sue Simmons, administrative assistant senior, Department of Mathematics

• Colleen Stano, academic advisor senior, Haworth College of Business

• Kevin Villadsen, carpenter, Facilities Management - Maintenance Services

These exemplary staff members join the recipients of the fall 2019 semiannual awards in consideration for one of four annual Make a Difference Awards. In addition to congratulating recipients, the selection committee is asking for assistance in determining who will be bestowed the annual honors. Recipients eligible for consideration include:

• Michelle Adams, student affairs, Office of the Associate Dean

• Terri Andrews, Sindecuse Health Center

• Linda Baker, Dining Services

• Jonathan Collier, Office of Information Technology

• Kimberly Courter, College of Aviation

• Bryon Glock, Online Education

• Ashley Goodwin, Center for Academic Success Programs

• Emily Hazel, Dining Services

• Laura Kirkendall, Facilities Management - Maintenance Services

• Brianna McCann, Office for Sustainability

• Tammy Morgan, WMUx

• Roshona Porter, Residence Life

• Sue Simons, Department of Mathematics

• Colleen Stano, Haworth College of Business

• Kevin Villadsen, Facilities Management - Maintenance Services

• Kala Willette, College of Arts and Sciences

• Pamela Zawacke, Facilities Management - Building Custodial and Support

Nomination materials such as letters of recommendation and other documentation should be sent to @email. Submissions will be accepted through Friday, Dec. 4.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.