Awards
The Professional Staff Association of Western's annual awards program recognizes outstanding job performance and service to the association.
Deadline for 2025-26 nominations: April 15, 2026
2024-25 award recipients
Outstanding New Professional
Tammy Eaton (left), Interim Director TRIO Future Educator's Success Program, College of Education and Human Development
Outstanding Professional
Nicole Lockwood-Womack, Certification Advisor, College of Education and Human Development
Tony Griffin Service Award
Angela Brcka, Web Developer Content Strategist, University Libraries
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.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Michelle Brown |
| 2022-23 | Karlee Pirrotta |
| 2021-22 | Mike Berdowski |
| 2020-21 | Nathan Nguyen |
| 2019-20 | Canceled due to COVID |
| 2018-19 | Alecia Chenault |
| 2017-18 | Beth Northuis |
| 2016-17 | Lindsey S. Palar |
| 2015-16 | Jenna Gehl Jones |
| 2014-15 | Adam Arocho |
| 2013-14 | Jennifer C. Hsu |
| 2012-13 | Kerstan Ryan |
| 2011-12 | Kathy Purnell |
| 2010-11 | Daniela Schröeter |
| 2009-10 | Tom Krol |
| 2008-09 | Kirk Sundling |
| 2007-08 | Michael Vlassis |
| 2006-07 | Jennifer Bailey |
| 2005-06 | Laura Ciccantell |
| 2003-04 | Dr. Elizabeth Teviotdale |
| 2002-03 | Dr. Gary Kirk |
| 2001-02 | Felicia 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.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Josh Byers |
| 2022-23 | Elena Wood |
| 2021-22 | Denise Wheatley |
| 2020-21 | Laura Ciccantell |
| 2019-20 | Canceled due to COVID |
| 2018-19 | Andrea Bau |
| 2017-18 | Theresa Whitaker |
| 2016-17 | Derek Earl Andree |
| 2015-16 | Dr. Erika Carr |
| 2014-15 | Tim Holysz |
| 2013-14 | Suzanne Beals |
| 2012-13 | Judy Gipper |
| 2011-12 | Wayne Pushie |
| 2010-11 | Sheila Atherton |
| 2009-10 | Amy Seth |
| 2008-09 | Mary Ramlow |
| 2007-08 | Thom Myers |
| 2006-07 | Lynda Hunt |
| 2005-06 | Sue Oole |
| 2004-05 | Christine McDowell |
| 2003-04 | Richard McMullen |
| 2002-03 | Charlotte 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.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2023-24 | David Birkam |
| 2022-23 | Sara Volmering |
| 2021-22 | Stephanie Radant |
| 2020-21 | William McQuitty |
| 2019-20 | Canceled due to COVID |
| 2018-19 | Malia Roberts |
| 2017-18 | Monica Liggins-Abrams |
| 2016-17 | Teri Schrimpf |
| 2015-16 | Michelle Loedeman |
| 2014-15 | Jeanne Baron |
| 2013-14 | Chris Voss |
| 2012-13 | Amy Seth |
| 2011-12 | Lynda Hunt |
| 2010-11 | Julie Nemire |
| 2009-10 | Joe Odehnal |
| 2008-09 | Gail Kurtz |
| 2007-08 | Faith Wicklund |
| 2006-07 | Tammy Boneburg |
| 2005-06 | Michele McLaughlin |
| 2004-05 | No Recipient |
| 2003-04 | Mary Ramlow |
| 2002-03 | Gail Kurtz |
| 2001-02 | Toby Boyle, Marilyn Kritzman |
| 2000-01 | Lisa Knutson |
| 1999-2000 | Joan O'Bryan |
| 1998-99 | Joe Odehnal |
| 1997-98 | Tony Griffin |
Interested in becoming a member of PSAW?
It's easy. All WMU exempt staff are eligible to join.