SALEM, Ore. -- Members of the Division of Student Affairs gathered in the Alumni Lounge on Tuesday, May 7 for their annual STAR Awards (Staff Talent, Appreciation, and Recognition). These awards honor colleagues for outstanding performance, achievements, and support for students, colleagues, and the work of Student Affairs.
The Campus Partner Award went to three recipients, Systems Librarian Bill Kelm, Associate Director for Donor Relations and Stewardship Karen Delsman, and Facilities Services Event Support Technician Matt Hendricks. All three earned the award as tremendous partners from outside of Student Affairs who contributed to the work of Student Affairs, and in particular, helped elevate the student experience on campus.
Kelm contributed to move-in-day, speed orientation, Midnight Breakfast and Black Tie among his volunteer efforts. He consistently shows up with a smile ready to work and has great interactions with students and staff. He is a communicative and reliable campus partner who is always willing to support student affairs events
Delsman has volunteered with Opening Days and Family Weekend and offered valuable support as a member of this year’s Honors and Awards committee. Additionally, she serves as an advisor to an ASWU-Affiliated club, sharing her willingness and excitement to connect with students.Her kindness and care shine through in all interactions
Hendricks has contributed to Student Affairs by working to set up and tear down spaces for the many events hosted by students and staff on campus. He has been willing to make last-minute changes when needed and has maintained an impressive pace when completing all of his work. He did a lot of the heavy-lifting when he assisted with the cleaning of the Oak Street Storage, which was no easy task! Matt does his work with a positive attitude and is great to work with.
The Unsung Hero Award went to Assistant Dean of Students for AGSM Dave Sundy and Assistant Director of Student Engagement and Leadership Jodi Santillie. Sundy has coordinated Divisional professional development workshops and training sessions, and offered one-on-one support to staff. He ensures that the Division has the tools and resources needed to succeed in supporting Willamette students and is appreciated as someone who is always willing to assist. Despite her busy role in supporting student organization leaders and the work in the Student Engagement and Leadership Office, Santillie has stepped in to help with Jump Start move-in and serve as a Mosaics mentor, and provided support with various programs outside her department. She coordinates many aspects of large scale campus events, and her behind-the-scenes organization skills and calm demeanor has helped these programs have great success. Jodi is capable, helpful, and consistent with showing up for her colleagues and others and is authentic in all of her interactions and how she leads.
The Equity and Inclusion Award went to several facilitators of the the Return on Inclusion (ROI) program for the Department of Athletics. Their involvement helped set up, organize, and run the program, which is a sports-specific diversity and inclusion education platform. It included a series of online modules and monthly conversations designed to assist coaches and athletic administrators to develop the skills needed to support student-athletes by creating inclusive excellence in programs and policies. The co-facilitators, who led small-group and large-group discussions, were Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Rob Passage, Associate Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator Leslie Shevlin, Dean of Students for Community Care and Inclusion Olivia Muñoz, Coordinator of Student Engagement and Leadership Quinn Nottage, Director of Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion Juliane Corpus, and Assistant Provost for Institutional Equity and Community Engagement Emilio Solano.
Medical Receptionist Lynn Pranger received the Karen Wood Award for Outstanding Student Support and Community Care by a Student Affairs staff member. Pranger has provided compassionate and knowledgeable work at the front desk of the Bishop Wellness Center for 20 years. She is the first point of contact for students, and she is always kind and supportive. She also serves as a calming presence when students arrive with medical and mental health emergencies to receive care at Bishop. She also is very appreciated by the clinical staff.
Assistant Athletic Trainer Daisha Harryman was chosen for the Commitment to Excellence Award, which goes to an employee in the Division of Student Affairs who has performed their role exceedingly well. The Fall 2023 semester included many medical challenges with the loss of a Bishop Nurse Practitioner, changes to the area PT clinic used by athletics, and the loss of two staff in the athletic training room. Daisha, as the one remaining Willamette athletic trainer at the time, was able to hold everything together. She ensured all events were covered, and worked tirelessly to keep students healthy or on the road to recovery–it was a very impressive achievement.
The Outstanding Educator Award went to PNCA Health Coach/Educator Hunter Marcus. The award recognizes a member of Student Affairs, a team, or a department known for quality programming or initiatives that support student issues or needs through creative ideas and solutions. Marcus has helped with efforts and training to promote community health and belonging on campus such as an interactive art exhibit about gender identity for Pride Week, NARCAN training, and QPR training. Her efforts enable students to be their authentic selves. She has contributed to students connecting with important health topics through one-on-one discussions and creative and educational Instagram posts. She has helped students navigate addiction, health difficulties, and financial difficulties that have helped many students stay in school.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s recipients of the Division of Student Affairs STAR Awards!