Author: MSU Human Resources

The Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award honors MSU support staff members annually. Colleagues submit nominations of individuals who demonstrate the qualities of Jack Breslin, who served MSU as a student leader, honored athlete, top administrator, and steadfast advocate, personifying the “Spartan Spirit.” 

Congratulations to this year’s recipients¹: Melanie McNutt, Bob Rasico Jr., Sarah Reimer, Rebecca Shannon-Kortes, and Jessica Wright! These recipients display excellence in their job performance, a supportive attitude, and significant contributions to MSU. On April 14, they were honored at an awards ceremony at the Kellogg Center along with the Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” and Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition award recipients.  

Watch a recording of the event below or on YouTube. 

Melanie McNutt 

Melanie McNutt is a Training Program Developer for Digital Strategies and Services, which is a part of MSU IT that supports Student Life and Engagement, and has worked at MSU for 30 years. She serves on the leadership team that defines strategic priorities, key initiatives, and the long-term vision of technology support for the more than 6,500 employees of Student Life and Engagement. Melanie is known for her remarkable ability to build strong, positive working relationships with people at all levels of the organization and prioritizes getting to know new team members and making them feel welcome. Melanie’s colleagues had this to say about her:  

“Melanie drives both efficiency and effectiveness across the division in many ways. A huge example of this is her commitment to completely equipping herself with the knowledge she needs to complete a task. She practices, rewrites, researches and anything else she needs to do to tackle a project quickly, efficiently and accurately.”  

“Her colleagues appreciate her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support. Whether interacting with team members, leadership, or students, Melanie consistently fosters an environment of trust and collaboration. She shows genuine interest in people and their well-being.”   

“She is a passionate advocate for integrating DEI principles into our communication and training resources, ensuring that our materials are inclusive, accessible, and reflective of the diverse community we serve.” 

Watch the video below or on YouTube for a more personal look at Melanie: 

Bob Rasico Jr. 

Bob Rasico Jr. is an Engineer and Architect for the Department of Chemistry and has worked at MSU for 37 years. Described by his colleagues as “the busiest person in the building,” his many responsibilities include designing, analyzing, and altering plans, prototypes, and structures to ensure the 280,000 square foot chemistry building is operating safely, efficiently, and reliably. Bob’s exceptional knowledge of the chemistry building’s operations is only matched by his dedication to ensuring a safe and functioning environment for its research and teaching facilities. Here is what his colleagues had to say:  

“I do not know another person who connects as well professionally and personally as Bob does with others, even when pressured for quick and seemingly impossible solutions.”  

“While his knowledge and skill of every facility and trade applicable to the building are staggering, it is his professionalism and genuine kindness that sets him apart.”  

“Bob makes individuals feel heard, feel valued, and feel like their efforts are important to all of MSU Chemistry … A chance to talk with Bob allows faculty candidates to envision how their new laboratory might look and function… and see in Bob a collaborator who seeks the best for the prospective faculty member, their career, and their students. The enormous success we’ve had in faculty recruiting in MSU Chemistry … speaks to the trust that Bob engenders in faculty looking at our department from the outside.” 

Watch the video below or on YouTube for a more personal look at Bob: 

Sarah Reimer 

Sarah Reimer is the Office Manager of the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station Administrative Office and has worked at MSU for 10 ½ years. She wears many hats, including Fiscal Officer, HR Manager, Grants Administration for KBS faculty, and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Staff Advisory Committee Treasurer. Despite a hefty workload, her colleagues describe her as enthusiastic and supportive in helping with all types of tasks. Here is what her colleagues had to say:  

“In her dynamic role at KBS she is eventually part of all projects, and this is another area where her grasp of the big picture down to the details is a tremendous value to KBS.  Sarah possesses the two most important qualities in a team player: capability and a willingness to do whatever is needed.”  

“I think of Sarah as a bicycle wheel’s hub to which all the spokes are connected. This is vividly apparent in our unit… that is located … so distant from MSU’s main campus. Because we are so contained in this space, we are a close community… [and] our community relies deeply on one person, Sarah.”  

“She has become a central figure in many areas and her knowledge and recommendations are valued. Sarah’s willingness to take on whatever task needs to be handled, as well as finding the training and partners to learn new things, continues to serve her and KBS well.” 

Watch the video below or on YouTube for a more personal look at Sarah: 

Rebecca Shannon-Kortes 

Rebecca Shannon-Kortes is a Data Resource Analyst for the Office of Health Sciences and has worked at MSU for 7 years. Among her many responsibilities, she is a key driver behind initiatives that support the Sustainable Health, Faculty and Staff Success, and DEI objectives within the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan. She is highly respected among her colleagues, who describe her as meticulous, innovative, welcoming, and invaluable. Due to her insight and problem-solving skills, a frequently heard phrase within the office is, “Let’s add Rebecca to this team.” Here is what her colleagues had to say:  

“Rebecca exhibits a very professional method to her work and proficiency in her contributions while maintaining an approach that makes others feel valued, included, respected, and a contributor to the collective effort.”  

“Six years ago, when Rebecca first joined the newly established Office of Health Sciences, we could not have anticipated the tremendous impact she would have. She consistently exceeds expectations and has become an essential driving force within our team.”  

“Rebecca consistently offers to assist other colleagues or take on new assignments when we discuss new challenges… Often with limited direction, she always delivers a high-quality product and turns it around quickly and always by the deadline.” 

Watch the video below or on YouTube for a more personal look at Rebecca: 

Jessica Wright 

Jessica Wright is the Consortium Coordinator for the Department of Horticulture and has worked at MSU for 21 years. She develops, plans, coordinates, and manages the 4-H Children’s Garden Educational Programs and serves as liaison between MSU and schools, the public, students, donors, and foundation partners. To describe Jessica as beloved by her colleagues, volunteers, teachers, and students would be an understatement. According to them, she is energetic, creative, effective, personable, and “one-of-a-kind.” Here is what her colleagues had to say:  

“From the first time planting a plant, to exploring questions they have about the world, Jessica has enriched the lives of these students, and me. Without Jessica, I would be a lesser teacher and lesser person, and she deserves immense recognition and credit for all she does for the MSU community and beyond.”  

“She always shows her enthusiasm, love of children, plant knowledge, and high standards. Jessica makes volunteering a valuable experience. I volunteer at the garden because of Jessica.”  

“Over the years, the number of individuals inspired by Jessica’s knowledge and experience would easily fill both Spartan Stadium and the Breslin Center!” 

Watch the video below or on YouTube for a more personal look at Jessica: 

All photo credit: Dane Robison/TimeFramePhoto 

All video credit: Cheeney Media Concepts 

1. This list includes 2025 Jack Breslin Award recipients who agreed to appear in this article.