The Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award honors six 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 recipients: Dana Applebee, Lisa Laughman, Murtaza Lokhandwala, Jamie Lynn Marks, Katie Pease, and Mark Rokita! These recipients display excellence in their job performance, a supportive attitude, and significant contributions to MSU. On May 12, they were honored at an awards ceremony at the new Student Recreation and Wellness Center along with recipients of the Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” and Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition awards.

Dana Applebee

Research Administrator and Fiscal Officer, Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health

Dana Applebee is widely regarded as the steady force behind the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health’s remarkable growth. Colleagues describe her as a trusted partner whose financial expertise, calm leadership, and deep empathy allow complex research portfolios to thrive. One nominator shared that Dana ‘quietly clears roadblocks, anticipates needs before they arise, and helps teams move forward with confidence.’ Others emphasized that the department ‘runs better because of Dana,’ noting her ability to see both the big picture and the smallest details while supporting faculty, staff, and community partners with integrity and care.

Watch Dana’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Lisa Laughman

Training Program Developer IV, University Health and Wellbeing

Lisa Laughman has transformed Spartan Resilience Education at MSU through visionary leadership and deep compassion for the Spartan community. She is credited with building scalable, trauma-informed programs that support emotional wellbeing across campus. A colleague noted that Lisa ‘creates spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered,’ while another highlighted her leadership during times of crisis, emphasizing that she helped Spartans ‘process grief, manage stress, and rebuild a sense of community when it was needed most.’

Watch Lisa’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Murtaza Lokhandwala

Assistant Director, IT Services, MSU Human Resources

With more than two decades of service, Murtaza Lokhandwala has shaped critical HR and payroll systems that support employees across MSU. Nominators consistently highlighted his ability to pair deep technical expertise with humility and care, describing him as the person who ‘makes things possible where most would not.’ His leadership on large-scale system migrations and his commitment to mentoring others reflect a quiet but transformational impact on the university.

Watch Murtaza’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Jamie Lynn Marks

Administrative Business Professional, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

Jamie Lynn Marks is described as a trusted expert, advocate, and problem solver whose initiative consistently exceeds expectations. Colleagues shared that she ‘leads by example’ and is often the first call for complex HR or facilities challenges. One letter emphasized that she is ‘among the top staff members I have worked with in over 30 years,’ praising her judgment, confidentiality, and unwavering commitment to improving systems for the benefit of faculty, staff, and students.

Watch Jamie’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Katie Pease

Senior Business Operations Manager, Facility for Rare Isotope Beams

Katie Pease is widely viewed as the glue that holds FRIB together, particularly during high-stakes federal reviews and executive engagements. Nominators praised her professionalism, strategic coordination, and ability to unite people across the laboratory. One colleague described her as the ‘quiet force who elevates the work of others,’ while another noted that external reviewers routinely single out FRIB’s review process as among the best in the DOE system due to Katie’s leadership.

Watch Katie’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Mark Rokita

Operations Supervisor II, Infrastructure Planning and Facilities

Mark Rokita is known across campus for his ‘start with yes’ approach and his exceptional leadership of the IPF Set-Up Crew. Colleagues consistently highlighted his reliability, responsiveness, and ability to deliver under pressure. One nominator shared that ‘we would not be able to accomplish most of what we do without Mark,’ while another called him ‘a pillar of excellence at MSU’ whose leadership and customer-first mindset make IPF shine.

Watch Mark’s surprise reveal video on YouTube.

Congratulations again to all award recipients! Learn more about the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff award on the HR webpage, Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award, where you can also view the event program and a recording of the full event.

All photo credits: Dane Robison/TimeFramePhoto

All video credit: Cheeney Media Concepts