Human Resources Represented at the Inclusive Excellence Awards

We are proud to have MSU Human Resources (MSU HR) and the work of our outstanding staff presented at this year’s Inclusive Excellence Awards, hosted by the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact. The Inclusive Excellence Awards recognize the exceptional and innovative contributions of students, staff and faculty in advancing inclusive excellence in areas like teaching, research, programming, service, community outreach, and organizational change.

Nichole Ovenhouse, Educational Program Coordinator for MSU HR’s Organization and Professional Development team, was recognized as a partner within the Education Team, which was instrumental in ensuring access, sense of belonging, and dialogue as an essential part of MSU’s campus community.

Here’s what Nichole had to say about her work:

“It truly was an honor to be recognized as a campus partner of the Education Team at the Inclusive Excellence Awards.

I believe my role, and our department’s role within HR, has been to help provide a safe and inclusive space for individuals to attend our programs. Specifically related to this award though, my work has been to provide support and strategic partnership with the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact. By combining our program management infrastructure, registration system, and marketing, with OIEI content, I have been able to help elevate and make available to employees the Implicit Bias Series as well as one offering of MSU Dialogues.

This recognition only further proves how important this work is, and our hope is to continue to create and support programs that continue to bring this content to individuals across campus.”

MSU HR’s Business Intelligence and Data Analytics Team, represented at the event by Dana Bridges, BI Manager, and Rajitha Mawilmada, Information Technologist, was recognized as a partner within the Equal Opportunity Team, which ensures equal employment opportunity; identifies additional resources to support institutional compliance; and monitors human resources and personnel activities for compliance with MSU policies.

Here’s what Dana had to say about her team’s work and being recognized:

“IEI recognized the BI & Data Analytics team for our work in developing and enhancing HR reports and dashboards that support compliance efforts and inform talent planning. This work helps enable more comprehensive analysis and data-informed workforce planning aligned with the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan, particularly the Access, Opportunity & Excellence priority.

It was really meaningful being recognized. Our job is to deliver accurate and useful data and analytics, but we don’t always get to see how it’s applied in practice. Being at the event provided a valuable reminder of how our work contributes to broader institutional goals and supports our campus community.

This experience made me even more excited about the direction we’re heading. There are many opportunities to continue growing our analytics capabilities in ways that better support our campus partners. I’m especially interested in continuing to build relationships, understanding different perspectives and needs, and using that to shape reporting that’s useful and actionable. This recognition reinforced that our work is making a difference and motivates me to keep growing.”

These teams and individuals were recognized at the reception on April 3. Enjoy these photos that captured the moment:

  • Group photo of the award winners, including HR's Dana Bridges.
  • Dana Bridges, BI Manager, Rajitha Mawilmada, Information Technologist.
  • (left to right) Murtaza Lokhandwala, HR IT Assistant Director,  Donna Donovan, HR Associate Vice President, Dana Bridges, BI Manager, Rajitha Mawilmada, Information Technologist.
  • Sparty mascot sitting on the awards stage with the event speakers.
  • MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz speaking during the ceremony.
  • MSU Provost Laura Lee McIntyre speaking during the ceremony.
  • MSU Vice President and Chief Inclusion Officer Jabbar R. Bennett speaking during the ceremony.

Seeking Nominations for Support Staff Awards 

We are seeking nominations for three prestigious awards available to support staff: the Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond, Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition, and Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff awards! 

All award nominations are due Friday, October 24, 2025. 

Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award 

This annual award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson, going “above and beyond” what is reasonably expected in supporting the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s pursuit of a graduate degree while working at MSU, the award recipient must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere, concurrent with their employment at MSU. Learn more about the award on the web page,  Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award. 

To nominate an employee, complete the Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award nomination form and return it to Ray Gasser at gasserra@msu.edu by October 24.   

Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition Award 

The Clerical-Technical Recognition Award is presented annually to a Michigan State University support staff member performing Clerical-Technical duties. The recipient is selected from nominations received by the CT Recognition Award Selection Committee. The award is sponsored by the Thomas and Concettina Gliozzo Endowment Fund to recognize outstanding MSU Clerical-Technical employees. Learn more about the award on the web page,  Clerical-Technical Recognition Award. 

To nominate an employee, complete the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition Award nomination form and return it to serviceawards@hr.msu.edu by October 24.  

Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award 

This award is presented annually to six university support staff members selected by the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Selection Committee from all nominations received. The award is named in honor of Jack Breslin, who served Michigan State University as a student leader, honored athlete, top administrator, and steadfast advocate. Jack was the personification of the “Spartan Spirit.” His strong and innovative leadership played a pivotal role in MSU’s growth and development as the nation’s premier land grant institution. Learn more about the award on the web page,  Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award. 

To nominate an employee, complete the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award nomination form and return it to serviceawards@hr.msu.edu by October 24.  

Congrats to the MSU Service Milestone and Retirement Recognition Honorees!

This year, the MSU Service Milestone and Retirement Recognition Program recognized support staff employees celebrating a 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or 55th work anniversary in 2024-25 or a retirement in 2024. Review the 2025 Reception Program and see if you recognize any names on the list—be sure to reach out and congratulate them! 

On April 14, we celebrated over 1,000 employees observing long-term work anniversaries and retirements during an awards ceremony at the Kellogg Center. Our university’s development and growth have been, in large part, due to the contributions made by our staff members, particularly those who have chosen to remain in the service of the university. This occasion was dedicated to those who have served the university through the years of its greatest development. It is a tribute to those who have found satisfaction in helping others and creating an impact for a better world.  

  • Vennie Gore, Executive Vice President for Administration, speaking at a podium during the opening remarks.
  • Donna Donovan, Interim Associate Vice President for Human Resources, speaking at a podium during the opening remarks.
  • Todd Bradley, Senior Human Resources Professional, speaking at a podium during the event.
  • A large crowd of service milestone and retirement honorees and their guests enjoy the reception at the Kellogg Center.
  • Some honorees are standing during the ceremony to acknowledge their years of service to the university.
  • Sparty high fives milestone honorees during the reception.
  • Three milestone honorees pose for a photo.
  • Seven milestone attendees pose for a photo during the reception.
  • Two milestone attendees pose for a photo during the reception.
  • Two milestone honorees pose for a photo during the reception.
  • Donna Donovan (left), Interim Associate Vice President for Human Resources stands with Thomas Jeitschko, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.
  • Five milestone honorees pose for a photo with the Sparty mascot during the reception.
  • Three milestone honorees during the reception.
  • Two milestone honorees during the reception.
  • A milestone honoree with Sparty during the reception.
  • A milestone honoree with Sparty.
  • Five milestone honorees during the reception.
  • Three milestone honorees during the reception.
  • A milestone honoree with Sparty.
  • Six milestone honorees during the reception.

Executive Vice President for Administration, Vennie Gore, and Interim Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Donna Donovan, acknowledged service milestone and retirement honorees and expressed their gratitude during the ceremony. We’d like to extend a special thanks to Todd Bradley, Senior Human Resources Professional, for emceeing the event.  

You can watch the opening remarks from the event below or on YouTube.

The university thanks these honorees for their talent, passion, loyalty, and contribution to our shared purpose. If you see a colleague’s name in this year’s awards program, don’t forget to congratulate them! 

All photo credit: Dane Robison/TimeFramePhoto 
All video credit: Cheeney Media Concepts 

Nominate a Deserving Support Staff Employee for one of these Prestigious Awards!

We are excited to be seeking nominations for three prestigious awards available to support staff: the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition, Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond, and Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff awards!

All award nominations are due Friday, November 8, 2024.

Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Award

The Clerical-Technical Recognition Award is presented annually to a Michigan State University support staff member performing Clerical-Technical duties. The recipient is selected from nominations received by the CT Recognition Award Selection Committee. The award is sponsored by the Thomas and Concettina Gliozzo Endowment Fund to recognize outstanding MSU Clerical-Technical employees. Last year’s recipient was Meg Quine, Office Coordinator in the MSU Alumni Office. Learn more about the award on the web page, Clerical-Technical Recognition Award.

To nominate an employee, complete the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Award nomination form and return to serviceawards@hr.msu.edu by November 8. 

Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award

This annual award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson, going “above and beyond” what is reasonably expected in supporting the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s own pursuit of a graduate degree while working at MSU, the award recipient must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere concurrent with their employment at MSU. Last year’s recipient was Lori Fischer, Director of Operations for the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Learn more about the award on the web page, Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award.

To nominate an employee, complete the Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award nomination form and return to Ray Gasser at gasserra@msu.edu by November 8.

Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award

This award is presented annually to six university support staff members selected by the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Selection Committee. The award is named in honor of Jack Breslin, who served Michigan State University as a student leader, honored athlete, top administrator and steadfast advocate. Criteria for selection of recipients include overall excellence in job performance, supportive attitude and contributions to the unit or university that lead to improved efficiency or effectiveness, and valuable service to the university. Last year’s recipients were Jesse Alvarez, Ken Beer, Sarah Evans-Cain, Mark Fellows, Amanda Goll, and Darwin Meirndorf. Learn more about the award on the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award web page.

To nominate an employee, complete the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award nomination form and return to serviceawards@hr.msu.edu by November 8. 

We appreciate your time and effort in submitting a nomination for this year’s awards. The awards committees look forward to learning about these outstanding employees!

Congratulations to the Service and Retirement Recognition Program Award Recipients!

The MSU Service and Retirement Recognition Award recognizes support staff employees celebrating a 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45th work anniversary or a retirement falling between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023.

On May 13, we recognized over 600 employees celebrating long-term work anniversaries and retirements during an awards ceremony at the Kellogg Center. Our university’s development and growth have been, in large part, due to the contributions made by its staff members, particularly those who have chosen to remain in the service of the university. This occasion was dedicated to those who have served the university through the years of its greatest development. It is a tribute to those who have found satisfaction in helping others and creating an impact for a better world.

  • service and retirement recipients sitting at large round tables during the awards reception. Some recipients are standing to acknowledge their years of service.
  • service and retirement recipients sitting at large round tables during the awards reception. Some recipients are standing to acknowledge their years of service.
  • Christina K. Brogdon, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, speaking behind a podium on stage during the awards ceremony.
  • Thomas Glasmacher, Interim Executive Vice President for Administrative Services, standing behind a podium on stage. He is speaking during the awards ceremony.
  • Scott Pohl is standing behind a podium on stage with Jody Knol standing behind and to his right. They are from WKAR and announced award recipient names during the ceremony.
  • Sparty standing on stage behind the podium pretending to give a speech during the ceremony.
  • A group of award recipients sit at a table during the reception. Sparty is sitting next to them and pointing to the camera.
  • Sparty is giving an award recipient a handshake during the reception.
  • Sparty is sitting between a couple of award recipients during the reception and pretending to drink out of a glass.
  • Sparty standing behind a group of award recipients as they take a photo during the reception.
  • Sparty is dancing in front of a group of musicians.

Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Christina K. Brogdon, and Interim Executive Vice President for Administration, Thomas Glasmacher, acknowledged award recipients and expressed their gratitude during the ceremony. Please review this year’s awards program and watch a recording of the event below.

The university thanks these awardees for their talent, passion, loyalty, and contribution to our shared purpose. If you see a colleague’s name in this year’s awards program, be sure to congratulate them!

All photo credit: Dane Robison/TimeFramePhoto
All video credit: Cheeney Media Concepts

Congratulations to Lori Fischer, the 2024 Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award Recipient!

Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award, Lori Fischer! This award honors a support staff employee who goes “above and beyond” in their job at MSU while pursuing a graduate degree concurrent with their employment. Lori is the Director of Operations for the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She has been with MSU for 13 years and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership from Michigan State University.

Lori’s leaders and colleagues have this to say about her:

“Lori’s commitment to her role as the Director of Operations at the Burgess Institute reflects the qualities embodied by Ms. Ruth Jameyson. Much like Ms. Jameyson, Lori has gone “above and beyond” in her duties, contributing significantly to the success and recognition of MSU’s entrepreneurship program. Under Lori’s leadership, the program has achieved remarkable milestones, including being recognized by the Princeton Review as one of the top 25 Undergraduate Entrepreneurship programs in the country.”

“For as long as I have known Lori, she has been an advocate for helping students in the state of Michigan gain access to opportunities to develop their entrepreneurial mindset. The opportunity to work directly with Lori is one of the reasons I joined the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at MSU.”

“Lori’s passion for supporting student venturers and fostering entrepreneurial education has had a profound impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem at MSU and beyond. Lori has demonstrated a genuine concern for students both in and out of the classroom. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident through her initiatives at the Burgess Institute and her role on the Broad College’s Staff Leadership Committee’s Recognition Committee.”

Watch a video of Lori finding out she won the Ruth Jameyson Award below or on YouTube:

The Awards Ceremony

On May 13, Lori was honored at an awards ceremony at the Kellogg Center for the Ruth Jameyson, Jack Breslin and Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Award recipients. Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Christina K. Brogdon, Interim Executive Vice President for Administration, Thomas Glasmacher, and Award Selection Committee Chairman, Ray Gasser acknowledged Lori’s hard work and expressed their gratitude during the ceremony. A recording of the event is available below or on YouTube:

About the Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award

This annual award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson, going “above and beyond” what is reasonably expected to support the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s own pursuit of a graduate degree while working at MSU, the award recipient must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere concurrent with their employment at MSU.

Ms. Ruth Jameyson, who died in 2007 at the age of 100 years, served as the secretary to MSU President Robert S. Shaw from 1938 to 1941 and secretary/administrative assistant to President John A. Hannah from 1941 to 1969. She served as both greeter and gatekeeper to the numerous students, faculty and staff seeking to meet Dr. Hannah, as well as dignitaries from around the globe. Ms. Jameyson accepted roles and responsibilities far beyond her formal job description. Having arrived in Lansing with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Coe College, Iowa, Ms. Jameyson pursued a master’s degree in economics at MSU while working full-time.

This award has been created and funded by friends of Ruth Jameyson; Barbara Sawyer-Koch, MSU trustee emerita, and Donald F. Koch, MSU professor emeritus.

All photo credits: Dane Robison/TimeFramePhoto
All video credit: Cheeney Media Concepts

Submit a Nomination for the 2024 Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award!

Do you know an MSU employee pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree who deserves recognition for going above and beyond in their work and studies? Show appreciation for your coworkers and their outstanding work by nominating them for the 2024 Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award! MSU is seeking nominations for this award and will accept nominations through January 19, 2024.

This annual award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson, going “above and beyond” in supporting the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s pursuit of a graduate degree, while working at MSU, the award recipient must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere concurrent with their employment at MSU. A stipend of $2,500 will accompany the award and may be used as determined appropriate by the recipient.

Last year’s Ruth Jameyson Award winner, Sarah Ellis, is the Admissions and Academic Services Manager for the Eli Broad College of Business MBA Program. At the time of the award, she was pursuing a Master of Science in Customer Experience Management from Michigan State University. Learn more about the 2023 Ruth Jameyson Award Winner and what her colleagues had to say.

Any university community member (colleague, administrator, faculty, support staff, or student) may submit a nomination. A nominee must be a regular, active employee with at least five years of service to MSU in a support staff position.

To learn more about the nomination process, and find the nomination form, visit the MSU HR website. The deadline for nominations is January 19, 2024.

Nominations are Open for the Student Employee of the Year Award!

If you work at MSU, you know how important student employees are to the success of your department and the university. Do you know a student who consistently goes above and beyond in their work? Supervisors have the chance to recognize these exemplary Spartans by nominating them for the Student Employee of the Year award by February 10, 2023.

Find more details and the nomination form on the Department of Student Life website.

Eligible nominees must be:

  • Currently registered in an MSU degree-granting program.
  • Employed on student employee payroll for a minimum of three months between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023.
  • Nominated by their supervisor. Only one student employee may be nominated per supervisor. Complete an online nomination form here.
    Note: Graduate assistants, residence hall staff and other student employees who do not fall under the jurisdiction of MSU Student Employment or the Student Employee Payroll may not be nominated for this award. They are eligible for other recognition programs.

All nominees will be honored with certificates. The MSU Student Employee winner’s name is submitted for consideration for the State of Michigan competition. All nominees will be acknowledged at a reception on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, Big Ten A. Learn more about the award on the Department of Student Life website.

Nominate an Employee for the 2022 Clerical-Technical Recognition Award Today!

Do you work with an outstanding MSU employee performing clerical-technical duties? Acknowledge their hard work and dedication to MSU by nominating them for the Clerical-Technical (CT) Recognition Award! Nominations are now being accepted through Friday, July 29, 2022, at 5p.m.

The winner of this annual award is selected based on the following criteria:

  • Respect of their peers and continuous diligence in attending to their daily responsibilities.
  • Concern for students, faculty, staff, and colleagues in their respective units, particularly (but not limited to) those assisting overseas U.S. students and faculty, international students, international faculty, etc.
  • Extraordinary and significant contributions to the community or public service.
  • Innovative thinking in facilitating unit tasks and responsibilities.

Individuals may be nominated by any member of the MSU community, and the recipient will be selected by the CT Recognition Award Selection Committee. The winner will be profiled in the HR Source monthly newsletter and will receive a monetary award of $1,000 from the endowment fund in recognition of their outstanding service.

This award is given by the Thomas and Concettina Gliozzo Endowment Fund. Charles Gliozzo is director emeritus of MSU’s Study Abroad program. Thomas and Concettina Gliozzo were immigrants who became U.S. citizens and valued the importance of education throughout their lives.

How to Nominate an Employee

To nominate an individual:

  1. Complete a nomination form
  2. Collect a minimum of two support letters (maximum of five) by MSU colleagues. You may include additional information if it supports the applicant’s nomination.

Please Note: nominees must be part of the CT Union.

Nominations are due by 5:00 p.m., Friday, July 29, 2022. Email the PDF nomination form with a minimum of two support letters to bracamontes@hr.msu.edu with the subject line: CT Recognition Award Selection Committee.

2021 Gliozzo Clerical Technical Award Recipient Announced

Congratulations to Jamie Lake, the recipient of this year’s Clerical-Technical Recognition Award!

The Clerical-Technical Award is sponsored by the Thomas and Concettina Gliozzo Endowment Fund and recognizes outstanding clerical-technical employees. Jamie was selected for the award this year because of her outstanding work as a Secretary II staff member in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. She is known to take her job seriously and care about professionalism while also showing empathy and support for everyone around her. 

Jamie was nominated for this award by Jill Cruth, the Academic Coordinator for the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, who, along with many other staff and faculty in the department, shared kind words and great examples of why she deserves to be recognized. A few of these examples include how this past year, when a co-worker in the Fisheries and Wildlife Office got sick, Jamie took on even more responsibility; and when a visiting scholar from Nigeria seemed homesick, Jamie decorated her office to make her feel at home and welcomed at MSU. 

Jamie is also involved in the community, especially with her church’s youth programs and her passion for nature, which fits her role perfectly in Fisheries and Wildlife. She has cleaned up trash in the Great Lakes and is raising pheasants to release into the wild with the goal of raising the population of the endangered species. 

Jamie is a problem solver who acts on issues without being asked. This great attribute to the department has resulted in an updated and more frequent social media presence, rewards for surveys conducted by faculty members, and even a new protocol for quickly and efficiently teaching faculty and student employees about the office systems. 

Jamie had this to say about winning the prestigious award: 

“I am humbled to accept the Gliozzo CT award. Winning this award recognizes [that] the support I provide is genuinely appreciated by my colleagues and I am thankful to each one of them. I’m super grateful to be working in the Fisheries and Wildlife department, with the most amazing faculty, staff, and students.”

Congratulations Jamie for your incredible work in your department and at Michigan State!