Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Award, Joyce Crandell!
MSU Human Resources proudly named Joyce Crandell the 2026 MSU Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition Award recipient. Joyce is the Office Coordinator for Academic and Student Affairs in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and has been with MSU for more than three decades. Joyce is a terrific example of the kind of MSU employee this fund was established to recognize.
A video sharing the moment Joyce discovered she was this year’s award recipient is available on YouTube.
Often described as ‘the backbone of the office,’ Joyce’s role extends far beyond administrative coordination. She ensures that advising operations, academic processes, and student communications function seamlessly in a high-volume, high-stakes environment. Her colleagues note that virtually every process in the office benefits from Joyce’s thoughtful oversight, precision, and deep understanding of university systems.
What truly sets Joyce apart is her unwavering concern for people. Students regularly experience Joyce as their first point of contact, and many describe her as a source of comfort, stability, and reassurance during moments of uncertainty or crisis. One student shared that Joyce made the office ‘a place of comfort and safety,’ offering kindness, discretion, and support that had a lasting impact on their academic journey.
Joyce is equally respected by faculty and staff, who rely on her institutional knowledge, mentorship, and calm presence. She routinely guides colleagues through complex academic and administrative processes, improves workflows through innovative problem-solving, and models a culture of respect and trauma-informed care. Beyond campus, Joyce extends her commitment to service through community engagement and volunteerism, reflecting the same generosity and care she brings to her work at MSU.
Through her dedication, empathy, and quiet leadership, Joyce Crandell has shaped a welcoming, student-centered culture that impacts thousands each year. Her service exemplifies the very purpose of the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition Award, and the Spartan Spirit at its best.
The Awards Ceremony
On May 12, Joyce was honored at an awards ceremony at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center that also included the Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond, Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff awards. Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Donna Donovan, and Clerical-Technical Union President, Deb Bittner, acknowledged Joyce’s hard work and expressed their gratitude during the ceremony. A recording of the whole event is available on YouTube.
AVP of HR, Donna Donovan, and President of the Clerical Technical Union, Deb Bittner, stand at the podium to introduce the Gliozzo Award and the 2026 recipient, Joyce Crandell. 
Joyce shaking Donna’s hand, with Deb ready to congratulate her next. 
Joyce at the podium making personal remarks in acceptance of her award. 
Joyce smiling for a photo with her award certificate along with President of the CTU Deb Bittner, AVP of HR Donna Donovan, and university President Kevin Guskiewicz. 
Gliozzo award recipient, Joyce Crandell, smiling at her table with colleagues 
Joyce’s table with her award and personal items.
We’d also like to thank the selection committee members for this award: Margie Aimery, Brandon Baswell, Deb Bittner, Todd Bradley, Melissa Del Rio, and Jenn Roberts. We greatly appreciate your time and effort!
About the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition Award
The annual Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition Award is made possible by Dr. Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, who established a fund in honor of Thomas and Concettina Gliozzo in 2001. Thomas Gliozzo is director emeritus of MSU’s Study Abroad program. Thomas and Concettina Gliozzo were immigrants who became U.S. citizens and recognized the importance of education.
This fund was established to recognize outstanding Clerical-Technical (CT) employees at MSU. Dr. Gliozzo states, “CTs are the backbone and the infrastructure of the university, and they deserve recognition.” The recipient is selected from nominations received by the CT Recognition Award Selection Committee. Selection criteria include respect and concern for all members of the campus community, diligence in daily work, significant contributions to the community or public service, and innovative thinking.
Learn more about the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition Award on the HR webpage, Clerical-Technical Recognition Award.
All photo credits: Dane Robison/TimeFramePhoto
All video credit: Cheeney Media Concepts