There are countless reasons to put off working on a project. Maybe youâre daunted by the size of it, or the deadline is far off, so you donât feel the urgency to get moving. Whether your procrastination is the result of perfectionism, negative thought patterns, or even boredom, there are easy changes you can make to increase your motivation and complete high-quality work without missing deadlines.
Take charge of your day
Itâs easy to find excuses to not take action. I donât have time. Iâm too busy. Iâll do it later when things calm down. To move beyond procrastination, you need to take charge of your time.
Donât let external demands control your time. Deadlines and mundane tasks are likely a part of your days. Take charge of your schedule.
Minimize interruptions. Turn off your Teams, Outlook, and text notifications if you can. Block off time on your calendar. Prioritize your tasks. Ask yourself: What needs to be done now? What can wait until later?
Figure out and respect your preferred working methods and energy levels. Consider when youâre most productive and schedule your day accordingly.
Set small deadlines
If you sometimes feel like youâre accomplishing nothing, it may be because your idea of getting something done is too big.
Focus on the wins, no matter how small. Set small goals and interim deadlines throughout the day.
As you hit each small target, youâll build momentum and feel motivated to strive toward the next goal.
Achieve an optimal level of positive stress
We all face stress at work â deadlines to meet, unexpected problems to solve. It may sound counterintuitive, but a little stress can be a good thing. Positive stress can give you the energy you need to stay motivated. The key is to achieve an optimal level of healthy stress.
Know your limits. Find a challenge you can realistically take on.
Donât be complacent. Push yourself to achieve great things, one step at a time. Remember that a challenge should stretch you without breaking you.
Collaborate to stay engaged
When we pool our resources and expertise to work on a task with others, we share ideas, discuss options, and develop ideas as a team. One personâs enthusiasm might inspire you. New eyes bring new perspectives, which may help you look at a task in a new way.
To ensure your collaboration is effective, be sure you have a diverse group to offer different perspectives.
Allow some quiet space to build on the ideas that emerge.
Effective collaboration can be structured or informal.
Try these techniques to help you take action and leave procrastination behind, and look into self-paced, online elevateU resources for further motivation and guidance.
Fatherâs Day is right around the corner, and if you are still looking for a way to show the dad in your life that you care, look no further than these discounts! Whether itâs your dad, husband, father-in-law, or any other important father figure in your life, make sure to take advantage of these Fatherâs Day savings using MSU Benefits Plus.
To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign up for a free account using your MSU email address.
Check out some of these deals that you can find through MSU Benefits Plus:
Sports and Entertainment:
Forest Akers Golf Course â MSU employees with a valid MSU ID card receive reduced rates on playing and shopping at the two 18-hole championship layout golf courses and two full-service golf shops!
Premium Seats USA â Get 10% off sporting event tickets on Premium Seats USA using the code CORESTREAM at checkout!
Tickets at Work â Save up to 40% on movie tickets nationwide. MSU faculty and staff can also receive exclusive discounts on theme parks, attractions, events, hotels, concerts, movies, and much more.
Technology:
HP â Save up to 58% on HP computers and accessories with the HP Employee Purchase Program (EPP). You can also take advantage of instant rebates, coupons, and HP Home & Home Office sales promotions that combine with your EPP discount.
LG â Get 10% off all home appliances and electronics, and 15% off LG STUDIO and LG SIGNATURE appliances. Sign up using your MSU email address to take advantage of these exclusive discounts.
Shopping and Food:
Costco â New Executive Members receive $40 and new Gold Star Members receive $20 when joining and enrolling in auto-renewal. Use code CJPROMO at checkout.
Good Chop â Join to get $110 off high-quality American meat and seafood. Use code 65-F8C5F at checkout.
Find these savings as well as many other benefits by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus portal. Sign up or log in today and have a fun, family-filled Fatherâs Day.
Jake Lathrop, Assistant Director in the Office of Talent in MSU Human Resources, has been selected to serve on the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) National Board of Directors, beginning a three-year term on July 1, 2025.
Throughout his nearly 18-year career at MSU, Lathrop has served the university across multiple key roles, including Consultant to the Chief HR Officer, Consultant to the Executive Vice President for Administration, Director of HR and Facilities in the College of Education, and HR Specialist in MSU Human Resources.
Additionally, Lathrop has served CUPA-HR in a leadership capacity for the past 10 years, with roles including President of the Michigan Chapter Board, Chair of the Midwest Region Board, and serving on CUPA-HR National Steering Committees for Learning and Development, Public Policy, and Creating Inclusive Communities. In 2018, Lathrop was named CUPA-HRâs Emerging Leader for the Midwest Region.
“As higher education navigates unprecedented challenges, our work becomes even more vital to sustaining and advancing the institutions that shape tomorrow’s leaders,” said Lathrop. “I look forward to contributing alongside such accomplished colleagues, and for this opportunity to serve and amplify the voice of HR professionals across higher education.”
This appointment highlights MSU’s continued leadership in developing forward-thinking human resources practices that strengthen higher education nationwide.
About CUPA-HR
CUPA-HR is higher ed HR, serving higher education by providing the knowledge, resources, advocacy, and connections to achieve organizational and workforce excellence. Serving more than 40,000 HR professionals and other higher education leaders at nearly 2,000 member institutions and organizations around the country and abroad, the association offers learning and professional development programs, higher education salary, benefits, and demographic data, extensive online resources, and just-in-time regulatory and legislative information.
This week, we are featuring a job posting as a Marketing Communications Manager I for MSU Health Care (job posting 1047090). If you are interested in leading a digital-first marketing communications strategy, managing projects and vendors, and supporting clinics in meeting their communication goals, this may be the position for you.
From joint ventures and partnerships to leveraging expansive clinical research and expert educational strengths for patients, MSU Health Care focuses on providing healing and caring to all. MSU Health Care spans 46 adult and pediatric specialties committed to high-quality patient care. Their mission is to deliver a personalized experience and a safe environment for all, train the next generation of clinicians, ensure equitable access, and provide the highest quality of care. MSU Health Care remains dedicated to providing an exceptional experience and enhancing life.
In this role, you will create compelling content to add value to multi-channel marketing communication plans, including brand-journalism style articles, MSU website content, advertising materials, social media posts, infographics, and more. You will review content, implement brand identity, assist in project management with outside vendors, and help drive engagement through coordinated events and promotions. Find a complete list of job responsibilities on the MSU Careers website.
This position requires a degree in journalism, telecommunications, public relations, or similar, and one to three years of work experience in public and media relations, composing, editing, and publication production, news, broadcasting, or marketing/advertising. You should also be well-versed in word processing, internal and external communications, social media, content management, and digital communication strategy development.Â
To learn more about MSU Health Care, visit the MSU Health Care website. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume, cover letter, a sample of a detailed marketing communication plan, at least three writing/other work samples, three professional references, and should be submitted by June 3.
Summer is here, and there are many in-person and virtual events on campus and in the Greater Lansing area this June. Check out upcoming events for you and your family to celebrate and embrace the start of summer! Visit the links below to explore upcoming events and register if required.Â
Campus Events
June 7 – Family Day: SUSTAIN: The first Saturday of the month means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum, and this month we are exploring how we are connected to the land. You and your family can stop by the museum to make prints using local nature materials in connection with Farmland: Food, Justice, and Sovereignty.
June 8 and 29 – Music and the Garden: The MSU College of Music and Beal Botanical Garden invite you to a celebration of nature, music, and imagination, and explore this yearâs theme of âUnderstanding Our World.â Take this opportunity to see plant collections in new ways and see how MSU gardens are being reimagined for the future.
June 12 – MSU Juneteenth Celebration: Attend the 5th annual MSU Juneteenth Commemorative Celebration on Thursday, June 12, from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Multicultural Center. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. This yearâs theme is A Juneteenth Renaissance: Bridging Freedomâs Legacy and Tomorrowâs Vision.
June 15 – Museum Tour: Deep-Rooted with Beal Botanical Garden Join Applied Ethnobotanist and Education Director of the Beal Botanical Gardens, Maeve Bassett, to learn about the social, historical, and political narratives within plants in the garden and artwork in the MSU Broad Art Collection.
June 21 – Growing Queer Care: Join Morgan Doherty (Ph.D. Candidate, Community Sustainability, Michigan State University) and Taylor Hartson (Ph.D. Candidate, Sociology, University of Notre Dame) to learn more about the work of queer farmers in the midwest for a Talk + Listen session.
Family-Friendly Events
June 4 – Motivated by Nature 2.25-mile Trail Run/Walk: Celebrate Global Runners Day and immerse yourself in a 2.25-mile trail loop through the 100-acre Harris Nature Center and Eastgate Park. Proceeds go to the Harris Nature Center Foundation to help fund the Nature Exploration Area expansion and for bus scholarship programs that help get students in the Greater Lansing area to attend education programs at the center.
June 7 – Old Town Chalk of the Town: Visit Old Town Lansing to watch live as chalk art is created on the sidewalks by artists, visit unique boutiques, try a new restaurant, and more.
June 16 and 23 – Sensory Friendly Hour at Bath Township Library: On the third and fourth Mondays of each month, visit the Bath Township Library for sensory-friendly hours. Staff will dim lights, provide sensory-friendly toys, fidgets, and noise-canceling headphones for those seeking a calming environment to explore books.
June 18 – Family Night Cruise-In: Bring the kids to the cruise-in at the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum! There will be a bounce house, games, and goodies for kids, plus popcorn and popsicles for all ages!
Greater Lansing Area Events
Select dates in June – Lansing Lugnuts Home Games: âGo Nutsâ and cheer on your local Lansing Lugnuts baseball team at Jackson Field this month! Check out their website for themes, promotions, tickets, and dates for June games.
June 14 – East Lansing PRIDE: Come celebrate the fourth annual East Lansing PRIDE! The event will feature an open floor drag show, live music, art activities, vendors, giveaways and more. Be sure to follow Downtown East Lansing on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on this event!
June 19 – Lansing Fiesta & Carnival: Visit Adado Riverfront Park in Downtown Lansing for a celebration of music, culture and community with a carnival, food trucks, and live entertainment!
June 5, 12, 19 and 26 – Summer Concerts on the Square: Summer is almost here, which means Summer Concerts on the Square in Charlotte! New bands will play recurring weekly on Thursdays until the end of August.
June 20, 21, 27 and 28 – Pride and Prejudice On Stage: Whether you are a lifelong fan of Jane Austen or are new to the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, donât miss experiencing one of the most beloved romantic comedies live on stage this June!
Learning Opportunities
June 4 – Crucial Influence: Leaders must be able to influence behavior to achieve team goals and organizational objectives, and the Crucial Influence Model reveals why people do what they do and how leaders at every level can influence behavior for lasting results. If you are a mid to high-level leader who is responsible for directing change and improving efforts, this is a great course for you!
June 17 – Cultural Competency II: Building Respect in the Workplace: Participants will engage in deep dialogue around power and privilege, positionality, intersectionality, and how these dynamics impact relationships in the workplace.
June 19 – Identify and Maximize Your Strengths: Tap into your unique talents and complete the CliftonStrengths Assessment. Learn more about your natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, and how they apply to your role in the workplace. Use your research to express what you do best and grow your overall confidence.
June 26 – Mandatory Reporting Obligations for RVSM: MSUâs Prevention Outreach and Education (POE) presenters will review the Universityâs Mandatory Reporting for Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX policy and employeesâ expectations under the policy. This training will also provide attendees with practices and support for those affected by RVSM.
Farmerâs Markets
Beginning June 1 – The East Lansing Farmers Market: Visit Valley Court Park from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every Sunday in June for some shopping and fresh air at the East Lansing Farmers Market (ELFM). Here you can purchase a variety of fresh goods, farm-grown here in Michigan, including vegetables, fruits, bread, cheese, honey, flowers, and so much more. No registration needed.Â
Beginning June 3 – Downtown Dewitt Farmers Market: Come to the Downtown Dewitt Farmers Market for an evening of exploring small businesses, home-grown foods, treats, and more! Every Tuesday in July, join us from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for some shopping, food trucks and fun in Downtown Dewitt on a warm summer night.
Beginning June 5 – South Lansing Farmers Market: The South Lansing Farmers Market is open Thursdays, and is located at the corner of Jolly and S. MLK in Lansing! Stop by for farm fresh fruits and veggies, fresh cut flowers, arts and crafts, natural body and household products, and a food court featuring Mexican, Chinese, Lebanese, and Southern Soul food – a little something for everyone!
This week, we are featuring a job posting as a Research Technologist II for the College of Social Science (job posting 1037763). If you are interested in assisting in a wet lab and animal experiments conducted in the Veenema laboratory, this may be the role for you.
The Veenema Lab, working in MSUâs Neuroscience Program and Department of Psychology, explores the neural basis of social behavior. The Veenema labâs research uses rats and mice as model organisms to understand the roles of neuropeptides, vasopressin and oxytocin in regulating social behavior such as social play, recognition, and investigation. The Veenema labâs goal is to identify more effective treatment of social behavior deficits.
In this position, you will primarily assist in wet lab and animal experiments conducted by other lab members. Additionally, you will analyze data including behavioral videos, digitized microscope or lightbox images, research literature to maintain knowledge of the current field, and attend scheduled lab meetings and lab journal club meetings.
This role requires a degree in neuroscience or a related field, six months to one year of related or more extensive work experience performing basic research techniques, including laboratory animal handling and husbandry, behavioral testing in rodents, and wet lab techniques. You should be well-versed in database and desktop publishing software, and have experience handling potentially dangerous research animals. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications here.
Learn more about the Veenema Lab and the College of Social Science. To learn more or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume, cover letter, at least one letter of recommendation, and should be submitted by June 3.
May is Global Employee Health and Fitness Monthâan international event created to celebrate and promote healthy living for employers and employees. There are many ways you can keep active and add movement to your workday, and MSU offers a variety of resources to add excitement to your workday. Read more about incorporating activity into your professional life and enhancing your health and agility.
General Tips
MSU University Health and Wellbeingâs Move More @ Work campaign shares resources, information, and tips for adding movement to your workday, including:
Bring/wear a comfortable pair of shoes that allow for movement during breaks throughout the day.
Schedule physical activity throughout the day like you would a meeting, and make it a part of your routine.
Stay hydrated and eat a healthy lunch to keep your body fueled.
Invest in a walking desk! Walking/treadmill desks offer many benefits, including improved physical health, increased productivity, reduced back pain, lower blood pressure, and increased energy levels.
March in place at your desk, or stand up every other time you send an email or make a phone call.
Campus Resources
Register for Desk Decompress every Thursday from May 29 to August 14. This virtual 15-minute class will stretch and strengthen your wrists, neck, spine, and shoulders, all from the comfort of your own desk!
Move in the Garden is held most Wednesdays from July 9 to September 17 at 12:15. Free outdoor wellness program held under the Ginkgo Tree in Beal Garden that combines stretching, bodyweight strengthening, flow movements, and relaxation. Rain location: MSU Main Library
University Health and Wellbeingâs SPARTANfit team is offering 50% off their Fitness Assessment and InBody Body Composition Analysis through June 27 for faculty, staff, & their partners. The Fitness Assessment is designed to assess your current fitness level through a combination of resting and exercising evaluations. This assessment gives you valuable insights and advice to create a personalized fitness and wellness plan to achieve your health objectives!
Biking: One of the easiest ways to add exercise to your daily routine is to attach it to an activity or habit you perform already, such as your commute to work. MSU Bikes provides support with commuter resources to help you bike to work with confidence, including a 1-on-1 Bike Commuter Assistance service, which helps you find the safest, lowest-stress route to and from campus to your neighborhood. MSU Bikes also rents bikes to departments for staff to use during the work day through their Department Fleet Services. Bikes are a great way to get around campus for meetings, lunches, errands, or a nice break! Save the hassle of traffic, offer a healthy alternative for your staff breaks/on-campus transportation, and avoid problems finding car parking by adding a bike to your department’s transportation fleet.
Take a walk around campus! Check out the Campus Meditation Map to learn more about over 25 different landmarks across MSUâs campus. You can also follow the MSU Self-Guided Walking Tour to explore areas of campus you have yet to see while on a break.
Learning Opportunities
Ergonomic Best Practices for Workplace Comfort and Safety: No matter your role at MSU, all employees benefit from a functional and comfortable workplace setup. This virtual session explores the basics of ergonomics, injury prevention, standing desk use, and stretches and exercises to help reduce the risk of work-related pain and discomfort.
Finding Time: Time Management Strategies for Busy Professionals: It is easy for to-do lists to seem never-ending, and even easier for tasks to pile up if you have a busy schedule. While we canât borrow or bottle time, this class will discuss strategies for time management, efficiently allocate minutes, and relieve pressure and stress throughout the process.
Sources:
âBe More Active during Your Work Day.â Www.Heart.Org, 16 Jan. 2024, www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/getting-active/how-to-be-more-active-at-work.
This week, we are featuring a job posting as the Anatomy Resources Manager for the College of Osteopathic Medicine (job posting 1041146). If you are interested in being a key resource for the Division of Human Anatomy and medical education programs across four campuses and overseeing the Willed Body Program (WBP), this may be the position for you.
The MSU College of Osteopathic Medicineâs mission is to provide world-class osteopathic, student-centered graduate and medical education and research to foster community across patient-centered medical care. MSUâs Willed Body Program (WBP) allows hundreds of medical students at MSU to continue their studies in anatomy through generous donations of oneâs body for educational assistance.
In this role, you will primarily supervise and direct the operation of the Human Gross Anatomy Lab and oversee the donations from the WBP. You will work closely with families, agencies, and medical staff to facilitate body donations, prepare cremation forms, maintain the collection and shipment of cremations, and maintain confidential records. Additionally, you will plan and oversee the annual WBP Memorial Service, schedule the Gross Anatomy Lab procedures, order supplies and equipment, and work with the administrative team, faculty director, and department administrators to develop policies and procedures to maintain lab usage. Find a complete list of job responsibilities on the MSU Careers website.
This position requires a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, or Social Science, and three to five years of work experience related to business or public contact. Experience working in a medical school and with medical records, experience with Microsoft Excel and data development and maintenance, strong communication skills, and strong interpersonal skills are desired.
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 âSpartan Spirit.â
Congratulations to this yearâs 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 âAbove and Beyondâ and Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition award recipients. Â
Watch a recording of the event below or on YouTube.
Melanie McNuttÂ
Melanie McNutt, a 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award winner, is introduced by Jeff Magnuson, Award Selection Committee Member.
Melanie McNutt speaking during the ceremony.
(left to right) Vennie Gore, Executive Vice President for Administration, Donna Donovan, Interim Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Melanie McNutt, 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Winner, Ray Gasser, Award Selection Committee Chairperson, and Jeff Magnuson, Award Selection Committee Member.
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. Melanieâs colleagues had this to say about her:Â Â
âMelanie 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.â
âHer 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.â
âShe 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.â
Watch the video below or on YouTube for a more personal look at Melanie:
Bob Rasico Jr.
Bob Rasico Jr., a 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award winner, speaking during the awards ceremony.
Sherri Reese (left), Award Selection Committee Member, introduces Bob Rasico Jr.
(left to right) Vennie Gore, Executive Vice President for Administration, Ray Gasser, Award Selection Committee Chairperson, Sherri Reese, Award Selection Committee Member, Bob Rasico Jr., 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Winner, and Donna Donovan, Interim Associate Vice President for Human Resources.
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 âthe busiest person in the building,â 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. Bobâs exceptional knowledge of the chemistry buildingâs 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:
âI 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.â
âWhile 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.â
âBob 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 weâve had in faculty recruiting in MSU Chemistry ⊠speaks to the trust that Bob engenders in faculty looking at our department from the outside.â
Watch the video below or on YouTube for a more personal look at Bob:
Sarah Reimer
Sarah Reimer (left), a 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award winner, is introduced by Sherri Reese, Award Selection Committee Member, during the ceremony.
Sarah Reimer speaking during the awards ceremony.
(left to right) Vennie Gore, Executive Vice President for Administration, Donna Donovan, Interim Associate Vice President of Human Resources, Sherri Reese, Award Selection Committee Member, Sarah Reimer, 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Winner, and Ray Gasser, Award Selection Committee Chairperson.
Sarah Reimer is the Office Manager of the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station Administrative Office and has worked at MSU for 10 Âœ 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: Â
âIn 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.â
âI think of Sarah as a bicycle wheelâs hub to which all the spokes are connected. This is vividly apparent in our unit⊠that is located ⊠so distant from MSUâs main campus. Because we are so contained in this space, we are a close community⊠[and] our community relies deeply on one person, Sarah.â
âShe has become a central figure in many areas and her knowledge and recommendations are valued. Sarahâs 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.â
Watch the video below or on YouTube for a more personal look at Sarah:
Rebecca Shannon-Kortes
Rebecca Shannon-Kortes, a 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Winner, is introduced by Dave Osland, Award Selection Committee Member.
Rebecca Shannon-Kortes speaking during the awards ceremony.
(left to right) Ray Gasser, Award Selection Committee Chairperson, Vennie Gore, Executive Vice President for Administration, Dave Osland, Award Selection Committee Member, Rebecca Shannon-Kortes, 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Winner, and Donna Donovan, Interim Associate Vice President for Human Resources.
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, âLetâs add Rebecca to this team.â Here is what her colleagues had to say:
âRebecca 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.â
âSix 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.â
âRebecca 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.â
Watch the video below or on YouTube for a more personal look at Rebecca:
Jessica Wright
Jessica Wright, a 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Winner, is introduced by John Garcia, Award Selection Committee Member.
Jessica Wright speaking during the ceremony.
(left to right) Vennie Gore, Executive Vice President for Administration, Donna Donovan, Interim Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Ray Gasser, Award Selection Committee Chairperson, John Garcia, Award Selection Committee Member, and Jessica Wright, 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Winner.
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 Childrenâs 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 âone-of-a-kind.â Here is what her colleagues had to say:Â Â
âFrom 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.â
âShe 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.â
âOver the years, the number of individuals inspired by Jessicaâs knowledge and experience would easily fill both Spartan Stadium and the Breslin Center!â
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.
Congratulations to Tammi Harmon, this yearâs recipient of the Ruth Jameyson âAbove and Beyondâ Award! This award honors a support staff employee who goes âabove and beyondâ in their job at MSU while pursuing a graduate degree concurrent with their employment.Â
Tammi is the Executive Staff Assistant for Student Services and has worked at MSU for almost 8 years. She is pursuing a masterâs in Higher Adult and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University. Â
You can watch the moment Tammi discovered she was this year’s award winner below or on YouTube.
Tammiâs leaders and colleagues have this to say about her:
âI believe Tammi epitomizes the values of the Michigan State University community and would be an excellent recipient of this honor. I highly recommend her for this award without any hesitation.â
âTammi is officially listed on paper as an âExecutive Staff Assistantâ but treats every single person as the executive staff member being supported through efforts and endeavors, whether it is the Dean of Students or a student trying to find another office on campus or locate a blue book while frantically rushing to an exam.â
âAbove and beyond only begins to describe the work Tammi did and continues to advance for this ever-evolving office. As a former elementary school teacher, Tammi has been able to adapt her skills in working with college students by employing the same focus on care for the individual, addressing their needs, treating each student with the highest respect, and helping students refine their educational goals and make plans to achieve them.â
The Awards Ceremony
(left to right) Ray Gassar, Award Selection Committee Chairman, Donna Donovan, Interim Associate Vice President of Human Resources, Tammi Harmon, 2025 Ruth Jameyson Award Winner, Vennie Gore, Executive Vice President for Administration.
Tammi Harmon (left) is welcomed on stage by Ray Gassar, Award Selection Committee Chairman.
Tammi Harmon, the 2025 Ruth Jameyson Award winner, speaking during the ceremony.
Tammi Harmon, the 2025 Ruth Jameyson Award winner, speaking during the ceremony.
Tammi Harmon, the 2025 Ruth Jameyson Award winner, photographed with family, friends, and colleagues.
Tammi Harmon, the 2025 Ruth Jameyson Award winner, photographed with family, friends, and colleagues.
Tammi Harmon, the 2025 Ruth Jameyson Award winner, photographed with family, friends, and colleagues.
Tammi Harmon, the 2025 Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award winner.
On April 14, Tammi was honored at an awards ceremony at the Kellogg Center for the Ruth Jameyson, Jack Breslin, and Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Award recipients.âŻExecutive Vice President for Administration, Vennie Gore, Interim Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Donna Donovan, and Award Selection Committee Chairman, Ray Gasser, acknowledged Tammiâs hard work and expressed their gratitude during the ceremony. A recording of the event is available below or on YouTube.
About the Ruth Jameyson âAbove and Beyondâ Award
The annual Ruth Jameyson âAbove and Beyondâ award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson, going âabove and beyondâ what is reasonably expected to support the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameysonâs 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.Â
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 bachelorâs degree in mathematics from Coe College, Iowa, Ms. Jameyson pursued a masterâs in economics at MSU while working full-time.Â
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
