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Staff Awards and Honors

Neal R. Gamsky Quality of Student Life Award

The Neal R. Gamsky Endowment Fund was established in 1986. Dr. Gamsky, Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs at Illinois State University from 1973 to 1991 had a longtime interest in students and a determined goal to motivate students to achieve their highest possible level of personal, social, and academic excellence. His devotion to enhancing the quality of life for students motivated others to be equally concerned. In order to encourage professional staff to make significant personal contributions to the students at Illinois State University, Dr. Gamsky was prompted to establish this endowment. The endowment creates an opportunity to grant an award to a staff member in the Division of Student Affairs who has made outstanding contributions to the quality of life for students, and who promotes excellence in individual effort and concern for the quality of the campus environment through service and support.

The recipient of this award receives a recognition plaque, monetary award, and his or her name permanently displayed on a plaque in the Student Service Building.

2007-2008 Neal R. Gamsky Quality of Student Life Award Recipient: Arlene Hosea, Director of Campus Dining Services

Previous Neal R. Gamsky Quality of Student Life Award Recipients

 

STAR Awards

The STAR Awards recognize “ Staff That Are Remarkable” within the Division of Student Affairs. Each year in April, the Division gathers to recognize staff members that have made significant contributions to their departments, the Division, and the University during the year. Nominations are sought early in the semester and the selection committee carefully evaluates the nominations in determining award recipients. There are two ways to win a STAR award! Nominations are accepted for each of the categories.  An individual may also self-submit a proposal for the following categories: Promotion of Diversity, Innovation by a Team, and Outstanding New Program.

2008 STAR Award Recipients:

  • Outstanding Graduate Assistant: Sarah Melton
  • Promotion of Diversity: NWC Program, initiated by Donald Reed, Heather Whitmill, Michelle Janisz, Angela Davenport, and The Panhellenic Association.
  • Outstanding New Staff Member: Kelly-Ann Vassell
  • Outstanding New Program: QPR - ISU Suicide Prevention Program, initiated by Sandy Colbs, Andy Novinska, and Nicole Cox.
  • Innovation by a Team: Fear the Bird/Bird Shirt Project, initiated by Katy Killian, Mike Breitner, Chuck DiVerde, Dianne Feasley, Alaina Filkin, Susan Whitsitt, Mike Mahle, and Anne Harner.
  • Outstanding Civil Service Staff Member: Ruth Hortin
  • Outstanding A/P Staff Member: Jim Almeda

Previous STAR Award Recipients

 

Neal R. Gamsky & Douglas H. Lamb Outstanding Research and/or Programming Initiative Award

This award is presented annually to a professional staff member in Student Counseling Services who has made outstanding contributions to the life of students and the promotion of excellence in counseling activities through research and/or evaluative programming activities.

2007 Neal R. Gamsky & Douglas H. Lamb Outstanding Research and/or Programming Initiative Award: Nicole Cox

Previous Neal R. Gamsky & Douglas H. Lamb Outstanding Research and/or Programming Initiative Award Recipients

 

Dean of Students Office Awards

At the end of each academic year, the Dean of Students Office hosts a series of awards ceremonies to recognize outstanding contributions in student involvement by students, registered student organizations, and Illinois State faculty/staff. Several Dean of Students Office programs and a graduate assistant received specific recognition at the following award ceremonies: