33rd Annual IU Division of Student Affairs Awards

Congratulations to this Year’s Winners!

By Abby Bainbridge

While this year’s ceremony could not be held in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are so many students, staff, faculty, and programs who elevated the Division of Student Affairs and were dedicated to improving the Indiana University experience. Read about this year’s award recipients as well as those members of the Division who are experiencing a milestone for their service at Indiana University.

Here are the recipients of the 33^rd Annual IU Division of Student Affairs Awards:

Division Graduate Student Award – Sara Perry

Student Involvement and Leadership Center, Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, and Office of Student Conduct

This award is given to a graduate student for their contribution to the Division’s mission, vision, and values while serving the Division as a student employee.

Sara Perry significantly contributed in multiple ways in three of the Division’s departments. Sara’s leadership skills were evident from the many initiatives she led, students she advised, and the hours she put into her work to advance the Division’s mission.

Sara has demonstrated strong initiative and dedication to the Division through her roles as a Graduate Advisor for the Indiana Memorial Union Board within the Student Involvement and Leadership Center, as a Graduate Intern with the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, and as a hearing officer for the Office of Student Conduct. She received this award for the empathy, compassion, innovation she demonstrated within these various roles.”

– Nominator Teresa Weimann, Student Involvement and Leadership Center

Division Undergraduate Student Award – Kelley Wellman

Student Advocates Office

This award is given to an undergraduate student for contributing to the Division’s mission, vision, and values while serving the Division as a student employee.

During her time at the Student Advocates Office, Kelley demonstrated dedication to her role as the Bachelor of Social Work Advocate Intern. She did exceptional work and demonstrated adaptability and passion after the COVID-19 pandemic moved the remainder of the spring 2020 semester online.

Kelley’s dedication to SAO and its mission has been exemplary. She values hard work and passionately provides personal leadership.”

– Nominator Darrell Stone, Student Advocates Office

McKaig Student Award – Kurtis Smallwood

Office of Student Conduct

This award is given annually to an undergraduate or graduate student for contributing to the Division’s mission, vision, and values. This award is specifically for a student NOT employed within the Division.

Kurtis has worked diligently during his three years with the University Conduct Board. As a third-year appointee to the conduct board, he has worked hard to better himself and the campus community through his exemplary leadership.

It is clear to all those present in hearings that Kurtis values the success of the students alleged, our community, and upholding student rights and fair process. Kurtis has consistently surpassed my expectations.”

– Nominator Jackie Stelmasczcyk, Office of Student Conduct

Goldsmith Division Support Staff Award – Renee Hill

Health Center

This recognition award is given annually to that member of the Division’s support staff who has done the most to foster the mission of the Division of Student Affairs during the preceding year.

Renee Hill has demonstrated resourcefulness and patience within her role in the Financial Operations Department at the IU Health Center. She is a team player who handles new and difficult situations with grace.

(Renee) is a fantastic asset to the IU Health Center because she works diligently to help others, represent her department in the best light possible.”

– Nominator Heather Eastman-Mueller, Health Center

Division Service Maintenance Staff Award – Maria Arias Martinez

Biddle Hotel, Indiana Memorial Union

This recognition award is given annually to that member of the Division’s maintenance staff who has done the most to foster the mission of the Division of Student Affairs during the preceding year.

Maria has been a vital employee in the Biddle Hotel’s Housekeeping Department for 10 years. First as a guest room attendant and now as the lead laundry attendant, Maria has always come to work with a positive attitude and has been instrumental in maintaining the high-quality work expected of her department.

(Maria) keeps the laundry team on task and makes sure that all laundry, both RPS and hotel, is completed in a timely manner. Maria does all of this hard work with an extremely positive attitude.”

– Nominator Meagan Need, Indiana Memorial Union

Campus Program Award – Lotus in the Meadow

Indiana Memorial Union

This recognition award is given annually to a campus program that has done the most to foster the mission of the Division of Student Affairs during the preceding year.

Lotus in the Meadow was a first-time event this past fall led by Kaila Messerli, Program Coordinator in the Student Involvement and Leadership Center. This event was a collaboration between the Indiana Memorial Union Staff, the Indiana Memorial Union Board, Lotus Festival staff, and Student Affairs Marketing. This event brought the diverse culture and music of the Lotus Festival directly to students on Dunn Meadow.

The success of Lotus in the Meadow and rekindling of the Lotus partnership was due to the efforts of Kaila Messerli. She spent many hours working with students, Lotus staff, and colleagues to kick off the Lotus Music and Arts Festival here at the Indiana Memorial Union. Kaila provided students an accessible experience to explore world culture on campus and expose students to this annual Bloomington tradition.”

– Nominator Teresa Weimann, Student Involvement and Leadership Center

Gordon Faculty Award – Tim Lemper

This recognition award is given annually to one faculty member on the IU-Bloomington campus for contributing to the Division’s mission, vision, and values through interacting with and attending to students in both the curricular and co-curricular areas.

Tim Lemper, an IU alumnus and professor at Kelley School of Business, has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to student engagement and learning. In addition to being a leader in the classroom, he has also served students through faculty positions with IU Golf Club, the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honors Society, the Supreme Court of Indiana University Student Government, Out @ Kelley, and Indiana Memorial Union Board. Tim asks difficult questions while also being a caring advisor for many IU students.

Tim Lemper has redefined what it means to invest in students as a faculty member, often going beyond the role description to cultivate engaging, inclusive communities where students can develop and thrive. Tim Lemper values the contribution of his students and strives to ensure the students receive the support they need and recognition they deserve.”

– Nominator LaSabra Williams, Student Involvement and Leadership Center

Non-Division Staff Award – Jackie Kennedy-Fletcher

This recognition award is given annually to one University staff member outside the Division of Student Affairs in recognition of his/her efforts in promoting the mission of the Division. This category includes all University staff members and University faculty members presently serving in an administrative capacity.

Jackie has undoubtedly upheld the mission of the Student Advocates Office and the wider Division of Student Affairs through her role as Director of the Office Of Student Financial Assistance. She has been especially vital to handling the COVID-19 Emergency Funding response and brings the utmost compassion to every case.

Jackie’s compassion and commitment to student affairs is nothing less than outstanding. And then COVID-19 happened: Jackie Kennedy-Fletcher’s leadership was integral to the success of the Student Advocates Office and Division of Student Affairs COVID-19 Emergency Funding response!”

– Nominator Darrell Stone, Student Advocates Office

Non-Division Staff Award – Brittany Hubbard

Brittany Hubbard has been an invaluable partner for the Student Involvement and Leadership Center through her position in the University Bursar Office. She is an effective communicator and team player who has been vital to maintaining continuity through the closure of the Student Organization Accounts Office.

One key to Brittany’s success is her strength in effective communication. Whether it was during Information Sessions for student organization leaders, planning meetings with colleagues, or discussions with challenging faculty advisors, Brittany had a knack for clearly relaying information as well as the history and underlying rationale for policy decisions.”

– Nominator Jim Johnson, Student Involvement and Leadership Center

Shaffer Professional Staff Award – Brandon Shurr

Crimson Cupboard, Student Involvement and Leadership Center

This recognition award is given annually to that member of the Division’s full-time professional staff who has done the most to foster the mission of the Division of Student Affairs during the preceding year. All appointed ten-month or twelve-month employees of professional rank are eligible with the exception of Division directors, who are excluded from consideration.

Brandon epitomizes what it means to be an outstanding employee in the Division of Student Affairs through his work at Crimson Cupboard Food Pantry. He has been the driving force behind its growth over the last year and has been dedicated to keeping it open for student use in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brandon was asked to oversee the operations of the Crimson Cupboard food pantry for the campus. We are fortunate to have such an experienced and dedicated person leading this initiative, especially at such a critical time.”

– Nominator Jim Johnson, Student Involvement and Leadership Center

IU Service Milestones: Division of Student Affairs Staff

Numerous colleagues within the Division are celebrating significant service year anniversaries in 2020. Please congratulate these Student Affairs colleagues! We thank each one of them for their years of dedication and service at Indiana University.

40 Years

Leanna Smith, Health Center

35 Years

Monica Flake, Health Center
Mary Nierzwicki, Health Center
Regina Schrougham, Health Center

30 Years

Carol Bonney, Health Center
Donna Dayton, Health Center
Saundra Johnson, Indiana Memorial Union
Hollie Lutz, Indiana Memorial Union
Christine Wilson, Student Legal Services

25 Years

Tina Eck, Health Center
Katie Paulin, Dean of Students Office
Cindy Whitaker, Health Center

20 Years

Jeanalei Matos, Indiana Memorial Union

15 Years

Steven Jacobs, Health Center
Deborah Luers, Health Center
Rachel McCann, Health Center
John Summerlot, Center for Veteran and Military Students

10 Years

Marc Abplanalp, Student Legal Services
Tina Brown, Health Center
Lana Burks, Indiana Memorial Union
Debbie Dalton, Indiana Memorial Union
Denise Hayes, Health Center
Sarah Marvell, Dean of Students Office
Paul McReynolds, Indiana Memorial Union
Andrea Oljace, Disability Services for Students
Joseph Sheese, Health Center
Allison Sparks, Indiana Memorial Union
John Zink, Indiana Memorial Union

5 Years

Debbie Anderson, Disability Services for Students
Drew Bogenschutz, Disability Services for Students
Felicia Cianchetti, Health Center
Joni Fry, Dean of Students Office
Renee Hill, Health Center
James Isom, Health Center
Amy Krouse, Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life
Steven Lalevich, Health Center
Erin Leeseberg, Health Center
Maryjane McNabb, Health Center
Meg Nickless, Health Center
Mary Sexton, Health Center
Catherine Shepherd, Health Center
Charles Stone, Disability Services for Students
Mary Waggoner, Indiana Memorial Union