President’s Award for Distinguished Service
Established in 1992, the President’s Award for Distinguished Service recognizes up to three staff members with qualities that are consistent with our university values and whose contributions to CWRU culture have a transformational effect on colleagues, students or visitors.
This award honors the late Roseanne Shaerban, whose family, friends and co-workers remember her for the care, concern, loyalty and support she demonstrated to the campus community during her years as a university employee.
The 2025 President’s Award winners are:
- Jason Buitrago, executive director, Enrollment Management and Strategic Initiatives, School of Medicine
- Jennifer DeSantis, advisor and senior associate dean, Undergraduate Advising Support Office
- LaTasha Johnson, advisor and associate dean, Undergraduate Advising Support Office
Jason Buitrago
Executive director, enrollment management and Strategic Initiatives, School of Medicine
Recognized as a team player across academic and administrative units, Jason Buitrago champions Case Western Reserve University within the campus community and far beyond. As one award nominator put it: “There is not a better ambassador for CWRU than Jason Buitrago.”
As one example of his leadership and dedication, Buitrago proactively spearheaded a working group of CWRU enrollment leaders to share best practices and find creative ways to work together. The idea came in response to the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that universities could not use race as a factor in admissions decisions.
In 2024, he invited the Society for Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science’s leadership team to campus. The national organization, which cultivates diversity in the STEM field, met with representatives from several schools across the university to elevate the comprehensive clinical programs offered at Case Western Reserve.
Buitrago’s strong work ethic not only delivers results—his positivity also inspires colleagues to do their best work. As one nominator shared: “His enthusiasm is infectious.”
Read more about other staff members being honored for their contributions to the university.