SPARTA Award

Alexander Brandt

Alex consistently puts in more work and dedication to the upkeep of the University than
anyone I have ever seen. If there is something you need help with regardless of his
understanding of the issue he is happy to be of assistance. Alex has always been there
to help us new guys and veterans all the same. He makes constant sacrifices to help
keep our beautiful university running and deserves an even higher honor than the
PARTicipation award.

Amy Hammett

Amy checks out on all the above listed behaviors and attitudes. In the past ~2 yrs of my
service in the department, I have witnessed Amy going above and beyond in answering
or providing information at all levels for us to work efficiently. Even though she is
extremely busy managing higher stuff considering her role as University Registrar, she
makes a deliberate effort in checking-in on her staff on a regular basis about the well-
being and health, and support with job responsibilities.

Brooke Davis (nee Brook Berger)

Brooke Davis has done a Herculean job of supporting the students in two large
departments (Computer and Data Sciences and Electrical, Computer and Systems
Engineering), and she is unfailingly cheerful and compassionate to the students. Her
positive attitude constantly reassures student workers.

Debra Tomsick

Debra is a great person to work with. She is a pleasure to deal with both in the Manager
of Dispensary and in the contact person for ordering supplies. She is willing to help and
accommodate anyone and anytime. She keeps the dispensary, and the ordering well
maintained and handled.

Dr. Naomi Drakeford

I am honored to nominate Dr. Naomi Drakeford for the SPARTA Award for her
leadership, dedication to DEI, and positive impact on campus. She tirelessly advocates
for equity, educates UHCS and Student Affairs, and has transformed our counseling
training program. Despite increased responsibilities, she remains a source of
encouragement, kindness, and collaboration. Her commitment and positivity uplift
colleagues and students, making her truly deserving of this recognition.

Erin Corwin

Erin is such a tremendously talented asset to CCEL as well as an enthusiastically
engaged member of the CWRU community. Within CCEL, she is always innovating
what we do and encouraging and supporting her coworkers and our students. She
serves on the Spirit Committee, the Student Affairs Assessment Committee and a
number of hiring committees, and gives her all to each of them, contributing broadly to
the success of the Division and University as a whole. She's positive, professional, and kind.

Jaleela (Ms. GG)

I met Ms. GG my freshman year at the HEC, and from the start, she made me feel
welcome when I didn’t always feel that way at CWRU. She took me in like family,
always checking in on my day, my classes, and offering words of encouragement that
kept me going. Her kindness and support made a lasting impact on my experience, and
I truly appreciate the warmth and positivity she brings to everyone around her. Thank
you, Ms. GG, for being such a bright light!

Janon Castile

I want to nominate Janon because she is truly a bright spot in the President & Provost
Office. Janon brings so much positivity to the office that it’s impossible not to smile. She
makes our workplace something to look forward to every single day, always spreading
good energy and helping out whenever needed. She brings great ideas to the table and
always a team player. Janon is an essential part of making everything run smoothly
around here!

Jason Buitrago

Jason is the consummate colleague: He is professional, resourceful and collaborative
but also incredibly smart, creative and just genuinely fun to work with. He brings ideas
and best practices to teams, then empowers them to transform these ideas into their
own. He consistently seeks the best solutions to advance Case Western Reserve and
its entire community. Our team often seeks Jason as a partner or "brain trust" on
nascent projects because of his expertise and smart, thoughtful approach.

Jen Reynolds

Whether leading the launch of the engineering school's redesign or the brand-new
bicentennial website (both in the past month), Jen Reynolds is not just an expert in web
design and development but also in leadership and partnership. She works within and
outside University Marketing and Communications to help improve the university's web presence—and she does it with both exceptional emotional intelligence AND technical
expertise. Jen is a true leader who is helping shape how people see CWRU.

Jenn Brown

Jenn Brown has made sure that the Graduate Student Council (GSC) operates
smoothly since its inception. She approaches her role with poise and humor. There
have been many times when the Executive Board of GSC did not know what to do in a
given situation and she provided thoughtful advice for future action and funny jokes to
lighten the mood (often the issues were somewhat serious and stressful). She
consistently fights for students, especially graduate students, and runs the enjoyable
GSAW.

Joe Jordan

Since arriving at CWRU June 2023, Joe has been an active participant in campus
engagement. He serves on the DOSA Professional Development committee
spearheading the book club and serving on the retreat and holiday planning committee.
An ultimate team player, Joe works relentlessly to build and maintain positive
relationships with others across campus. An advocate for school spirit, Joe serves on
the university spirit committee that most recently organized the Bicentennial pep rally.

Katie Laux

If you're reading this message, you're probably reading it via the platform Katie creates
every single day to help educate and inform our community. Katie IS "the daily"—not
only as the editor but as the heart and soul of the publication for the better part of the
last decade. Katie is incredibly dedicated to her work and to helping unite the Case
Western Reserve community. On top of that, she's a master's student in public
health—the epitome of taking advantage of all CWRU has to offer!

Keesha Sellars

Keesha is the department’s administrator and received the College of Arts and Science
outstanding staff award at the end of 2024. As her supervisor, I would like to nominate
her for the staff PARTicipation achievement award in recognition of her exceptional
dedication, positive sunshine attitude, hard work, and kindness in her role as
department administrator. Keesha's job is very demanding while managing a huge
department and she handles it perfectly.

Kim Hoch

Kim is an outstanding person! Always eager to help with anything Faculty,Staff,
Residents or DMD need. She goes out of her way to always be available, organize and run her unit. She is always one step ahead and ready!! Fantastic with the Patients, truly
a professional!!! She is very deserving of all her hard work and dedication!!!

Lance Parkin

Lance Parkin, the SAGES administrative assistant, is in his final semesters at the
university. He's been working here for the last 11 years and has not only bent over
backwards to make sure that he supported his fellow staff members, but also made it
his mission to shield faculty (of which there were MANY) from any of the difficulties and
irritations that make a job more difficult. If there was a pizza order, he was there to
make sure it was delivered to the class and was the one chasing down the delivery guy
on campus when he couldn't find the location. If someone needed a reimbursement
sorted, Lance was always the one who would advocate to make sure that the faculty
member got the materials or support services that they needed for their course or
research. When Covid hit, and we lost three of the four staff/support folks in the
program, Lance took on the WHOLE load. He became, overnight, the finance guy, the
person who helps arrange trips, the person who processes faculty course evaluations
(SAGES had separate evals from the rest of the university that were done on paper in
class), and responsible for so many other major elements that are essential to the
running of such a large and sprawling program. He was always in his office to help fix
the photocopier or run to the classroom spaces in Crawford to fix the technology in
those rooms ahead of IT. In short, he did it all and never complained. He has served as
an anchor for the contingent faculty who move in-and-out of Crawford, always taking the
time to get to know them by name and form positive and supportive relationships with
them. On more than one occasion, a lecturer, both part-time and full-time, has found out
about a personal tragedy while in the SAGES area in Crawford, and Lance has dropped
everything to comfort them and help get them the resources they would need to get
home and begin the process of mourning.

Lance has further been an anchor for the undergraduate students. He's supported a
number of our first-generation folks who were interested in writing and poetry (Lance is
actually a well published author with decades of publication experience). He would meet
those students for coffee on his lunch break. He built relationships of trust and was able
to "watch out" for some of our young people who needed a safe space but didn't want to
necessarily speak with a faculty member.

Honestly, Lance is a very special colleague and you would hear the same story for
anyone who has worked with him. He's a strong advocate for the faculty whom he
supports, a caring and generous mentor to undergraduate students fortunate enough to
meet him, and a steady colleague to the other staff members that he works with
throughout the institution. He's learned the inner workings of the university, and has
taken the time to work with the different shareholders on campus to ensure that he can
do his job to the best of his ability.

Especially as we may be in the last months of his service to the university (the SAGES
program is now finished and so his job will not exist after June), I wish to STRONGLY
recommend Lance for this award. He epitomizes what it means to be a team player and
to place the needs of others before his own needs or desires.

Mary Halm

I am honored to nominate Mary Halm for the SPARTA Award for her dedication to
student well-being. As Health and Well-being Outreach Manager, she has created
impactful wellness programs that enhance student health. She leads and supports Peer
Health Educators with enthusiasm and is always willing to help colleagues and students
alike. Her kindness, leadership, and commitment to a healthier campus make her truly
deserving of this recognition.

Robert Anderson

Robert helps me get ready for the day by bringing sterilized equipment and instruments,
always willing to help whenever he can.

Roselle Ponsaran

Roselle always ensures that other people are celebrated for their accomplishments
throughout the department, on social media, and across campus. She deserves to be
recognized for her own accomplishments. She is a helping hand for others in the
department, asking how she can provide support in order to accomplish a goal! She
takes the time to listen to others and encourage them when they need it most!

Sonya Shelton

I am nominating Sonya as she spreads good vibes and Kindness to patients and her
colleagues. Always upbeat and ready and eager to help others. She has made an
impact in her Graduate Periodontal department and she has been through many
transitions from working at old dental school and transitioning to the new dental clinic.
Also by willing to help DMD students whenever needed. Also has a strong and good
work ethic as she has many years in the dental field. Sonya is an all round great person.

Stacy Mitchell

She is always there to protect her team and help them grow.

Summer Canter

Without Summer, the Alumni Association (TAA) would never be able to do what we do.
TAA holds events all over the world. Summer is the conduit for all of our contracts,
purchase orders, and she supports every event we do! Summer is kind, creative,
organized, and thoughtful. She helps brainstorm, problem-solve, and understand the university policies. She consistently goes above and beyond for our teams. Together,
we celebrate successes, adapt as needed, and make each alumni event special.

Leah Addison

Leah is the official "Third Floor Positivity Director and Keeper of the Vibe". She does a great job of keeping up team morale. She works hard on all of work and even in stressful situations manages to make you laugh.

Isaac Anayas

Isaac is consistently kind and approachable. He listens and is a pleasure to partner with through our various collaborations.

Sam Baker

I strongly suspect the reason Sam has been so successful in her role since arriving at CWRU is because of how she treats everyone she interacts with. She is visionary and is keen on building strong relationships with students, staff, and faculty alike. I can't wait to see Sam's continued leadership impact our every day!

Malana Bey

Malana keeps the PREP and other departments within the Graduate education office running. Her service and dedication here at CWRU has kept the PREP and HLB program running for years. Her relationship based approach with students has nurtured many relationships within and outside of the school of medicine. There is no question on her passion for education and CWRU.

Christie Borkan

I'm nominating Christie Borkan for a SPARTA award because she is the ideal colleague. Christie has made a lasting impact to her department through her dependability and pleasantness. She's friendly and cares that she can support her coworkers with their Office of Student Services needs, and she is a person who cares how you're doing outside of work as well. I have been so grateful to work with Christie for those reasons since I got to FPB 5 years ago; she's kept my job running smoothly!

Ned Breznai

Ned is one of the best individuals that I have ever met excelling at creative brainstorming. He is always a professional and is the reason I have been able to visualize our marketing materials for our programs. I am truly grateful for the work Ned does and how he approaches it.

Ned Breznai

This is the second year I have been the chair of the University Spirit Committee. From last year to this year there has been an energy shift on the committee and Ned is a big reason why. His excitement for providing opportunities for CWRU staff to show off their spirit is infectious. As a liaison between the Spirit Committee and University Marketing & Communications, Ned has helped amplify BlueCWRU Fridays and spearheaded the recent BlueCWRU t-shirt sales for faculty and staff.

Jason Buitrago

Jason is an exceptional leader who leads by example, constantly teaching and inspiring me to grow as both a professional and a person. His guidance has been invaluable, fostering a strong work ethic in our team while also championing a healthy work-life balance.

Jason’s leadership style is both supportive and motivating, creating an environment where we feel empowered to excel and prioritize our well-being.

Shannon Butcheck

In addition to her current responsibilities, Shannon has taken on the responsibility of leading the Cleveland Health Sciences Library through the upcoming change to the campus library catalog and infrastructure (LSP). This work is a multi-year project and an enormous team effort by all of the campus libraries. Shannon applies her skills, time, expertise, and is a solid leader. She makes and has made meaningful impact to make this implementation happen. #ROCKSTAR

Tyler Cajka

Through every project and initiative, Tyler is always positive and exudes exemplary levels of customer service. A true team player!

Garrett Cole

Garrett is an amazing!! When the Financial Aid and Enrollment Operations teams moved from Yost to NRB/Sears, Garrett was there to assist in any and all issues with setting up our laptops. Since then, anytime we have a computer issue, as soon as he walks through the door, we all completely relax because Garrett is here. He is appreciated tremendously and we don't know what we would have done without him.

Jeremy Cole

Jeremy is the glue that holds our office - and the state of computing for University General - together. He is a natural leader and it is clear he cares deeply about the people he interacts with, with his ultimate goal being to create a positive environment.

Bill Coller

To say that Bill is the glue that keeps the ship afloat is an understatement. Bill's genuine and kind approach makes him a wonderful colleague. He is creative in finding solutions, and is always thinking about making a positive impact on both his fellow colleagues and students. We are fortunate to call Bill a member of our CWRU family.

J.P. Cooney

To say that every time I leave a conversation with J.P. with genuine positive feelings is an
understatement. J.P. is one of the most self-aware and kind colleagues in my career. He keeps customer service at the forefront of his every day, and values the importance of a strong team. CWRU is lucky to have J.P. as a staff member!

Linda Day

Linda is a bridge between the old and the new. She has a depth of knowledge reaching back decades at CWRU and is always looking for ways to move forward, refine processes, and embrace new ideas while being patient and approachable by students and staff. She is the glue that holds our department together.

Christian Essman

Christian is a visionary and is always keen on lifting those around him! I am always inspired when working with Christian!

Diane Feckanin

Diane is someone I can reach out to for pretty much any question. No matter if it is time
approval, P-Card/D-Card usage or audits, T&E reimbursements or simply to get a room number in Wolstein Hall, she either has the answer or knows who does. I appreciate her tremendously and know she has my back!

Morgan Gougler

Morgan is ultimate team player and works diligently to not only complete her task efficiently but also looks for ways to improve process and procedures. She seeks out professional development opportunities within the department and division. Most recent examples is overseeing our community service project, 2nd & 7 reading program. In addition, she was accepted into the CWRU women's leadership program. Both are examples of her commitment of continued growth.

Dedra Hanna Adams

I'm nominating Dedra Hanna Adams for a SPARTA award because she is an asset to our
school. I've never had Dedra unable or unwilling to help me with a task, and she is committed to helping our students at every turn. Dedra is in the Office of Student Services and she helps to create a welcoming space where you can trust in the work she does and in her genuine care for people, with focus on various DEI committees. Dedra is an enthusiastic coworker that I'm so glad to have gotten to work with.

Peggy Harris

I am currently pursuing a PhD in the School of Nursing and have yet to encounter an individual as dedicated and compassionate as Peggy Harris. Since her integration into our team, she has consistently enhanced our work environment. Peggy has assisted me in resolving various challenges associated with our study, notably in the areas of optimizing our shipping processes for dispatching devices to participants, refining our collection and tracking methods for biological specimens.

Peggy Harris

When the team interviewed her, she told us that the students on her previous team would call her "lab mom" and as the undergrad RA working with her in the past three months, she lives up to this title. She's accountable, meticulous and witty. I'm glad that we have her on our team.

Peggy Harris

I am honored to nominate Peggy Harris for this recognition. She represents the qualities of an outstanding team member, significantly impacting our department with her positivity and collaboration. From her start, Peggy has proactively fostered teamwork, encouraging open dialogue in meetings and offering help to colleagues facing challenges. Her positive demeanor creates trust, making everyone feel safe to share ideas. Peggy is reliable, consistently meeting deadlines and demonstrating integrity.

Peggy Harris

Peggy Harris continuously brings a positive attitude and warming presence to the FPB
environment. Her random acts of kindness are the small acts that matter in times of difficulty or stress. She has always been a student, faculty, and peer advocate. She will not give up on you. Peggy's contributions have strengthened collaboration efforts, study productivity, and overall team morale.

Emily Hastings

Emily is such a positive force on our team - always willing to lend a helping hand or offer an ear to listen! I have only been at CWRU for a year and Emily patiently and kindly answered even the silliest of questions that I had when I first started. Every team needs an Emily!!

Pierra Heard

Pierra is consistently the first to step up and help out colleagues across the School of Medicine!

Pierra Heard

Pierra always goes above and beyond the students she works with. She is also a very
supportive team mate and always there to help!

Logan Jacklin

Logan has had an exemplary year! Her performance is consistently exceeding expectations and her outcomes are excellent. She approaches colleagues with a people-first mentality and it pays off immense dividends.

Leah Jeunnette

If I had the ability to clone Leah, I would! She is consistently open to trying new initiatives and keeps her staff and students as a guiding principle in her every day work. Leah is a true CWRU rockstar!

Mary Kimble

Mary is so kind to everyone no matter their role at CWRU. She is constantly calling for
collaboration amongst all of the schools to bring support into all recruitment initiatives. Mary shows up ready to accommodate, excited and ready to work.

Catherine King

Catherine does great work at the library and is open to pitching in on special projects. Catherine is SPARTASTIC!

Kathy Lee

In less than one year, Kathy Lee has demonstrated a strong willingness to establish positive working relationships and to meet every student, staff, and faculty with high levels of understanding and respect. A true partner at CWRU!

Kyra Lobdell

Consistently sees the positive in people and values the importance of relationships! CWRU is lucky to have Kyra as a dedicated staff member!

Owen Lockhart

For the last several years, Owen Lockhart has been the bedrock of the Biology Department. From maintaining the Biology lab spaces during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the DeGrace Hall flood over winter break in 2022, to the construction and moving into the new Biology Teaching Labs in the Dental Research Building, Owen has performed with determination and aplomb. He has met all of these challenges with uncommon good cheer.

Shaelin Maresco

Shae is curious and creative and is always thinking about the team dynamic. She remembers details that makes her fellow colleagues feel heard.

Alyssa Marynowski

Alyssa is the best enrollment marketing partner I could ever ask for! She is creative and values the importance of marketing our entire School of Medicine as a mechanism to lift all the various academic programs. She is kind, understanding, and effective. I always leave a meeting with Alyssa in a positive mood!

Rachael Mason

Professional at all times. She is accommodating and brings a positive work environment

Emily Mayock

Since my arrival to CWRU, Emily's leadership has been pivotal in maximizing the work our marketing and communications team executes every day. She has her eyes set on the big picture while treating every person she encounters with respect and understanding. I am grateful for your leadership, Emily.

Emily Mayock

Emily is simply outstanding. I'm not sure if she's ever been recognized before, but she is an incredible leader. She's empathetic and kind, leads with an understanding approach, is keen on details and making sure things are done right the first time. But she's also funny and brings a sense of joy to her team. During the VP transition in UMC, Emily also stepped up and took lead on many aspects of the department, showing outstanding qualities of leadership.

Jeremy Naab

I’m honored to nominate Jeremy Naab, whose deep knowledge and constant willingness to help have been invaluable to the University. Jeremy consistently supports colleagues, answering with patience and a positive attitude, no matter the complexity. His commitment to sharing expertise and fostering skills across the university makes him an exceptional coworker. I couldn’t have asked for a better teammate during my time in the Registrar’s Office. He is a much valued colleague.

Wesley Schaub

Wes spreads good vibes through out UAS with his weekly baked goods and great sense of humor. When he doesn't have student appointments, his office door is always open and he is generous with his time to answer colleagues' questions whether they are related to work or gardening. From my point of view, Wes has a wealth of knowledge that our office is fortunate to have to better our support our students.

Carey Skinner Moss

Carey (they/she) is the biggest cheerleader for every single person they work with. If you looked up a definition of "commitment" or "hard work" in the theoretical CWRU dictionary, you'd find a picture of Carey. They go above and beyond to champion their coworkers; they produce phenomenal work and streamlined processes; they are a bubbly ray of sunshine in every room they enter. Anyone at CWRU would be lucky to know and work with Carey.

Rachel Stegemann

Rachel has been an outstanding supervisor and team member this year. She is always willing to help whenever needed and always answers questions anyone may have. She is quick to volunteer for events outside of our office when needed, such as Late Night Breakfast at the end of each semester. Rachel's passion for supporting students is evident in everything she does.

Theresa Szczepanik

Theresa is a true example of a colleague partner that makes our university stronger every day. Her attention to detail is phenomenal and her approach to working with colleagues is
consistently strong. She aims to build bridges every where she goes. Thank you for everything you do Theresa!

Pamela Wearsch

I am honored to nominate Pam for this award. Her dedication to the Pathology Department is unmatched, as she consistently goes above and beyond to support our team and drive the department's growth. Pam is also a dedicated mother, balancing her responsibilities with grace and resilience. Pam's work ethic and passion have genuinely inspired me, pushing me to strive for greater excellence both in and outside of the office.

Heather Willis

Heather consistently goes above and beyond for our office and students. As the lead for the Spirit Committee, Heather embodies school spirit and tries to ensure that everyone she comes in contact with does as well. Her positive attitude and innovative ways of thinking have brought a great perspective to the Office of Student Activities' Leadership, making her an invaluable asset. She works tirelessly to ensure that the Class Officer Collective is working towards becoming the best it can be.

Heather Willis

I am thrilled to nominate Heather Willis for the SPARTA award. Through her outstanding work with the Spirit Committee, Heather has been instrumental in fostering enthusiasm and school pride across campus. She creates an inclusive, welcoming environment, thoughtfully considering diverse identities in every event. Her positive attitude, support for others, and dedication to the Spartan community make her a model of school spirit. Her efforts have truly enriched our campus culture.