September
Winner: Carlos Aleman
Nominated by: Anonymous
“Carlos is always so helpful. He has saved the day three times this week by getting our IT up and running so that class can go on. He is always so kind, knowledgeable, and helpful, and he stays until the system is working. Last night, we were having trouble getting one of the older projectors to work, and he came over and helped so the class could go on as planned at 5:30.”
October
Winner: Melissa Laussmann
Nominated by: Kathy Everett
"Melissa has been a strong employee at our college. She is so helpful to the students. She works and works and works. Very good at her job and always has a smile on her face."
November
Winner: Sarah Griego
Nominated by: Anonymous
"Sarah is so helpful and friendly, giving tours of the museum sometimes several times a week. I have seen her give impromptu tours with expertise at a moment's notice. Her work on the Print Rally, On the Wall workshops, and educational programs establishes important connections between the WFMA, MSU, and the community, playing a crucial role in the growth and collaboration."
December
January
Winner: Steve Draper
Nominated by: Anonymous (X2)
"Steve recently helped me with a computer issue. He is kind and never makes you feel stupid for not knowing something about your computer. He works with students and allows them to learn from him. He is always running around and fixing things. I don’t think he sits down. I'm glad we have him at MSU."
"Steve is such an essential part of MSU. He is willing to help you troubleshoot computer issues, and if you have trouble understanding, he will come to your office to help. He has student workers to whom he takes time to explain things and does not talk down. He has an endless and thankless job and does it daily with the highest of standards."
Winner: Darin Young
Nominated by: Dr. Leann Curry
"[Eboneigh and] Darin have transformed access and transparency of data across the university. Data is easily accessible which makes data-driven decision making possible. The work they have done on the dashboards is amazing!"
February
Winner: Darrious Gilliam
Nominated by: Anonymous
"Darrious goes above and beyond to assist others. He is very helpful and tries every means he has to find the answer. It doesn't matter who or what department is calling him, his goal is to make sure they are taken care of. I have nothing but good things about Darrious."
March
Winner: Jason Cooper
Nominated by: Anonymous
"Jason is essential in transforming our landscaping and flower beds into a vision of excellence. His expertise harmonizes with our commitment to a sustainable and eco-friendly landscape, inspiring a warm and inviting atmosphere around our building.”
April
Winner: Detective Preston Johnson
Nominated by: Anonymous
"“Since starting at the MSU PD, he has positively impacted the campus. He has worked with students and staff to ensure campus safety. He is able to connect with students and explain criminal matters in a way they can understand. He is trauma-informed in the way he talks to students and does not victim-blame or question the decisions they made. We are lucky to have him.”
May
Winner: Dr. Eboneigh Harris
Nominated by: Dr. Leann Curry
"Eboneigh and Darren have transformed access and transparency of data across the university. Data is easily accessible which makes data-driven decision making possible. The work they have done on the dashboards is amazing! Eboneigh and Darren have transformed access and transparency of data across the university. Data is easily accessible which makes data-driven decision making possible. The work they have done on the dashboards is amazing!"
June
Winner: Ruben Chavez
Nominated by: Darin Young
"This is what I will share Ruben is simply a great guy to work with. Recently, we were cleaning out an old office to prep for a summer intern and Ruben took the initiative to help take our trash down to the dumpster. We didn't even have to ask (and didn't plan to) but Ruben saw a need and handled it. On top of that, Ruben seems to genuinely care about his coworkers and their personal lives. Ruben is a wonderful addition to Hardin and MSU in general!”
July
Winner: Sarah Fidlar
Nominated by: Anonymous
"The Lifelong Learning Center moved to the Museum a few months ago and I have watched Sarah's interaction with the members and also visitors and speakers. She has such a positive attitude and draws people to this program with such excitement and is so welcoming! Even when they show up hours prior to an event she entertains and visits with them to make them feel welcome. The Lifelong Learning Center has been a welcome program to the Museum's space. Bringing so many to our facility to visit the exhibitions and programs as well. Sarah needs recognition!"
August
Winner: Melissa Nikolatsopoulos
Nominated by: Anonymous
"Mel joined advising in February 2025. She has been a huge asset for the students. She is an active member of Junior League and has been able to leverage her love of working with students and NATO families to help those out at Sheppard AF and Midwestern State. She has been able to provide a fresh perspective to help MSU continue to strengthen those strong ties MSU is building.