As he welcomed the crowd to the annual ³Ô¹ÏÍø Staff Recognition Luncheon, President Matt vandenBerg reminded the assembled employees that no matter their job titles, skill sets, or departments, they share one vital unifying factor.
"The glue that holds us all together, no matter what job we have, is the success of our students and ensuring that our students retain, and persist, and graduate," vandenBerg said at the Jan. 19 event. "That is the most important thing we do. … You are changing lives. … You matter."
He also helped to announce the 2023 SPARK and STAR awards, recognizing two staff members who exemplify excellence every day and who each "beams with Bishop Pride, is hard-working, supportive, positive, and always on their A-Game."
Kyle Pellegrin, laboratory manager for the OWU Department of Physics and Astronomy, received OWU's first-ever SPARK Award, and Ida Mostofi, administrative assistant to the Vice President for Student Engagement and Success and Dean of Students, earned the STAR (Special Thanks and Recognition) Award. Both winners were selected from nominations made by their OWU colleagues.
In announcing the SPARK Award, vandenBerg shared that Pellegrin is an electronics wiz who, among many other things, is helping a student to build a submersible robot for a research project.
"What a great choice for this inaugural SPARK Award," said vandenBerg, who then invited Brad Trees, professor of Physics and Astronomy, to share more about Pellegrin.
"There are so many positive ways in which Kyle impacts the department, I cannot possibly convey them all," Trees said, noting that Pellegrin's work in the year since he joined the OWU staff has included ensuring that students in the Advanced Laboratory course have the equipment they need to perform advanced experiments as well as rejuvenating the department's machine shop, which includes a 3D printer.
"He is also a wiz at tinkering with and repairing equipment … has a great rapport with students, and his booming laughter, which can sometimes be heard the length of the hallway, adds to an atmosphere of welcome and positivity," Trees said. "You might say Kyle is a spark that ignites the curiosity to learn among the students in the department. We are very glad he is with us."
In announcing Mostofi's STAR Award, vandenBerg noted that she "exemplifies the tenets of the award, which include making a positive impact on faculty, staff, students, and trustees and exemplifying the pride and spirit of Ohio Wesleyan both on- and off-campus.
vandenBerg also shared that one of Mostofi's nominators stated, "Her ability to navigate every situation presented to her with grace and effectiveness sets her apart as a valuable asset to this institution and a beloved friend and colleague to all."
He then invited Jason Timpson, director of Multicultural Student Affairs, and Dwayne Todd, vice president of Student Engagement and Success, to share their thoughts about Mostofi, a member of the OWU community since 2006.
Timpson, a past STAR Award recipient, called Mostofi "the Oprah of campus joy."
"Ida's acts of love are so remarkable that she's practically the human embodiment of confetti – spreading comfort, encouragement, and ensuring that no birthday goes unnoticed," Timpson said.
"Ida," he continued, "you're like the Oprah of campus joy – 'You get a celebration, and you get a celebration, everybody gets a celebration!' …
"As for the OWU spirit," Timpson concluded, "Ida doesn't just embody it; she's the living, breathing, high-fiving epitome of it."
In his remarks, Todd added: "I'm ecstatic to see you, Ida, recognized for the STAR Award. Those of you who know Ida probably said, 'Of course!' when she was named because Ida's kindness, generosity, and warm spirit just extend across campus. You can feel it everywhere."
Mostofi, who earned two standing ovations from her peers, also spoke at the event, discussing the joy of supporting students and of collaborating with her OWU colleagues.
"I consider myself blessed to be part of this institution," Mostofi said. "Over the last 18 years, I have witnessed students become adults and receive a rigorous education that prepares them for a successful career. I have seen their lives transformed through mentorship and connection with coaches, faculty, and staff. Equally important, I have witnessed students get inspired to serve and discover their passions in service to make this world a better place. This is rewarding! …
"At times," she concluded, "people ask me, what is the best thing about working at OWU? Without hesitation, I respond: The students, yes! OWU's mission? Absolutely! But equally meaningful – its people, the OWU community.
"Through your hard work and dedication," Mostofi told the luncheon attendees, "you make this campus shine; you keep the mission going; with your everyday efforts, vision, tenacity, unity, and love, you contribute to OWU's ongoing success. You are OWU!"
During the annual event, planned by the OWU Staff Council, several Ohio Wesleyan employees were recognized for reaching service milestones over the past year. Those honored were: