CSM faculty, staff, students receive awards during Recognition Day
OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) faculty, staff and students received awards during the annual Recognition Day.
Recognition was given for faculty, staff and student contributions to CSM, leadership in student organizations, faculty and staff excellence and years of service.
“Each and every one of you has contributed to making College of Saint Mary a better, more inspiring place to be. The values of inclusivity, excellence and acceptance are essential to fostering a close-knit community, and we believe these qualities are a true strength of what it means to be a part of CSM,” said Jessica Tienda, student senator and chair of the community outreach committee.
The Job Well Done awards are given to a staff and faculty member and a student. Student Senate nominates and votes for each award recipient, who is being celebrated for their exceptional contributions to CSM.
“Your efforts are what make this campus the outstanding community it is today. You’ve all played an integral part in fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging,” said Jennifer Opara, student senator.
Student Leadership awards recognize student organizations and those within student organizations who demonstrate outstanding leadership.
“Involvement in student organizations develop well-rounded, emotionally intelligent, kind leaders,” said Marisa Mathews, director of student leadership and inclusive programming. “You learn about other cultures and identities. You connect with your peers and form study groups. You build community by watching a movie together and crafting after a long day of academic rigor. You become someone who makes a difference — even when nobody’s grading you for it.”
The Inspiring Excellence awards are given to faculty and staff who lead with purpose and create space for students and colleagues to grow and thrive. Recipients are nominated by their peers and selected by the leadership cabinet.
“These honorees show us what it means to lead with curiosity, purpose and a commitment to meaningful change,” said President Heather Smith. “Today, we celebrate their impact—and recognize the true excellence they bring to our campus each and every day.”
Recognition Day Award Recipients
Job Well Done Award, Fall 2024
Rhonda Wilder, lead food service worker
Jennifer Reed-Bouley, director of Theology Program
Angie Washington, student
Job Well Done Award, Spring 2025
Terri Campbell, vice president of Alumni and Donor Relations
Kaitlyn Vogt, assistant professor of nursing
Autumn Neale, student
Student Leadership Awards
Outstanding Advisor
Jolene Salt, advisor for the Pre-Physician Assistant Organization
Outstanding Executive
Valerie Ramirez, executive for the Asian/Asian American Pacific Islander Student Organization
Outstanding Student Organization
Honorable African and African American Leadership Organization (HAAALO)
Inspiring Excellence Awards
Faculty
Shamra Lundeen, director of Practical Nursing Certificate program
Tara Ruppert, director of Occupational Therapy Doctorate program
Staff
Sarah Hamik, assistant dean of Student Success
Mary Barber, senior administrative assistant for Academic Affairs
Years of Service
20 years
Jeff Spencer, director of Arts Program
15 years
Pamela Humphrey, associate vice president of Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness
Susanne Miller, director of Legal Studies Program
Steven Westenbroek, director of Ancillary Services
10 years
Carolyn Bray, head softball coach
Britiany Daugherty, associate registrar
Whitney Merz, associate professor of occupational therapy
Kristi Preisman, director of Doctor of Education Program
Barbara Treadway, assistant dean of Student Life
Joshua Walter, general maintenance/painter
Five years
Kimberly Allen, vice president of Academic and Student Affairs
Lori Boyle, residence hall director
Molly Brost, associate professor of English
Nicole Chipy, assistant professor of occupational therapy
Monica Dial, assistant professor of physical therapy
Shamra Lundeen, director of Practical Nursing Certificate Program
Anne Mejia-Downs, associate professor of physical therapy
Jesús Ramirez, director of Spanish and Interpreting Program
Shannon Richardson, assistant professor of physical therapy
Diane Wrisley, professor of physical therapy, director of research
