Index of University Press Releases

May 6, 2008

Employees honored at DWU

MITCHELL – Several Dakota Wesleyan University employees were honored May 6 at a special recognition luncheon.

Gloria Thompson, associate professor of nursing/associate of arts program director, received the Presidential Award for Outstanding Service. Thompson was commended for her mentorship to nursing instructors, leadership in the department and genuine desire to help students become great nurses.

Donald Simmons, associate professor and director of the McGovern Center, received the Professional Excellence Award for a faculty member in recognition of his desire to help his students succeed, his development of the public service and leadership program, and the leadership opportunities he creates for his students.

Karen Knoell, registrar, received the Professional Excellence Award for a staff member. Knoell is known for her accuracy, professionalism and calm manner in the face of stressful situations.

Staff and faculty were chosen from a pool of quarterly winners that included Jessica Jarding, instructor of nursing; John Husmann, assistant professor of history; Diana Goldammer, public relations specialist; and Louie Schoenfelder, director of physical plant.

Length of service awards were presented to the following employees: 35 years – Dave Mitchell, professor of business administration and economics; 25 years – Beth Day, accounts payable accountant; Joe Ditta, professor of English; Gloria Leonard, professor of education; 15 years – Mike McGreevy, professor of criminal justice; 10 years – Wanda Belitz, coordinator of central services; Adam Neisius, head baseball coach; Bob Sprang, assistant professor of health and physical education and coordinator of continuing education; 5 years – Vicki Gukeisen, information secretary in institutional advancement; Matt Moore, director of information technology.

Retiring Professor McGreevy was recognized for his years of service to Dakota Wesleyan University.