Faculty & Staff Recognition

We proudly honor the faculty and staff who inspire and support our campus community.

2025 Recognition Event

The Towson University 2025 Faculty and Staff Recognition Event was held Friday, February 21 to recognize faculty and staff who achieved service milestones in 2024. Information about the 2026 event will be shared in Fall 2025.

2025 Recognition Event Program

Event Questions and Answers

My work anniversary was over a year ago, why am i just getting my award?

At Towson University, we calculate milestone service years for eligible faculty and staff that have completed their 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, etc. years of service beginning January 1 through December 31 of their respective milestone year.

Celebrating the Faculty and Staff Annual Recognition Event after December 31 allows recipients to complete their milestone and receive their award in the early spring of the following year.

This also allows time for the facilitation of gift ordering, certificate printing, as well as, the planning of the breakfast and ceremony for the large number of recipients, campus leaders, and guests.

Is the Recognition Event a ticketed event?

All award recipients and non-recipients need a ticket to attend. Tickets are not available at the door.

Award recipients with 5 - 25 years of service receive one complimentary ticket to attend the event.
Recipients with 30 years of service or more receive two complimentary tickets; one for them and one for a guest.

General Campus (Faculty and Staff only) will receive an invitation through their TU email address.
Space is limited and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to individuals being recognized. To guarantee seating, please RSVP as soon as possible.

Once the event sells out, tickets will no longer be available.

Will food be available at the event?

Yes, The menu for the breakfast typically includes assorted pastries and baked goods, fruit, eggs, breakfast meats, potatoes, and French toast, as well as a selection of beverages. Dietary needs can be accommodated upon request when you RSVP.

Where should I park for the event?

Towsontown Parking Garage or Union Garage

Have other questions?

Contact Office of Human Resources Customer Service, HRTU AT_TOWSON or 410-704-2162.

USM Board of Regents Awards

The University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents Faculty and Staff Awards represent the highest honor presented by the Board of Regents. Each year, selection committees at TU solicit, review and steward qualifying nominations, then forward recommendations to the president for consideration. TU finalists are submitted to the USM for final selection. The process for staff and faculty awards operate on different schedules throughout the year. USM announces staff award recipients in July and faculty award recipients in March.

2024 Service Awards

The Service Awards honor faculty and staff that have completed 5-year increments of service to the university during each preceding calendar year. In 2024, there were 374 Service Award recipients celebrating 5 to 45 years of service.

2024 Service Award Recipients

45 Years

Laurie Jones, Student & University Billing Office
Thomas Ruby, Student & University Billing Office
Jan Sinnott, Psychology
Mark Clark, Access Control
Paula Clark, Event & Conference Services

40 Years

Glenda Henkel, Career Service Center**
Mark Edmonston, Physics Astronmy & Geosciences
Cindy Gissendanner, Womens & Gender Studies
Joseph Rudolph, Political Science
Harvey Lillywhite, English
Alice Joyner, Office of Registrar**

35 Years

Bonnie Lingelbach, Student Affairs**
Teresa Hardin, University Promotions and Events
Gina Peach, Financial Services
Linda Sindler, Health Center
Brian Masters, Biological Sciences
Jay Zimmerman, Mathematics
Susan Mann, Dance
Jaye Knutson, Dance
Alicia Vines, Library
Jacquelyn Laster, Financial Aid Administration

30 Years

Lori Herring, Admissions
Mollie Herman, Counseling Center
Steve Kettinger, Information Systems
Maria P. Fracasso, Psychology
Jay Herzog, Theatre Arts
Seth Hammer, Accounting
Maureen Yarnevich, Mathematics
Darlene Hetmanski Fewster, Special Education
Diana Emanuel, Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
Richard Holt, Art
Evangeline A. Wheeler, Psychology
Sonia Lawson, Occupational Therapy
Jung-Sook Lee, Mass Communication
Lisa Sweeney, Library
Emiko Ortega, Library
Stacey Poe, Student & University Billing Office
Christine Metschulat, Office of Registrar
Jerri Sumwalt, Office of the Provost

25 Years

Eileen Strange Bisasky, University Store
Geannine Callaghan, Major Gifts
Karen Pottash, Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
Deanna Martinez, University Budget Office
Andy Bell, Digital Experience Technology
Beverly German, Office of the Provost
Trenton Gingerich, Auxiliary Services Information System
Elizabeth Scarbrough, Tutoring & Learning Center
Nora Sturges, Art
Martin Roberge, Geography Environment Planning
Marius Zimand, Computer Information Science
Katia Sainson Languages, Literatures & Cultures
Diane Luchese, Music
Richard Sandruck, Construction Services**
Michael Korzi, Political Science
Lijun Jin, Elementary Education
Thomas Rhoads, Economics
Laurie Williams-Hogarth, Biological Sciences
Jonathan Mattanah, Psychology
Luis Engelke, Music
Eva Mengelkoch, Music
Iliana Zimand, Computer Information Science
Samuel Collins, Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice
Charles Schmitz, Geography Environment Planning
Tobi Bennett, Facilities Management
Trudy Carter, Admissions
Sandra White, Student & University Billing Office
Douglas Brown, University Store
Yvonne Stevenson, Event & Conference Services
Craig Scott, Printing Services
Wendy Rohrbaugh, Office of the Provost

20 Years

Alyssa Zumpano, Office of the Provost
Michael Franklin, Event and Conference Services
Kipp Sutphen, Office of the Provost
Kimberly Cascio, Office of the Provost
Erika Carlson-Hiles, Office of Registrar
Pamela Mooney, Parking Services**
John Miliauskas, Music
Shawn Nadelen, Mens Lacrosse
Deborah Simon, Enterprise & Infrastructure Services
Richard Thomas, Art
Deborah Lonsdale, Financial Aid Administration
Mary Moreland, Elementary Education
Nancy Wanich-Romita, Dance
Elizabeth Crusse, Nursing
James Smith, Geography Environment Planning
Ann Eustis, Early Education
Hannah Cawley, Early Education
Felice Shore, Mathematics
Isabel Castro-Vazquez, Languages, Literatures & Cultures
David Ballou, Music
Matthew Durington, Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice
Yuanqiong Wang Computer, Information Science
Rick Davis, Library
Shana Gass, Library
John Ross, University Police
Keisha L. Bownes, University Marketing & Communications
Doris Devos, College of Education Administration**
Susan Weininger, English
Kipp Sutphen, Office of the Provost
James Shkor, University Store

15 Years

Jonathan Lindhorst, Construction Services
Pamela Gorsuch, University Communications & Media Relations
Robbi Hairston-Flood, Office of Human Resources
Ashley McAvoy, Office of Registrar
Matthew Brower, Library
Robyn McCray, Office of Accessibillity & Disability Services
Raza Hasan, Office of Technology Services
Alhena Gadotti, Liberal Arts
Christopher Rindosh Student Activities
Michael Mullenholz, Student & University Billing Office
Stacy Elofir, University Store
Laura Hahn Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice
Jessica Moore, Special Education
Maria Mason, Early Education
Sonali Raje, Chemistry Department
James Overduin, Physics Astronmy & Geosciences
Christa Schmidt, Psychology
Charles Russo, Accounting
Philippe Duverger, Marketing
David Hearn, Biological Sciences
Arundhati Rao, Accounting
Cole Reilly, Elementary Education
Amy Koch, Art
Kalin Kirilov, Music
Kate Wilkinson, Womens & Gender Studies
Matthew Hemm, Biological Sciences
Katherine Holman, Special Education
Hana Bor, Family Science
Rebecca Shargel, Learning Technologies, Design & School Library Media
Wei Yu, Computer Information Science
Justin Ji, Management
Ryan Murray, Electronic Media and Film
Chaodong Han, Business Analytics & Technology Management
Keunsu Han, Kinesiology
Eyal Bor Languages, Literatures & Cultures
Jin Dong Park, Accounting
Joyce Garczynski, Library
Tyra Thomas, Auxiliary Services Maintenance
Donna Boling, University Police
Allen Welsh, HVAC Services
Mark Turner, Maintenance Service Academic
Peggy DiBasilio, TUNE

10 years

5 years

Marilyn Dannenfelser Staff Award

The Marilyn Dannenfelser Staff Award is presented to a member of the TU administrative staff who personifies the outstanding personal and professional qualities of the late Marilyn Dannenfelser. Her daughter Kim Dannenfelser established the award to memorialize her mother and her contributions to TU. During Mrs. Dannenfelser’s 46-year career at TU, she served as an executive assistant to six presidents. She was well-regarded and is remembered for her tact, diplomacy, and patient demeanor.

Current Administrative Assistants and Executive Administrative Assistants are nominated by their supervisors, and a selection committee chooses the recipient.

Nomination Criteria and Instructions

Nominees must fulfill the following criteria:

must be a full-time, non-exempt TU staff member
must have completed at least one year of service in the administrative role at the time of nomination
must be in good standing at Towson University

The Award Selection Committee will work with Human Resources and/or divisional leadership to verify that each nominee is in good standing with the University and is not on probation or a performance improvement plan.

To submit a nomination, use the provided nomination form, and email it to AdminAsstAward AT_TOWSON

SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

For any questions, please contact the Award Selection Committee at AdminAsstAward AT_TOWSON.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

Marilyn Dannenfelser Endowed Staff Award 2025 Recepient

The 2025 winner of the Marilyn Dannenfelser award is:

Emily MCGEADY, Administrative Assistant II, Department of MATHEMATICS

Emily McGeady has been an Administrative Assistant in the Department of Mathematics since November 2022. Emily exemplifies the work of an excellent administrative assistant, making the Mathematics Department a brighter, happier, and more efficient workplace every day. Her department colleagues, faculty, and students note that Emily brings a consistently positive demeanor and empathetic attitude to her work and is an incredible ambassador for the Math Department.

Department Chair Sandy Spitzer states, " Emily represents, in many ways, the 'front door' of the department. She has an incredible ability to help students calm down and feel ready to solve their problems with helpful, clear, and actionable advice that does solve these students' problems. One thing I particularly appreciate about Emily is that she spreads joy in the department."

Her deep and connected knowledge of her department, TU policies, and solutions-oriented working style make her a true problem-solver. Whether the task is big or small, Emily gives everyone full and positive attention to make them feel their work is essential. Emily also displays high levels of initiative and goes above and beyond her role to find ways to make the department's work more efficient and pleasant.

She is known for being attentive to other people's accomplishments, going out of her way to share their good news, and often offering congratulations, significantly raising the department's mood. According to students and colleagues, the joy, care, and energy she brings to her work are second to none.

Thank you, Emily, for your contributions and service on behalf of TU!

Marilyn Dannenfelser Endowed Staff Award 2023-2024 Recepient

Reneé Watkins, Administrative Assistant II, Department of Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences (PAGS)

Reneé Watkins has been an Administrative Assistant II in the Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences (PAGS) for the past 13 years. Reneé’s amazing competence, warm personality, and unflappable kindness and courtesy make her a calming presence and a morale booster in the Department. Renee’s extensive administrative experience, in-depth institutional knowledge and overall positive demeanor greatly assisted the newly appointed Department Chair with her transition into the role, making the acclimation and orientation to PAGS that much easier and relatively seamless. Renee is a true “people person,” taking pride in welcoming new students, onboarding staff and faculty to the TU PAGS community, training and developing other administrative and operational professionals, while also maintaining strong connections with Department retirees. Her skillful communication, emotional intelligence and sage advice often turn strangers into friends. Beyond her professional competencies and endearing personal qualities, Renee’ was described by her colleagues in PAGS as, “… both the rock that we depend on and the gravitational force that holds us together… Renee’ is a star!” Thank you, Renee’, for your contributions and service to TU!

Diversity and Inclusion Awards

The University Diversity and Inclusion Awards recognize individuals and departments that foster greater awareness, understanding and advancement of diversity and inclusiveness at Towson University. For more information on the Diversity and Inclusion Awards please visit OIIE's University Diversity & Inclusion Awards webpage.