Staff Awards 2025-26

Career Exploration & Development 2025-26 Student Employee Awards Celebration

Student Employee Awards Celebration hosted by Career Exploration and Development

Ashley Zelina (Adventure Center) won the Sunshine and Positivity Award, an award given to an individual who always brightens the day of others. They understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
Additional Award Finalists:
- Sunshine and Positivity - Morgan Miller (Student Personnel)
- Inspirational Leadership - Olivia Ligget (Ice Arena) AND Isabella DeToto (Marketing)
- Excellence in Culture and Belonging - Monica Fencial (KSoW and SRC)
- Flashes GROW - RecWell Department

The Student Leadership Awards, hosted by The Center for Student Involvement

Arslan Kalandarov (Operations & Guest Services) won the Emerging Student Leader Award, which is presented to a first- or second-year student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership potential. This individual has shown initiative, dedication to positive change, and a commitment to the value of student involvement early on in their undergraduate career.
Michael Noga (Adventure Center) won the Unsung Hero Award, which is presented to an undergraduate student who consistently goes above and beyond, but does not seek out recognition and demonstrates a great deal of humility and selflessness.

Emerging Leader Award: Rin Reikowski (Ice Arena)
Creative Innovator Award: Lettie Friona (Kent State of Well-being)
Ray of Sunshine Award: Ava Hirsch (Fitness & Wellness)
Student Ambassador Award: Antajuan Hightower (Operations & Guest Services)
Patron Impact Award: Annie Perrotta (Fitness & Wellness)
Lifesaver Award: Payton Schramski (Operations & Guest Services)
Graduate Assistant Excellence Awards: Abby Traska (Ice Arena) & Liberty Prosser (Competitive Sports)
Area of the Year Award: Marketing
The Most Outstanding Student Employee of the Year: Bella DeToto (Marketing) & Taylor Smith (Operations & Guest Services)
The Most Outstanding Professional Staff Member of the Year: April Paulus (Fiscal Manager)