Five faculty and staff were co-recipients of the Beaver Champion Award and one faculty member received the International Service Award.
University Day at OSU is an annual celebratory launch to the academic year, featuring a keynote address, meaningful discussion, awards recognition, and fun prizes for participants. 2023 University Day occurred in the Learning Innovation Center (LINC) on September 19, 2023 and featured Marcia McNutt, president of the National Academy of Sciences, as the keynote speaker.
Beaver Champion Award
The Beaver Champion Award is the OSU President's award for outstanding effort and achievement of excellence, extra effort beyond that requested, and performance of the highest quality.
Five faculty and staff from the College of Liberal Arts and the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts (PRAx) received the Beaver Champion Award for exceptional university service and their contributions to the development of PRAx. The awardees included:
- Peter Betjemann, executive director of Arts and Education in the College of Liberal Arts
- Larry Rodgers, dean of the College of Liberal Arts
- Suzanne Grey, director of operations in the College of Liberal Arts
- Steve Zielke, professor in the College of Liberal Arts
- Carly Lettero, associate director of Arts Integration, PRAx and program manager for the Spring Creek Project
Also receiving the Beaver Champion award for their contributions to PRAx included:
- Julie Drolet, project manager for University Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations
- Jerri Bartholomew, professor in the College of Science
- Libby Ramirez, university architect and director of Capital Resources in University Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations
International Service Award
The purpose of the International Service Award is to recognize exemplary, on-going contributions of OSU faculty and staff to the internationalization of the university by enhancing student, faculty, and staff awareness and participation in international education, research, and related activities.
Associate Professor of the School of Writing, Literature, and Film, Raymond Malewitz, received the 2023 International Service Award for his outstanding individual conduct as an international teacher and researcher and his commitment to creating and sustaining lasting international partnerships and mentorships to his students and peers. Malewitz has implemented programs in Beijing, China, and Warsaw, Poland, for scholarly exchange and student instruction focused on issues like climate change and the impact of technology on the humanities.