In the spirit of recognizing the contributions and hard work of staff, Butler University Staff Assembly annually acknowledges Difference Makers – employees who demonstrate consistent and exemplary service which makes a positive impact at Butler. Up to seven awards are presented each year.

Award Criteria

Any staff member (part and full-time) who has been employed for a minimum of one year and is in good standing with the University is eligible for nomination. Once a staff member has won, he or she is not eligible to win again for a period of two years.

A Difference Maker may be nominated for a variety of ways in which they have made a difference such as:

Participates in programs related to the well-being of the Butler community.
Aids in University activities outside of one’s own department.
Supports student groups and/or student services.
Contributes to student leadership development and/or mentoring of students.
Provides support to students and/or families, beyond the expectations of one’s job.
Performs an extraordinary act that results in improved quality of service or more cost-efficient service.
Gives noteworthy service consistently through determined and competent performance.
Offers inspiration and motivation to colleagues, resulting in an increase in their enthusiasm, commitment, and morale.
Shows innovation and ability to pivot and be successful during times of great change or challenges, such as the pandemic.

Nomination and Selection

Difference Makers may be nominated by any member of the Butler faculty, staff, or student community.
Nominations are anonymous
Difference Makers award winners will receive a $500 pre-tax award, to be presented at the fall faculty/staff picnic.

Difference Makers Nomination Form

For more information contact Debbie Jones, Difference Maker Committee Convener.

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Award Recipients

Difference Makers are honored for their commitment to excellence and for providing outstanding service to students, staff, faculty, visitors, and university clientele. Recipients are nominated by colleagues and are chosen by a committee of the staff assembly. Difference Makers receive a one-time award of $500 and are recognized formally at the annual back-to-school faculty/staff picnic in August.

2023-2024

Kay Reed, Payroll Manager, Business Office
Deanna Crisan, Assistant Registrar & Functional Analyst, Registration and Records
Amy McCartt, Administrative Specialist, LAS
Nii Abrahams, Director, First Year Experience, Academic Affairs
Nathan Sgroi, Director of Enrollment Operations & Research, Enrollment
Carol Baker, Academic Systems Administrator, Academic Affairs
John Lacheta, Manager of Facilities Operations, University Operations

2022-2023

Paige Carson, Building Services Supervisor, Building Services
Wade Javorsky, Director, IT
Danny Kibble, Executive Director of DEI Initiatives and Family Philanthropy, Advancement
Bianca Pagano, Administrative Specialist, English Department
Brandon Signorino, Administrative Supervisor, Butler Libraries
Heather Vaughn, Executive Project Director, Office of the Provost

2021-2022

Nancy Lyzun, Director, Creative Services, Marketing and Communication
Mona Guirguis, Career Advisor, Career and Professional Services
Daniel Meyers, Director, Center for Faith and Vocation
Julie Barrett, Academic Lab Coordinator, Chemistry and Biochemistry, LAS
Kristi Defalque, Administrative Specialist, DMS and PA Studies
Sarah Ziegler, Administrative Specialist to the Deans, Department Chairs, and Faculty, LSB

2020–2021

Abby Baker, Administrative Specialist, Athletics
Courtney Erickson, Academic Program Coordinator, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Julie Hoffman, Assistant Director, Information Technology
Shana Markle, Associate Director, Counseling and Consultation Center
Kyle McGary, Assistant Director of Admission, Visit and Events Coordinator, Office of Admissions
Shannon Mulqueen, Director of Resident Life, Office of Resident Life
Melanie Perez, Applications Analyst, Information Technology
Melissa Smurdon, Director of Financial Aid, Office of Enrollment Management
Andrea Stearly, Director of Operations, Butler Arts and Events Center
Leah Weprich, Assistant Director of Recreation and Wellness, Aquatics and Operations, Health and Recreation
Nick Wilson, Academic Technology Specialist, Center for Academic Technology

2018-2019

Job Performance and Attitude
Pricilla Cobb, Assistant to the Dean-Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Bonnie Danison, Senior Gift and Records Specialist, Advancement Services
Making a Difference in the Butler Community
Mary Hinds, Senior Instructional Designer, Office of the Provost
Margie Zentz, Administrative Specialist, Maintenance Services
Service to Students
Tracey Mills, Teaching Lab Coordinator Biological Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Courtney Rousseau, Career Advisor, Office of Career and Professional Success

2017-2018

Job Performance and Attitude
Shonda Cheever, Registration & Records
Rena Duerksen, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences-Mathematics & Actuarial Science
Dylan Harmison, Information Technology
Making a Difference in the Butler Community
Andrea Scarlett, University Events
Kristi Lafree, Marketing Communications
Service to Students
Carol Montgomery, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences-Psychology

2016-2017

Cindy Smith – Administrative Specialist, College of Education
Anila Din – Director, Organizational Effectiveness, Human Resources
Kyle Smith – Assistant Director of the Bulldog Club, Athletics
Gustavo Penaloza – Building Services Lead Person, Building Services
Dacia Charlesworth – Director of Undergraduate Research and Prestigious Scholarships, Center for High Achievement and Scholarly Engagement
Erin Cochard – Academic Program Coordinator, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

2015–2016

Virginia Lippert – Butler Business Consulting Group
Jennie Jones – Alumni & Parents Programs -University Advancement
Rebecca DeGrazia – Office of the Provost
Diane Dubord – Office of Admission
Gary Beaulieu – Internship and Career Services
Judy Clark – Financial Aid

2014–2015

Joey Wohlhieter – College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Modern Languages
Diana Todd – Butler Business Consulting Group
Karen Farrell – College of Education
Anne Minnich-Beck – College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, English
Lakisha Cooper – Jordan College of the Arts, Theatre
Cathy Holland – CHASE

2013–2014

Jen Agnew – Programs for Leadership and Service Education
David Board – Maintenance Services
Laura Green – Admission
Chris Davis – Campus Impressions
Angie Hewitt – Information Technology
Riki Lawrence – Learning Resource Center

2012–2013

Sherri Heidenreich – Human Resources Management & Development
Mary Ann Huser – Student Affairs (PuLSE Office)
Mary Kay Liverett – College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (Physician’s Assistant)
Michele Miller – Advancement
Charles Truax – Maintenance Services
Roy Weese – Information Technology

2011–2012

Richard (Dick) Catt
Judith Cebula
Pam Crea
Julie Hoffmann
Shelly Rabideau
Darlene Waddell

2010–2011

Julie Barrett
Beth Fontanarosa
Lauren Krueger
Kathleen Wilkey

2009–2010

Coco Acosta
Matt Harris
Patrick Hurley
Rhonda Louks
Michael Kaltenmark
David McCullough
Christeen Price
Courtney Tuell

2008–2009

Ejuanda Fields
Craig Stanley
Vicky Rosa
Beth Alexander
Adrian Shepard

2007–2008

Mary Azar Callahan
Tyler Johnston
Stephanie Judge
John Lucas
Bob Marcus
Julie Pakenham

2006–2007

Cara Cima
Carol Hagans
Jamaica Slicer
Vikki Kramer
Chris Newkirk
Chris O’Donnell
Chris Carlson
Glen Thoreson
Shirley Copple
Laura Green

2005–2006

Teresa Amberger
Judith Cebula
Doug Clark
Karla Cunningham
Mike Gardner
Connie Hindman
Mary Kay Liverett
LaTasha Malone
Melissa Trahyn
Linda Williams

2004–2005

Waple Cumberbatch
Dave Selby
Carol Reep
Levester Johnson
MaryEllen Wolfsie
Lu Ann Baker
Michele Atterson
Vicki Devine
Andy Ryan
Becky Druetzler

2003–2004

John Hind
Barry Rector
Dave Chapman
Vicky Rosa
Tim Harding
Caroline Huck
Ed Groves
Brenda Caudill
Amber Meryman
Don Borden