Meet the Winners of Dickinson's First Distinguished Staff Awards
President John E. Jones III '77, P'11, congratulates Academic Department Coordinator Stacy Rohrer during the inaugural Distinguished Staff Awards ceremony. Photo by Dan Loh.
College honors standout staff, contributions
by MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson
Behind every extraordinary student experience, groundbreaking program and seamless campus event, there are Dickinson staff members paving the way. And it's not just about what they do. It’s also about how they do it: Often working behind the scenes, they demonstrate a passion for their work and a commitment to excellence. They’re an essential part of what makes Dickinson, well, Dickinson. Now, there’s a new way to celebrate them and their work. Bestowed for the first time this spring, Dickinson’s Distinguished Staff Awards honor current employees who demonstrate exceptional performance, leadership and commitment to the college. All full-time, part-time and casual employees are eligible for nomination, and all Dickinson community members are encouraged to nominate candidates through an online form.
According to Chief Diversity Officer Tony Boston, the new initiative arose out of the college’s commitment to ensuring that Dickinson staff members feel seen, heard, valued and meaningfully connected to the college: “It serves as a tangible expression of this commitment—an opportunity to recognize and affirm the vital contributions of our staff who help make Dickinson a special place to work and an equally special place for our students to learn."
Boston proposed the initiative to Dickinson's Staff Forum, and members fleshed out the idea, solicited nominations and developed a rubric to evaluate each one. In all, they reviewed 30 nominations, and the winners were feted during an Employee Recognition Brunch in the Holland Union Building. Each of the category winners received a $100 prize and a framed certificate. The grand prize winner received $500 and a plaque.
College Operations Award (Tie)
Several Dickinsonians were honored for improving college operations and proposing innovative approaches in collaborative ways.
Project Crew: Jake Dains, Sasa Esh, Roger Rowe
From left: Roger Rowe, project crew worker; Sonya Wright (presenter); Jake Dains, project crew leader; Sasa Esh, project crew leader; and David Walker (presenter). Photo by Dan Loh.
Dains, Esh and Rowe were lauded for working collaboratively with professionalism, reliability and tireless work ethic, often across seven-day work weeks to ensure that key student and administrative events run smoothly.
Michelle Fisher, Assistant Director of Admissions Visit Services
Photo by Dan Loh.
Affectionately known across campus as Dickinson’s “tour guide mom,” Fisher was praised for her empathy and unwavering support for students and prospective students and their families—and for ensuring that every visiting family feels welcomed and valued.
Community Engagement Award
Brenda Landis, Student Innovation Engagement Specialist
Photo by Dan Loh.
Landis “exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose,” said Vice President of Information and Technology Services Jill Forrester, citing Landis’ innovative approach to storytelling and podcasting, her dedication to mentorship, and her efforts to build bridges between the campus and community.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award
Yvette Davis, Director, Popel Shaw Center
Presenters Maria Ritchie and Tony Boston present an inaugural Distinguished Staff Award to Yvette Davis (right). Photo by Dan Loh.
Davis's caring mentorship and tireless advocacy work for students of color, combined with her overall contributions to inclusive learning and working environments and to promoting access, opportunity and justice, earned her wide appreciation across campus—and this award.
Student Experience Award
Juli Bounds, Costume Studio Supervisor
Bounds was honored for her work in transforming Dickinson’s costume studio into a space that is not only practical and useful but also welcoming, inclusive and inspiring. As Bounds’ award presenter noted, this promotes co-curricular learning at Dickinson and enhances student growth.
Sustainability Award
Lindsey Lyons, Director of Sustainability Learning
Photo by Dan Loh
Lyons was honored on the basis of her leadership, mentorship, joyful spirit, and important work to advance sustainability initiatives and unite students, faculty and community partners through programs like Free Exchange, the North Side Ride and the Valley & Ridge faculty workshop.
Strategic Plan Award
Tara Fischer '02, Associate Provost for Student Success & Academic Advising
Energy, compassion and creativity are the hallmarks of Fischer’s work, said Provost and Dean Renée Cramer P'28, who pointed out that Fischer goes the extra mile as she engages with students and supports faculty advisors. This distinguished her as a Dickinsonian who makes significant contributions to advancing the college's Strategic Plan.
Overall Distinguished Staff Award
Stacy Rohrer, Academic Department Coordinator, Music
Photo by Dan Loh.
The grand prize was presented by President John Jones III ‘77, P’11. “Your colleagues describe you as the heart of the department—someone whose energy, kindness and organizational brilliance keep everything running smoothly,” Jones told Rohrer during the awards ceremony. “Your ability to create a warm, inclusive and supportive environment has left a lasting impression on students, alumni and colleagues alike.”
While Rohrer, currently enjoying a well-earned break, was unavailable for comment for this story, her music department colleagues were quick to underscore Jones’ praise. Noting that Rohrer has been known to supply personal linens for department events and even help with student instrument repairs, music professors Jennifer Blyth and Ellen Gray pointed to the kindness, excellence and dedication that define the academic department coordinator's work. “She is a rock—someone students and professors alike grow to rely on,” Blyth added.
As Boston pointed out, the awardees are not the only ones who benefit from formal recognition. The awards also present opportunities for colleagues like Blyth and Gray to formally recognize those who make a difference—and to think through and articulate what, exactly, they are thankful for. “It’s not only a celebration of individual achievement but also a reflection of the values that define Dickinson College,” he said.
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Published July 2, 2025