Suzan Wolter, administrative secretary for International Student and Study Abroad Services, received the prestigious Mary McCannel Gunkelman Recognition Award during a ceremony sponsored by Staff Senate on May 4 at the McGovern Alumni Center. The annual honor, presented by NDSU President Dean L. Bresciani, recognizes the student, faculty or staff member who has made the most significant and unselfish contribution to a happy environment at NDSU.
“Being awarded the Gunkelman award is a great honor," said Wolter, who joined NDSU in October 2006 and has served in her current position for five years. “I love to travel, learn about different cultures, meet new people and help people succeed in their dreams of coming to NDSU. With more than 900 students from over 84 countries I am continually amazed how blessed I am to have this job and also have a whole new appreciation of being an American. I also am inspired by the excitement of our more than 400 NDSU students who traveled abroad last year and watching them come back with more confidence and peace in knowing who they are. It's a life changing job every day."
Nominators describe Wolter as epitomizing quality service with her friendly, warm demeanor and her enthusiasm as she greets visitors.
“This person is the epitome of everything the Mary McConnell Gunkelman Recognition Award stands for,” wrote nominators Marilyn Dowdy, office manager, and Kayli Harlan international student adviser of International Student and Study Abroad Services. “She’s a person with a cheery smile who makes you feel like you are at home and who takes you from questioning, ‘Can I?’ to knowing ‘Yes, I can.’”
International student Purva Watten, a senior hospitality and tourism management major, wrote, “I have known this person for four years now and she still greets people with the same amount of energy and the 100-watt smile she had when I first met her in 2012 at the International student orientation. This person is amazing.”
Members of the Staff Senate Gunkelman Committee praised Wolter, saying, “Suzan exemplifies the qualities embodied in the Gunkelman Award: she clearly fosters an atmosphere of happiness and caring for others. Her talents and attitude shine through at NDSU.”
Wolter was selected from a group of 17 nominees, including four students, 11 staff and two faculty members.
Other nominees were:
• Tabitha Thomas, staff, vice provost's office
• Tyler Fergel, student, political science
• Jane Hagen, staff, School of Nursing
• Kendra Woodstead, student, communication
• Amy Vangerud, staff, Wallman Wellness Center
• Lori Askew, staff, School of Nursing
• Ruth Grimmett-Tejedor, staff, Office of Multicultural Programs
• Mary Marto, staff, NDSU Dining Services
• Renee Dubois, staff, Memorial Union
• Anuchida Scholz, student, College of Human Development and Education
• Wanda Hughes, staff, NDSU Dining Services
• Francis Oakgrove, staff, Memorial Union
• Nancy Mueller, staff, Student Success programs
• Kristen Hahne, faculty, Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences
• Chiwon Lee, faculty, Department of Plant Sciences
• Jon Lipp, student, business administration
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