Gabriel Eronmosele, a senior majoring in nursing from Abuja, Nigeria, received the Mary McCannel Gunkelman Recognition Award during a ceremony sponsored by NDSU Staff Senate on May 5 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.
Nominators describe Eronmosele as upbeat, positive, welcoming and as having a genuine interest in seeing to the happiness of people around him.
“This individual is one of the most cheerful, genuine, kind and smiley people on campus. Each and every time I see him, he brightens my day," wrote nominator Carly Gunderson of the International Student and Study Abroad office.
Prajakta Warang, a sophomore biotechnology major, wrote, “I have never seen him stressed, even in the most stressful conditions, rather he has a huge smile on his face and would get the task done. Gabriel’s energy and kindness make him a perfect candidate for the nomination."
Members of the Staff Senate Gunkelman Committee praised Eronmosele, saying, “Gabriel exemplifies the qualities embodied in the Gunkelman Award; he clearly fosters an atmosphere of happiness and caring for others. His spirit, talent and goodwill reflect on all at NDSU.”
Eronmosele was selected from a group of 28 NDSU faculty, staff and students in contention for the honor.
Student nominees were Kelly Morris, Spanish; Emily Marshall, emergency management; Emily Leseman, animal science; Tyrza Hoines, human development and family science; Hannah Lecander, human development and family science; Mackenzie Eckman, women’s and gender studies; and Jon Pacella, business.
Staff nominees were Sara Johnson, International Student and Study Abroad Office; Olivia Scott, Career Center; Shelly Swandal, AES agribusiness and applied economics; Brandi Aune, Extension food and nutrition; Judy DuBois, Disability Services; Tracy Fuller, AES agribusiness and applied economics; Bill Kozojed, Extension. Ag Communication; Sherry Andersen, Dining Services; Michele Sherman, English; Steven Harris, facilities management; Timothy Alvarez, vice president for student affairs; Tammy Erdmann, Performing Arts; Marie Champagne, School of Education; and Jeffery Erickson, electrical and computer engineering.
Faculty nominees were Cheryl Wachenheim, AES agribusiness and applied economics; Ed Deckard, AES plant sciences; Rebekah Oliver, AES plant sciences; Wendy Leach, biological sciences; Donald Warne, public health; and Chrysafis Vogiatzis, industrial and manufacturing engineering.
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