St. Bonaventure University

St. Bonaventure University honored the dedication, innovation and service of its employees during the 7th annual Presidential Staff Excellence Awards ceremony May 7.

The annual event celebrates the people who make the university’s mission come to life each day, recognizing outstanding staff members while also highlighting milestone anniversaries and retirements across the campus community.

“This place is special for a lot of reasons, but mostly because of its people,” said Dr. Jeff Gingerich, university president. “There is no way St. Bonaventure could serve its students without your incredible work.”

This year’s ceremony honored four staff award recipients:

Ryan Clingan, senior executive deputy director of Athletics, received the Outstanding Staff Achievement Award. Widely regarded as a steady and trusted leader, Clingan is known for his ability to navigate complex challenges with clarity, integrity and composure.

Colleagues describe him as a “go-to” professional whose leadership extends far beyond his title. Whether mentoring team members, guiding decision-making, or providing thoughtful perspective in high-pressure situations, Clingan consistently elevates those around him.

Much of his impact takes place behind the scenes, where he plays a critical role in strengthening teams and fostering a culture of professionalism and respect. His ability to support others while maintaining a calm and solutions-oriented approach has made him an indispensable member of the university community.

Gail Marasco, coordinator for admissions data & technology, was presented with the Customer Support Award. Known across campus for her expertise and responsiveness, Marasco serves as a vital resource for colleagues navigating complex systems and processes.

Her work supports the backbone of enrollment operations, from maintaining data integrity to refining systems that ensure efficiency and accuracy. Her deep institutional knowledge allows her to solve problems quickly and effectively, often before they escalate.

Beyond her technical expertise, Marasco is widely respected for her patience, willingness to help, and commitment to empowering others. She is not only a problem-solver but also a teacher and collaborator who strengthens the entire university through her work.

Dillon Ruediger, of the Office of Safety & Security, earned the Innovation and Change Award for his leadership in developing the SBU SAFE app, a transformative tool designed to enhance campus safety and communication.

From concept to implementation, Ruediger guided the creation of a mobile platform that provides immediate access to emergency services, safety resources and real-time communication tools. The app reflects a forward-thinking approach to campus safety, meeting the needs of today’s students and employees.

Colleagues credit Ruediger with fostering a culture of innovation, encouraging others to embrace new technologies and think creatively about problem-solving. His work has had a lasting impact, strengthening both safety and connectivity across campus.

Brianna Bougé, associate director of Accessibility Services & Accommodations, was named Rookie of the Year. In a short time, Bougé has reimagined her office, modernizing processes and expanding services to better support students.

She has led efforts to digitize systems, streamline workflows and create a more accessible and responsive experience for students seeking accommodations. Her work has improved efficiency while also enhancing the overall student experience.

Bougé is also recognized for her campus-wide engagement, contributing to committees and collaborating with colleagues to strengthen support systems. Her leadership, vision and commitment to student success have quickly made a meaningful impact.

In addition to the staff awards, the university recognized 36 employees celebrating milestone anniversaries ranging from 10 to 40 years of service. The ceremony also honored 11 retirees whose combined service totals 233 years, underscoring a deep and lasting commitment to the university (see lists below).

The event also included recognition of three faculty members who received Faculty Excellence Awards:

• Dr. Kaplan Harris, professor of English, Professional Excellence in University Service.
• Dr. Andrew Belfield, assistant professor of Theology & Franciscan Studies, Junior Faculty Excellence.
• Sally Kwiatkowski, Department of Mathematics and School of Business, Adjunct Faculty Excellence.
  

While they will be formally highlighted in a separate release next week, the ceremony provided an opportunity to publicly acknowledge their achievements and contributions to teaching, scholarship and service.

Now in its seventh year, the Presidential Staff Excellence Awards continue to highlight the essential contributions of employees across campus — many of whom work in the shadows to support students and advance the university’s mission.

“Many of you work behind the scenes and sometimes don’t get the recognition you deserve,” Gingerich said. “But you have to know how much I appreciate all that you do.”

Milestone anniversaries recognized at the ceremony included:

• 10 Years of Service: Scott Eddy (Athletics), Dale Fedick (Maintenance), Matrecia James (School of Business), Dillon Ruediger (Safety & Security), Sean Ryan (Biology), Scott Simpson (Chemistry), George Swindoll (Registrar’s Office), George Tolsma (Safety & Security), Christine Uhl (Mathematics), Andrew Wyatt (Admissions).
  
• 15 Years: Tae Cooke (Physics), Colleen Crino (Advancement), Benjamin Gross (Sociology & Criminology), Kelly Hale (Facilities), Stephen Jodush (Biology), Richard Lee (Jandoli School), Susan Miller (School of Business), Patricia Nye (Arts & Sciences), Scott Walters (Facilities).
  
• 20 Years: Karla Bright (Technology Services), Kimberly DeSimone (Jandoli School), Will Elenchin (Sociology & Criminology), Pauline Hoffmann (Jandoli School).
  
• 25 Years: Beth Eberth (Marketing & Communications), Anne Foerst (Computer Science), Janet Glogouski (Advancement), Mary Rose Kubal (Political Science), Gail Marasco (Admissions), Tom Missel (Marketing & Communications), Todd Palmer (Management), Kathy Zawicki (Sociology & Criminology).
  
• 30 Years: Michael Bates (Tennis), Joel Benington (Biology).
  
• 35 Years: Les Sabina (Music).
  
• 40 Years: Charlie Lute (Facilities), Fr. Peter Schneible, O.F.M. (Biology).
  
• Retirees: Ralph Aloia (Safety & Security), Carmella Bartimole (Counseling Center), Joel Benington (Biology), Maureen Bernas (Library), Karla Bright (Technology Services), Dennis Frank (Archives), Alice Miller Nation (University Ministries), Tom Missel (Marketing & Communications), Mark Schmidt (Men’s Basketball), Fr. Peter Schneible (Biology), Bernie Valento (Enrollment). 

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #8 for value and #19 overall by U.S. News and World Report (2025).