Apr
29
College Relations Staff, Nagarajan and Ellington Honored at BGSU Firelands Ceremony
April 29, 2016 | Leave a Comment
Several awards were recently presented at the 47th Annual Bowling Green State University Firelands College Recognition Program held Friday, April 29, in the Cedar Point Center.
The BGSU Firelands college relations staff of Patti Crawford, Huron, Stacey Hartley, Huron, Dean Schnurr, Sandusky, and Jaymee Skelly, Lorain, received the Dean’s Special Recognition Award; instructor of chemistry Subhalakshmi Nagarajan, Sheffield Village, received the Distinguished Creative Scholar Award; and student Patricia Ellington, Sandusky, received the Links to Progress Award.
Dean’s Special Recognition Award
The Dean’s Special Recognition Award may be given annually to individual faculty members, administrators, classified staff, or members of collaborative teams who have made exceptionally meritorious contributions in support of the mission of BGSU Firelands. Awards may be used to recognize career achievements as well as recent accomplishments.
The college relations staff was recognized for their recent efforts in implementing the 50th Anniversary celebration of the College. The year-long celebration included parades, several large-scale events, a commemorative video and book, an awards ceremony, a basketball tournament, a scholarship drive, and promotion of the semicentennial.
“Our 50th Anniversary celebration was an unmitigated success and it offered a complete year of highlights. The contributions of these staff members provided memorable events, thoughtful tributes, and much entertainment,” said BGSU Firelands Dean Andy Kurtz. “Their efforts placed the College in a favorable light and allowed us to collectively honor and celebrate our rich history,” he added.
Crawford is the alumni affairs & development officer and started at the College in 2015. Hartley is the senior director of development and started at BGSU Firelands in 2010. Schnurr is the director of marketing and community relations and has been with the BGSU Firelands since 2011. Skelly is the secretary in the marketing and community relations office and has been with the College since 2002.
Distinguished Creative Scholar Award
The Distinguished Creative Scholar Award may be given annually to any full-time BGSU Firelands faculty member (in his/her third year or beyond) for outstanding scholarly or creative accomplishments during the previous three years.
Subhalakshmi Nagarajan began her employment with BGSU Firelands in 2012 and has amassed an impressive body of work.
“Dr. Nagarajan has been one of the most productive faculty members on campus and her track record of research and publications is simply outstanding,” said her nominator.
During her three years at Firelands, Nagarajan has submitted three successful grant proposals (including a Materials Research Society Foundation grant for $10,000 to foster environmental consciousness in the classroom through sustainability), published a book chapter, and presented at both regional and national conferences.
In 2015, she also had a United States Patent approved in conjunction with the University of Massachusetts for a flame-retardant derivative.
Nagarajan is also active in pursuing research opportunities both on and off campus and has mentored the undergraduate research of two BGSU students.
Nagarajan earned a doctorate degree in chemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, a master’s degree in chemistry from Central University, Pondicherry, Indian, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Ethiraj College, Madras, India.
Links to Progress Award
The Links to Progress Award is presented to the person or organization of the campus community that has been a significant link in the chain of growth of BGSU Firelands. This person or organization must have been instrumental in linking the College to the broader human community.
Ellington is a third-year student working toward a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies at BGSU Firelands. She is being recognized for her leadership skills and for her successful efforts to engage students in social discourse and philanthropy.
Serving as the president for the inaugural year of Students for Change, an organization developed by BGSU Firelands’ President’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion, Ellington utilized her role to effect change within the College.
Ellington developed the “Soup and Substance” series for students and employees which created an environment for open and honest dialogue on social issues within the College and the community. She also organized a voter registration drive.
In addition, under Ellington’s leadership, Students for Change implemented a bottled water drive which was successful in collecting a flat bed and a half full of fresh drinking water. The organization then transported the water to Flint, Mich., during the city’s crisis early this year.
Ellington is also active in the community. She is involved with Serving Our Seniors and Women’s Ministry Mentoring with the Church of God.
“Mrs. Pat’s contributions to the College and community demonstrate the positive influence of our students. She is a role model to which others should strive,” said her nominator.
Ellington also earned an associate of science degree in 2015 from BGSU Firelands.
For additional information or photos, contact Dean Schnurr, director of marketing and community relations, at 419.372.0613 or via e-mail at dschnur@bgsu.edu