Kaitlyn Adams, Academic Program Coordinator, College of Education

Adams, central to Family Human Services program and Counseling Psychology doctoral admissions, manages communications for hundreds of students and applicants.

She consistently finds innovative ways to improve processes and outcomes, from creating streamlined communication tools to teaching herself new platforms like Illustrator and Qualtrics.

She creates newsletters that highlight student and alumni achievements, organizes events that bring the community together and builds meaningful relationships through her warm, approachable presence.

Adams’s thoughtful approach to communication and problem-solving allows programs to function seamlessly, even during staffing shortages.

“Without Kaitlyn,” one nominator said, “FHS and CPSY would grind to a halt!”

Diana Alderette, Administrative Coordinator, Lewis Center for Neuroimaging

Alderette manages administrative, financial and scheduling responsibilities for the Lewis Center for Neuroimaging. She’s been called foundational for her oversight of participant logistics, navigation of institutional processes and response to challenges.

Known as a community builder, she shows warmth and genuine care in onboarding new students and fostering collaboration across teams and departments.

As she prepares to retire after more than 20 years of service, nominators said she leaves behind a remarkable legacy defined by excellence in her work and the countless people she has supported and inspired.

“She is more than our administrative coordinator,” one wrote. “She is the heart of the Lewis Center for Neuroimaging.”

Tim Boshart, Learning Systems Administrator, Information Services

Boshart, who died recently following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, was recognized posthumously as central in academic technology for over 20 years.

He single-handedly managed the university’s transition from the Blackboard learning management system to Canvas. His competence proved essential in 2020, when the pandemic forced an overnight shift to remote instruction and Canvas suddenly became critical infrastructure.

He was remembered as a generous mentor and teacher who flourished in guiding newer staff members through supporting teaching and learning technology at scale. He was also a devoted Ducks baseball fan, never deterred by bad weather, and his team, colleagues and the broader university community miss him dearly.

Justine Carpenter, Associate Dean of Students and Director, Community Belonging, Office of the Dean of Students

Carpenter supports students during some of their most difficult and uncertain moments.

This past year, she has worked closely with students navigating identity-based stress, family crises, and the uncertainty created by changing federal immigration policies. Many students who were unsure if they could continue their education remained because of her support.

Through her leadership of the Dreamers Working Group and her Dreamer Ally trainings, Carpenter helps faculty and staff understand how to respond with care, consistency, and responsibility during challenging times.

One colleague noted: “Students seek her out not just for answers, but because they trust her judgment and compassion.”

Maggie Dobson, Reference Services Archivist, UO Libraries

Dobson manages complex reference operations, supports a growing volume of research inquiries and ensures that scholars, students, and community members can successfully engage with unique historical materials.

“She manages these demands with poise and equanimity,” one nominator said. “Thank goodness we have Maggie here!”

Dobson helped implement a free reference scanning service that has already delivered thousands of pages of archival material to researchers across multiple countries, significantly expanding access while reducing cost barriers.

She has also helped create a more inclusive and responsible archival practice, in part by expanding remote access and addressing outdated and harmful language in collections.

Paula Ellison, Associate Director, Transportation Services

Ellison guided an extremely complex operational change for the university: the transition to a fully University of Oregon–owned motor pool.

In less than six months, she helped build the program from the ground up — procuring a fleet, hiring and training staff, implementing new systems, and managing facility upgrades, all while continuing to support daily customer needs.

She has improved accessible parking and mobility support and ensured welcoming customer experiences, focusing on making services work for everyone.

“Her determination and follow-through have been critical to the success of major initiatives that benefit the entire university,” one nominator said.

Jennifer Espinola, Dean of Students and Director, Frohnmayer Leadership Program, School of Law

Through her work as dean of students in the School of Law and as co-creator and facilitator of the UO Leadership Academy, Espinola has empowered hundreds of faculty and staff to see themselves as leaders and agents of positive change. Participants gain tools, confidence, and perspective, creating a powerful ripple effect that strengthens teams, departments and the broader university community. 

Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, Espinola challenges participants to examine systems of power, consider the experiences of others and lead in ways that expand opportunity and foster inclusion.

Said one nominator: “She never settles for ‘good enough.’”

Cecile Gadson, Senior Staff Psychologist and African American/Black Student Specialist, University Health Services

Gadson has developed a wide range of impactful programs — including Black Joy Sessions, Kuponya: Centering Black Healing, and Sista Circle — that foster connection, healing and affirmation. These programs have become essential to the student experience, strengthening resilience and building meaningful communities across the university.

By embedding mental health services within the Black Cultural Center and offering culturally responsive counseling, she reduces barriers and ensures students can seek support in an environment rooted in trust and understanding.

“Students know and feel her presence and support,” one nominator wrote. “It is evidenced in the laughter you hear and the positive feedback she receives.”

Melissa Green, Academic Program Coordinator, College of Education

Over the past year, Melissa has taken on an exceptional workload, coordinating three distinct graduate programs while stepping in to cover additional responsibilities during staffing shortages.

From organizing more than 100 admissions interviews to managing multi-day virtual events and campus visits, she has ensured that every detail is handled.

She has brought insight and sound judgment to duties ranging from navigation of accreditation-related program changes to developing better systems for communication and coordination. She has fostered cohesion among faculty, staff and students, particularly between Eugene and Portland locations.

“Melissa is golden,” one nominator said. “Our programs would be lost without her.”

Anna Ingram, Administrative Program Assistant, College of Education

Ingram, of the Center on Teaching and Learning, was recognized for contributions to research dissemination, accessibility and community impact.

Through her work on major initiatives like the National Center on Improving Literacy and Literacy Screeners for Alaska Indigenous Languages, she has developed accessible, user-friendly materials for educators, families and policymakers.

Ingram coordinated a large-scale convening in Anchorage for the LSAIL project, managing logistics for more than 20 participants and creating a seamless, welcoming experience, particularly for Alaska Native elders.

“Her careful design work had a profound emotional impact,” one nominator wrote. “One teacher shared that receiving high-quality materials in his native language brought him to tears.”

Holly Lakey, Post-Award Director, College of Arts and Sciences

Lakey’s work in grants management supports research success and creates clarity, confidence and trust for faculty and staff across the university.

One major contribution was leadership in developing and implementing a new Smartsheet budget reporting system. Recognizing inefficiencies in previous workflows, she designed and refined a more streamlined, transparent approach that provides real-time financial clarity for researchers.

As one nominator noted, she remained actively engaged throughout, “in the trenches,” ensuring the system continued to improve and meet user needs.

Through intentional team structures and thoughtful efforts to build relationships, Lakey has created a culture where individuals share responsibility and learn from one another.

Trish Mace, Director, Charleston Marine Life Center, College of Arts and Sciences

For the past decade, Mace has been the driving force behind the Charleston Marine Life Center, building it into a hub for education, outreach and community connection.

As its director — and often its sole full-time staff member — she has taken on every aspect of the operation, from animal care and exhibit design to volunteer management and grant writing to welcoming thousands of visitors each year.

Mace has built lasting relationships with local schools, tribal communities and others and has introduced inclusive programming such as low-sensory events.

“Her role could easily be divided among several positions,” one nominator said. “But instead, she does it all and does it exceptionally well.”

Ethan Mapes, Export Control Officer, Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation

Mapes plays a critical role in navigating complex regulatory environments while ensuring that faculty and researchers feel supported in their work. 

He has implemented innovative systems that streamline processes — such as proactively integrating travel notifications to allow timely risk reviews — ensuring that researchers can move forward with confidence and minimal disruption.

He works collaboratively to find solutions that uphold federal requirements while minimizing unnecessary obstacles and has become a recognized voice in his field, sharing best practices nationally.

Wrote one nominator: “Ethan consistently focuses on helping researchers move forward, developing creative approaches that allow work to continue safely and effectively.”

Collette Niland, Associate Dean, Advising and Student Experience, Lundquist College of Business

Niland has created and led a portfolio of programs that open doors for students across their academic journey and beyond.

From the Oregon Consulting Group to first-year initiatives like BizARC and Flight School, she has strengthened pathways from education to career. Most recently, she developed the Professional Edge program, connecting students with hands-on, industry-informed experiences that prepare them to stand out in the job market.

A collaborative and people-centered leader, Niland was recognized for bringing together people, resources and strategies to build systems that endure and continue to grow.

As one nominator noted, she has a unique ability to “turn vision into execution.”

Bryan Rebar, Program Manager, Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and Associate Director, STEM CORE, College of Arts and Sciences

Rebar has led initiatives that span K–12 schools, community colleges, universities and industry partners. His work has supported faculty in developing competitive grant proposals — including numerous successful National Science Foundation CAREER awards — and has created pathways that expand access to research and professional opportunities for students across the region.

He has guided multi-state initiatives and created programs that help students transition successfully into research careers.

Said one nominator: “Bryan’s spirit of collegiality, generosity and collaboration throughout his career at UO exemplifies the Oregon Rising shared principles of prioritizing work toward common goals, breaking down silos, embedding equity-minded approaches and celebrating and sharing our successes.”

Angela Rovak, Assistant Dean for First-Year Experience, Clark Honors College

Rovak oversees advising, supervises first-year advisors and directs a dynamic peer mentor program, all while working directly with hundreds of students. Under her leadership, first-year retention has increased significantly, reflecting her ability to design programs and support systems that help students persist and thrive.

She has built the Honors College Peer Mentor Program into a vibrant, supportive network and created spaces where students, faculty and staff can connect. As a first-generation college student, Rovak has worked to remove barriers to students through inclusive programming and advocacy. 

“She is a brilliant adviser and problem solver who can move an agenda in order to get things done,” one nominator said.

Justin Spence, Project Manager, Oregon Digital Newspaper Program, UO Libraries

Spence manages a digitization program that processes thousands of historical newspaper pages each year, ensuring that vital stories — many of them fragile or previously inaccessible — are preserved and shared with the public.

In digitizing publications like the Chemawa American, he coordinated with institutions to gather materials and also engaged with tribal communities to understand ethical considerations and historical context.

Faced with a massive backlog of unusable digitized content, he learned new data analysis tools, ultimately recovering millions of digital newspaper images and making them accessible to the public.

“This is not something he was expected to do as part of his job description,” one nominator said, “yet he took it on and saw it through.”

Maggie Swing, Event Coordinator, University Career Center

In less than a year, Swing has become a driving force behind some of the center’s most impactful programs.

She leads the planning and execution of major career fairs, networking events and Career Readiness Week, helping students connect with opportunities while strengthening partnerships across the university.

She has streamlined employer processes, strengthened budgeting practices and enhanced planning systems that make programs more efficient. Swing expanded the Career Closet program to reimagine how students are welcomed at events and works to remove barriers and create opportunities for all students. 

Said one nominator: “I have never seen someone contribute so much in such a short time.”

Annette Tognazzini, Business Manager, College of Education

As a business and grants manager, Tognazzini supports research by navigating grant and budget processes, managing multi-million-dollar proposals and coordinating intricate subawards and contracts.

She is seen as a trusted adviser and collaborator, helping faculty think through ideas, refine budgets and navigate complex systems. She’s known for her mentorship of colleagues and student workers and creating an environment grounded in respect, kindness and shared purpose.

As Tognazzini prepares for retirement, she leaves a legacy of ensuring that everyone she works with feels welcomed, respected and empowered to succeed.

“Our proposals are stronger, our submissions smoother, and our stress levels are lower because of Annette,” one nominator wrote.

Catherine Yan, Administrative and Contracts Coordinator, Erb Memorial Union

During a period of staff vacancies and uncertainty, Yan took on critical responsibilities far beyond her role including supervision of student employees, management of daily operations of the CSI Resource Center and support for more than 400 student organizations.

Her willingness to step forward meant that essential services remained open for student employees and university groups who rely on these resources to thrive.

Through committee work, shared communication and initiatives like the “Data Dazzle” newsletter, Yan has fostered a culture of learning, transparency and data-informed decision-making.

“‘Mostly done right’ is not right for Catherine,” one nominator wrote. “I greatly appreciate her for getting things done fully and fully correctly.”

Awardee Kaitlyn Adams (second from left) and friends from the College of Education

Awardee Angela Rovak shared a smile with Elizabeth Raisanen of the Clark Honors College

The Boshart family — Carol (middle) and her daughter, Sarah, and son, Peter — attended in recognition of awardee Tim Boshart, who died recently

Awardee Jennifer Espinola (middle) with Reza Rejaie of computer science and Sierra Dawson of the provost’s office

Awardee Cecile Gadson with Walker Hick, program coordinator at the Black Cultural Center

Awardee Trish Mace (left) and friends

Awardee Ethan Mapes (right) and Matt Collins of UO Libraries

The University Career Center’s Dani Amtmann (left) and Paul Timmins attended to celebrate awardee Maggie Swing

Awardee Catherine Yan (right), a former exchange student, stopped for a selfie with Marvy Schuman, her “American mom”

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