And the Winners Are… 12 Staff Members Receive President’s Excellence Award
Our community came together at the annual Employee Appreciation Picnic to celebrate 12 outstanding colleagues who consistently go above and beyond.
Last week’s annual Employee Appreciation Picnic hosted a major milestone: honoring 12 exceptional colleagues with the second annual President’s Staff Excellence Award.
“Energy and gratitude filled the air at the picnic as we celebrated 12 remarkable staff members,” President Robin Holmes-Sullivan said. “Driven by 58 passionate nominations, this year’s awards highlighted the exceptional service that powers our community every day.”
The award was established in 2024 through a dedicated endowment fund requested by President Holmes-Sullivan to ensure our staff’s incredible impact is always recognized.
2026 Staff Excellence Awardees
Justin Counts, Senior Digital Media Educational Technologist and Lab Manager
“Justin is a tremendous asset to the institution.”
“Always willing to go the extra mile.”
“He provides incredible mentorship to his student employees.”
Josie Duyck, Director of Law School IT
“She is always looking for ways to improve systems thinking and increase accessibility…”
“Her desire and ability to continually make improvements in the ways in which her group supports the Law School is exceptional.”
“She has made huge improvements to classroom technologies and…spearheaded a closed-captioning system, which is now in use in all law classrooms and event spaces.”
Scott Feickert, Director of Operations and Finance
“He’s everything you could ever want in a colleague: Kind, smart, professional, competent, conscientious…”
“Scott is personally and professionally dedicated to Lewis & Clark.”
“Even when he gives bad news…he does it with such compassion that it’s hard to stay upset.”
Sarah Hunsberger, Acquisitions and Circulation Specialist
“Through exceptional organization, initiative, and dedication, she consistently excels in every aspect of her work.”
“Sarah is an incredibly personable colleague and active team builder.”
“She has created unique workflows that address longstanding challenges…”
Stacey Kim, Associate Vice President of Communications
“Stacey is the heart and soul of the Office of Communications.
“She is an amazing leader, and she consistently finds new ways to make our work shine.”
“She always lifts the team up and celebrates our work.”
Tara McIrvin, Director of Stewardship
“She is the bridge that connects our entire department.”
“She is thoughtful, generous, and incredibly hard-working.”
“She’s the kind of colleague who makes our whole team better.”
Juleen Norling, Administrative Specialist
She’s “the foundation of our whole department.”
“The plates she spins are incredibly impressive!”
“We would be unable to function without her.”
Seth Orensky, Director of Athletics Communications
“Seth is the best Sports Information Director we have ever had here at L&C in the 25+ years I have been associated with the school.”
“He brings a passion for college athletics that is unmatched and shines every day in highlighting and uplifting our students.”
“I am not sure how he covers so many teams with the resources he has, but I am thankful everyday that he is with us.”
Katherine Shallenberger, Associate Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis
“She is constantly looking for ways to improve her work.”
“She is a trusted advisor and source of information across the three schools and Common Services.”
“With limited resources…she has built forecasting and budgeting models and processes that provide clarity across the institution, including to the Board.”
Adriel Tirador, Campus Safety Supervisor
“He goes above and beyond.”
“He works many hours, many long nights, and still delivers quality work.”
“He is not just a boss but a leader.”
Alison Walcott, Administrative Coordinator for the Art Department/FOSA and Director Pamplin Society
“Alison’s intelligence and commitment to collaboration are always on display.”
“It’s how she goes above and beyond, outside her role, that made me nominate her.”
“Alison is a source of endless energy and support.”
Courtney Whetstine, Graduate Registrar
“She is thoughtful, thorough, kind, and is always aware that we are here for our students.”
“She’s a fierce advocate for students.”
“She makes those around her better.”
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