ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅

NovemberΜύ17, 2025β€―Μύ
Story by Amanda StaabΜύ
Photo by Joe Vinduskaβ€―Μύ

ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ is proud to announce the launch of a new recognition program, theΜύβ€œBart Award,”Μύcreated to celebrate the dedication and achievements of outstanding faculty and staff.Μύ

The award was inspired by ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ President Dr.ΜύMarcusΜύGarstecki.ΜύΜύ

β€œI wanted to start a fun yet meaningful way to recognize our outstanding faculty and staff,”Μύhe said. β€œThe Bart Awards were created to give recognition to an individual or department that had a major accomplishment, went above and beyond to help someone, or just consistently shows up every day and makes ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ a better place for our students and employees.”Μύ

Two awards will be presented monthly, beginning with Dr. Garstecki presenting the inaugural awards. Each recipientΜύkeepsΜύthe award for one month. When passing it on, the recipient selects the next individual or department to receive it andΜύcontributesΜύsomething personal, such as a note or a small gift, creating a meaningful chain of recognition across campus.Μύ

Local artist Barry Bowers created the handmade woodcarvings of the ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ mascotΜύto provide a personal and artistic touch to the recognition.Μύ
Μύ
The inaugural awards were presented to JuliaΜύClemons,ΜύandΜύMyrna Perkins and her Financial Aid Team, honoring their outstanding contributions to the ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ community.Μύ

Garstecki said ClemonsΜύembodies theΜύvery bestΜύofΜύΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅.ΜύΜύ
Μύ
β€œEvery day, she brings light and unique positivity to campus, consistently going above and beyond to support her colleagues and students,” he said. β€œHer extraordinary contributions make ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ a brighter, more welcoming place for everyone.”ΜύΜύ
Μύ
Garstecki added that he wanted to make theΜύBart award more than just a trophyΜύandΜύthatΜύbyΜύcreating this peer-to-peer recognition program, ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ΜύcanΜύbuild aΜύstronger community, highlight the contributions of its faculty and staff, and inspire ongoing collaboration and excellence across campus.Μύ

β€œThis award isΜύmeantΜύto celebrate the culture of care, commitment, and excellence that makes ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ such a special place,” he said.ΜύΜύβ€œMyrna Perkins and herΜύfinancialΜύaidΜύteamΜύexemplify dedication and resilience. They consistently navigate challenges with professionalism and care, ensuring our students receive the support they need. Their unwavering commitment makes a meaningful difference every day at ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅.”Μύ