Annual ceremony celebrates excellence in teaching, service, leadership, and commitment to the Marian University community
Marian University (Wisconsin) recently celebrated the dedication, service, and achievements of faculty and staff members during its annual Faculty and Staff Recognition Ceremony held May 6, 2026.
“This event celebrates the people who make Marian University such a special community,” President Aaron Sadoff, said. “Their dedication to students, service, and excellence continues to strengthen our mission every day.”
The event recognized faculty and staff for excellence in advising, teaching, and service, while also honoring retirees and milestone years of employment.
The Academic Advising Excellence Award, presented to Pennie Ries, recognizes outstanding advising that supports students in achieving their educational, personal, and career goals. The award highlights the critical role academic advising plays in student success and the university’s mission.
The Staff of the Year Award was presented to Angie Mies, graphic designer at Marian University. The award recognizes an employee who exemplifies community and service while supporting colleagues and contributing to the success of students and the university community.
Marian also recognized recent retirees for their years of dedicated service to the institution:
- Darlene Adelmeyer, retired professor of nursing
- Christine Laurent, retired professor of nursing
Faculty and staff celebrating milestone years of service were also honored.
Five Years of Service
- Gary Brajdic, Food Service
- Lindsey Bindert, Environmental Service Attendant
- Todd Buss, Director of Facility and Food Service
- Nicholas Capoyianes, Athletic Field Manager
- Christopher Deubler, Assistant Professor
- Margaret Ford, Assistant Director of Admissions
- Kathleen Heider, Environmental Service Attendant
- Korie Leigh, Assistant Professor of Thanatology
- Alicia Loehr, Environmental Service Attendant
- Thomas McCann, General Maintenance
- Dorothy Nagel, Administrative Assistant of Campus Services
- Amanda Nank, Environmental Service Attendant
- Mark Olson, General Maintenance of Facilities
- Kyle Retzlaff, Environmental Service Attendant
- Paul Schmitz, General Maintenance of Facilities
- Ben Vogel, Director of Field Experience and Licensing Officer
- Dean Wickert, General Maintenance of Facilities
- Michael Zindorf, Food Service
- Chloe Zivkovich, Environmental Service Attendant
Ten Years of Service
- Sunil Appalaraju, Database Specialist
- Debra Barrett, Senior Assistant Registrar
- Carlene Berner-Milner, Assistant Professor of Nursing
- Michael Garvey, Associate Professor of Physics
- John Hammond, Assistant Professor of Biology
- Gina Possin, Associate Professor of Psychology
- Benjamin Winter, Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach
Fifteen Years of Service
- Bryan Burgert, Assistant Baseball Coach
- Teri Passow, Director of Career and Professional Development
- Kari Steinbeck, Associate Professor of Nursing
Twenty Years of Service
- Matthew Szromba, Associate Professor of History
Twenty-Five Years of Service
- Tracey Marx, Associate Dean of Adult and Online Studies
- Angie Mies, Graphic Designer
- Lance Urven, Professor of Biology
Thirty Years of Service
- Tony Steinmetz, Network Administrator
The university also recognized adjunct faculty members for their ongoing commitment to teaching excellence.
Bronze Adjunct Service Awards were presented to:
- Christopher Deubler
- Jodi Budwitz
- Anna Pagnucci
Silver Adjunct Service Awards were presented to:
- Mark LaFrenz
- Tony Draves
Adjunct Faculty of the Year Awards were presented to Rick Parks and Colleen Brickle.
Parks was recognized for his leadership and innovation within Marian’s Risk Management and Insurance program, including curriculum development, industry partnerships, and student engagement initiatives. Brickle was honored for her outstanding leadership in the Dental Hygiene Completion Program and her dedication to mentoring and preparing future healthcare professionals.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the prestigious James R. Underkofler Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award to James T. Gray, professor in the Sport and Recreation Management program.
Gray was recognized for his innovative teaching practices, commitment to Marian’s core values, and exceptional mentorship of students both inside and outside the classroom. Colleagues and students praised his dedication to community-centered learning and his ability to inspire leadership, ethical responsibility, and lifelong learning.
James T. Gray was presented with the prestigious James R. Underkofler Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award (2026). Professor Gray (3rd from left, in red) exemplifies the highest standards of undergraduate teaching through his unwavering commitment to student development, mission-centered education, service to Marian University, and innovative teaching practices. Since joining Marian in 2008, Dr. Gray has become a central figure in the Sport and Recreation Management (SRM) program and a model of faculty leadership whose influence extends far beyond the classroom.