Annual AP award winners announced

Susan Mendoza, director of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship, received the Achievement Award April 26 during the annual Administrative/Professional luncheon.

The award is the highest honor presented to an A/P staff member to recognize that person’s outstanding contributions to Grand Valley. Mendoza is involved in a host of annual initiatives including Student Scholars Day, Community Reading Project and Student Summer Scholars. One nominator said Mendoza has increased the quality and scope of each program she has been involved with.

Recipients of six other awards are detailed below.
• Linda Buck, academic advisor for the Kirkhof College of Nursing, received the Outstanding Academic Advising and Student Services Award.
• The Commitment to Diversity Award was presented to MarcQus Wright, assistant director of Residential Camps and Conferences. Wright was noted for mentoring students, developing diversity initiatives and serving as a True Colors facilitator.
• Jo Ann Litton, pre-professional advisor in the CLAS Academic Advising Center, received the Commitment to Students Award.  A nominator said Litton uses her long tenure at Grand Valley as an asset to her current work.
• The Outstanding Team Project Award was given to the 50th Anniversary Book Team, comprised of staff members from News and Information Services, Institutional Marketing, University Archives, University Bookstore, Art Gallery and Alumni Relations.
• The Service to Community Award was given to Shelley Irwin, morning show host at WGVU, for her numerous contributions to area boards and organizations, including serving as chair of the Press Club of Grand Rapids.
• Meaghann Myers-Smith, from the Padnos International Center, and Ben Rapin, from Institutional Marketing, were given the Innovation Award for their contributions to an online application system for international study.