The annual GVSU IT Service Awards acknowledge outstanding service and provide a time to celebrate these individuals within the Information Technology Division. The awards program, under the leadership of Information Technology Community Advocates (ITCA), brings peer endorsement and recognition to professional accomplishments.

• Service Excellence – The Service Excellent Award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond professional responsibilities in contributing his/her expertise and service to the GVSU community, a professional organization, or the local/national/international community.
• Innovation – The Innovation Award recognizes an individual who has innovative ideas and practices that benefit Information Technology and the university.  This could include methods to improve cost efficiency, changes in procedures, creating new programs or services, or leading new initiatives.
• Leadership – The Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has made notable contributions that have influenced positive change at GVSU. This could include members who have shown adaptability, mentorship, exceptional teamwork, motivation, and lasting other contributions. 

2025 Leadership Award Recipient - Eric Bellmore, Director, Academic Research Computing

The 2025 GVSU IT Service Award for Leadership is awarded to Eric Bellmore. 

Eric Bellmore is a leader who embodies collaboration, connection, and compassion. He leads by example, not only guiding others but inspiring them to bring their best selves to work each day. Known for his warmth and approachability, Eric has a natural ability to bring people together, whether he’s connecting colleagues across departments, strengthening relationships between IT and the broader university community, or creating opportunities for genuine connection through events like the annual IT picnic and campus gatherings. His positive spirit and genuine care for others help foster an environment of trust, inclusivity, and camaraderie throughout the division.

Beyond his impact on people, Eric’s leadership has played a key role in advancing research at GVSU. Through his vision and dedication, the university’s research infrastructure has continued to expand, empowering faculty and students with the technology and support they need to succeed. Respected by peers and faculty alike for his professionalism and responsiveness, Eric has become a trusted partner and advocate for innovation. His leadership is rooted in empathy, service, and a true commitment to helping others thrive, qualities that make him a deserving recipient of this award.

2025 Innovation Award Recipient - Joe Bliss, Systems Engineer. Enterprise Architecture

Since joining GVSU IT in the summer of 2023, Joe Bliss has quickly become a driving force for innovation within the department. In a short time, he has implemented and now maintains the Jenkins job schedule, streamlining Enterprise Architecture’s automated processes and greatly improving their visibility, stability, and reliability. He also serves as the primary administrator for all School of Computing Linux labs, continuously enhancing and optimizing these environments to better support students and faculty.

Joe’s ability to learn and adapt at remarkable speed has set him apart. Within his first six months, he successfully re-architected and updated the complex Winlab environment, an achievement that impressed even his most experienced colleagues. Known for his curiosity, thoughtful problem-solving, and openness to new ideas, Joe has become a trusted collaborator and a catalyst for progress across the team. His creativity, technical skill, and forward-thinking mindset make him a deserving recipient of this year’s IT Service Award for Innovation.

2025 Service Excellence Award Recipient - Rory Webb, Electronic Services Specialist, IT Services

Rory Webb exemplifies what it means to lead through service. Whether on the Allendale or Pew campuses, Rory is known for being everywhere they’re needed, responding quickly, communicating clearly, and always showing up with a willingness to help. Colleagues describe Rory as someone who doesn’t just meet expectations but exceeds them, anticipating needs, following through with care, and consistently going the extra mile to ensure success.

Rory’s impact extends well beyond individual moments of support. They’ve contributed to initiatives that delivered 17 new service offerings and improved 29 workflows across the university, enhancing both efficiency and user experience. They’ve also led continuous improvement efforts through Kaizen Point Events and developed a comprehensive AV training and assessment program for student technicians, investing in people as much as in process. What truly sets Rory apart is their steady, thoughtful approach to service: the quick check-ins, the proactive communication, and the consistent effort that strengthens our entire organization. Rory’s dedication and reliability make them a deeply deserving recipient of this year’s IT Service Award for Service Excellence.