Five earn inaugural Maple Leaf Awards for Employee Excellence
Goshen College President Rebecca Stoltzfus awarded the first annual Maple Leaf Awards for Employee Excellence to five employees during an end-of-the-year employee celebration on May 24.
This new initiative recognizes and celebrates the outstanding contributions of employees, fostering a positive work culture and promoting excellence throughout the college community.
Teaching Faculty — Servant Leader Award
Kathy Meyer Reimer, professor of education and director of elementary education, and department chair of education
The Servant Leader Award seeks to recognize a teaching faculty member who goes above and beyond to care for, support and help others in their work. Meyer Reimer’s colleagues commended her for her tireless advocacy for the college’s mission, mentorship of faculty and dedication to improving the college community. She cares about GC as a whole, and uses her voice and her insight to advocate for our employees, our students and our mission. She is known for her outstanding mentorship and her open door for any question, problem or need for advice.
Teaching Faculty — Inclusive Community Builder Award
Brooke Lemmon, professor of education and director of special education
The Inclusive Community Builder Award seeks to recognize a teaching faculty member who goes above and beyond to foster a culture of belonging for all members of the Goshen College community to be their authentic selves. Lemmon was celebrated for her groundbreaking work in inclusivity for neurodivergent students, both academically and socially. She created and offered a micro-credential to help faculty make their courses more accessible, and has run a social group for students with autism that has doubled in size over the past three years. As faculty athletic representative, she has been a bridge between coaches, professors and students. She fosters a positive environment for all students, including leading Bible study groups and building inclusive classroom spaces in which students from all backgrounds feel seen and respected.
Passionate Learner Award
Jennifer Schrock, Global Engagement Office administrative assistant
The Passionate Learner Award seeks to recognize an employee who is always learning, and applying fresh, innovative and creative approaches to their work. Schrock was recognized for her innovative approaches to managing the logistics of off-campus studies for up to 180 students each year, including transport, visas and departure packets. She has a passion for creation care, and unwavering support for global education and social justice that arise from her Anabaptist faith values.
Servant Leader Award
Justin DeWeese, assistant athletic director of communications & operations
The Servant Leader Award seeks to recognize an employee who goes above and beyond to care for, support and help others in their work. DeWeese’s nominators highlighted the ways he orchestrates more than 100 athletic events each year. He promotes the college’s athletic stories and embodies the college’s motto, “Culture for Service.” He brings a quiet intensity and enthusiasm for his work, and always looks for the good in people in situations.
Inclusive Community Builder Award
Jesse Loewen, associate director of the Academic Success Center
The Inclusive Community Builder Award seeks to recognize an employee who goes above and beyond to foster a culture of belonging for all members of the Goshen College community to be their authentic selves. Loewen’s nominators recognized him as a role model for many of our students, especially student-athletes, men and black students. He brought the services of the Academic Success Center (ASC) to the Rec-Fitness Center to help student-athletes feel more comfortable using ASC services. He gives students the space to be their authentic, messy selves with him and he shows them love, grace and accountability.
This year’s five awardees were selected from 43 nominations of employees. The teaching faculty awardees were recommended for selection to the president by a committee led by Ann Vendrely, vice president for academic affairs, that included David Housman, Jody Saylor, Terry Martin and Jeanne Liechty. Jodi Beyeler, vice president for communications and people strategy, led the committee that recommended staff, professional staff and administrative faculty members and included Marlene Penner, Tia Johnson, Derrick Method and Justin Heinzekehr.