Congratulations to seven employees who were recently honored during the annual Fox Valley Technical College staff awards celebration.
The event recognizes outstanding employee achievements in the areas of instruction, leadership, support services, community service and technology. Each award recipient was nominated by colleagues and selected by a committee of fellow employees.
This year’s recipients are:
Carol Mishler Leadership Award: Carole Ann Johnson | Director – Financial Aid
Carole Ann Johnson earned the Carol Mishler Leadership Award for her steady leadership of Financial Aid, Veteran Education Benefits and the Student Resource Center. She guided teams through FAFSA Simplification and Workday Student implementation with a focus on providing reliable support to students. Known for her clear and calm approach, Carole Ann participates in financial aid initiatives at the state level and is the incoming treasurer of the Wisconsin Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
H. Victor Baldi Excellence in Instruction Award: Turi Suski | Instructor – Mathematics
Turi Suski received the H. Victor Baldi Excellence in Instruction Award for making mathematics approachable and relevant for students across programs. Her colleagues pointed out Turi’s desire to consistently adapt coursework to different career pathways, tailoring instruction for programs such as welding, culinary and hospitality. Beyond the classroom, Turi supports student success through tutoring, faculty mentoring and peer observation initiatives, while also contributing to math education statewide and nationally.
ESPA Award of Excellence: Casey Britten | Lead – Communications and Content
Casey Britten received the ESPA Award of Excellence for her long-standing service and leadership in building new communication tools at FVTC. Most recently, she helped create the college’s internal communications strategy by launching The Campus Hub intranet and weekly e-newsletter. This is the second time Casey launched a new tool for the college; she also established the college’s social media presence in 2009 and grew the college’s presence to six platforms before handing over the reins to launch internal communications. Casey also volunteers extensively across campus.
Gaylord K. Unbehaun Community Service Award: Rahsaan Dunn | Manager – Student Development & Engagement
Rahsaan Dunn was honored with the Gaylord K. Unbehaun Community Service Award for his leadership in strengthening student support and addressing food insecurity. He led the initiative that brought Feeding America food lockers to the Appleton campus, providing discreet and reliable food access for students, as well as reestablishing the campus food pantry and expanding access across locations. Beyond campus, Rahsaan successfully guided students through Valley Transit’s fare system changes so successfully, FVTC’s approach has become a model for other community partners.
Robert G. Sternhagen Innovation through Technology Award:Virtual Reality Dementia Team – Health Division
Shelly Dempewolf | Instructor – Nursing, Josh Janikowski | Developer – Mobile Applications, Alan Baumgarten | Designer – Learning Solutions
The Virtual Reality Dementia Team received the Robert G. Sternhagen Innovation through Technology Award for developing Forgot and Familiar, an immersive simulation that helps students experience cognitive challenges associated with dementia. Shelly Dempewolf identified the instructional need, Josh Janikowski led technical development and Alan Baumgarten ensured academic rigor. Early results show that the tool has improved student understanding and retention and is better preparing students for patient-centered care.
Congratulations, everyone!
