Skip to main content
Buena Vista University campus from above

Storm Lake, Iowa · April 2026

From the newsroom and the labs of Buena Vista University.

News & Research

There's always something interesting happening around campus. Stay up to date with the Beaver community: student life, faculty research, alumni success, athletics, and institutional updates.

campus Apr 17, 2026

BVU Education for Service 2026 Nominees Announced

Twenty-ninth recipient of BVU staff award to be honored at Employee Recognition Celebration.

BVU Education for Service 2026 Nominees Announced

Buena Vista University is proud to announce that thirteen staff members have been nominated for the 2026 Education for Service Award, an honor presented annually to recognize an employee for outstanding service to the University.

This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment and service to the campus community. The selected recipient will receive $2,500 in professional development funds, along with a crystal award and a framed certificate. The award will be presented during the BVU Employee Recognition Celebration on May 13.

Nominees for the 2026 Education for Service Award include:

•    Dr. Jamii Claiborne, Vice President for Student Success•    Daniel de Groot, Life Science Laboratory Coordinator•    Patti Demers, Director of Financial Assistance•    Angie Dye, Executive Assistant to the President•    Steve Eddie, Head Baseball Coach/Assistant Director of Athletics•    Tim Gallagher, Director of Development and Alumni Communications•    Michele Hoppe, Event Planning Assistant•    Samantha Kay, Director of CASE•    Theresa Melohn, Assistant Director of Center for Academic Excellence•    Donna Musel, Director of Center for Academic Excellence•    Aaron Poor Bear, Academic Recruitment Specialist: Science•    Puritie Smith, Assistant Director of Admissions•    Jen Stockdall, Director of Enrollment and Student Success

The Education for Service Award highlights the important contributions of staff and faculty across campus and their impact on advancing the mission of BVU.

To learn more about the award and past recipients, visithttps://www.bvu.edu/education-for-service-award.

Keep Reading

More BVU stories.

BVU’s URMED Program Inspires Future Rural Iowa Doctors

BVU’s URMED Program Inspires Future Rural Iowa Doctors

Participants receive a $3,000 stipend and immersive clinical experiences as they explore careers in rural healthcare and help address Iowa's growing physician shortage.

Read more ›
Marian Riner Named 2026 George Wythe Award Recipient

Marian Riner Named 2026 George Wythe Award Recipient

Professor Marian Riner honored for her lasting impact on students, innovative leadership, and commitment to Education for Service.

Read more ›
Fellow Beavers share in first Boston Marathon journey

Fellow Beavers share in first Boston Marathon journey

2007 alumnus celebrates first Boston Marathon with his BVU family

Read more ›