Faculty, staff recognized for making positive impacts

Students, faculty and staff members were recognized for making positive impacts during the annual Celebrating Women Awards, held March 29 in the Kirkhof Center.

The event was sponsored by the Women's Commission; Positive Black Women; Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; and the Gayle R. Davis Center for Gender and Equity.

Melissa Peraino, director of educational outreach for the Center for Adult and Continuing Studies, received the Maxine Swanson Award. Nominators cited Peraino's involvement with the Michigan ACE Women's Network and Girls of Color Summit and for regularly advocating for gender equity.

Casey Thelenwood, College of Education director of administrative services, received the Women's Community Impact Award for her work on the Family Leave Task Force and for serving as advocacy co-chair for the Women's Commission.

Jessica Tuzinowski, skating coach for Grand Valley's synchronized club team, received the Emerging Professional Award for her leadership as co-head coach of the team.

Two people earned Unsung Hero Awards: Jeffrey Rollins, College of Education database and technology specialist; and Sarah Clark, director of the Chemistry Success Center. Rollins was cited for his work on the Family Leave Task Force and 2015 campus climate action committee. Clark was recognized for her role as a mentor to students and role model to aspiring women science majors.

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies presented its Barbara Jordan Award to Anna Campbell, associate professor of visual and media arts.

Positive Black Women presented scholarships to Monique Day, Angelica Ellis and Shelinda Davenport.

The Center for Women and Gender Equity presented Outstanding Student Awards to Anne Livingston and Dejana Puranovic.