Spring 2019 Golden Griffin Recipients

Maureen Bounds (Pharmacist) and Dr. David Dafashy (Director)

Student Health Center

Core Value: Collaboration

Dr. David Dafashy and Dr. Maureen Bounds have exemplified the Student Affairs value of “collaboration” by partnering with The Haven to reduce barriers for survivors accessing emergency health services. The Haven's Advisory Board brought up a concern about the barriers students face when trying to access over the counter emergency contraception. Naturally, the cost of medication and disclosing an assault to a health care provider can stand in the way of timely access to preventative treatment. When this concern was brought to Dr. Dafashy’s attention he was open and interested in hearing ideas that would eliminate these barriers. He immediately brought in Dr. Bounds to help navigate a solution to reduce these barriers. Dr. Dafashy and Dr. Bounds worked with The Haven to implement a new system where survivors could access free emergency contraception directly by visiting the pharmacy and providing a coupon indicating the need for this preventative treatment. In addition, they have worked with The Haven to make this preventative treatment available for free on the weekends when the Student Health Center is closed. Both Dr. Dafashy and Dr. Bounds have been incredibly responsive and thoughtful in their work with The Haven Advisory Board illustrating true collaboration. Their effort has also increased trust and respect between students and administrators. Most importantly, survivors at their most vulnerable time can make timely choices about their own health care and connect to services that foster healing. We are thankful to have these two individuals as our partners in supporting survivors on campus. 

Raina Hafftka, Celeste Kelly Tessa Palmer - Counseling Center

Core Value: Professional Excellence

Thus far this year, Raina, Tessa, and Celeste have met with a combined 373 unique clients and provided 1279 hours of direct service. In a year marked by transition to the new Integrative Wellness Center and increased demand for services, the Interns have supported the Counseling Center in addressing the complex mental health needs of students. Moreover, they maintain positive attitudes and are willing to bring their authentic selves into the workplace every day, which builds a sense of connectedness among our staff. We are thankful for the many contributions they have provided to our students and staff this year, and would like to take this time to honor their accomplishments in Professional Excellence.

Samantha Nussbaum - Cohen Career Center

Core Value: Professional Excellence

Sam is always the first to arrive and the last to leave. She is an immensely hard worker and strives to best serve her students every day. Whenever an opportunity arises, whether it be facilitating a workshop or managing the “Dress to Impress” closet at Cohen, Sam is always energized and motivated to take on that new task. Simply put, Sam is a formidable force in the Cohen Career Center and everyone who works with her takes notice of her commitment, dependability, and insight.

Lindsey Mosvick - Office of Health Promotion

Core Value: Student Centeredness

Lindsey wasted no time last semester with the coordination and implementation of the Healthy Relationships Essential First Year Initiative. She quickly revamped the Blackboard assignment for Health Promotion to give new students a comprehensive assignment that was engaging to a variety of learning styles. She has been diligent about keeping up with the grading of assignments and providing personalized feedback to students who are completing the Healthy Relationships assignment. Student Affairs is fortunate to have her as one of our newest colleagues, and the students are lucky to have her as a wonderful educator and mentor.

Bob Gough - Campus Recreation

Core Value: Professional Excellence

Bob is constantly showing Professional Excellence, but a few examples lately show his willingness to go above and beyond. When I had to be out after surgery, Bob took on many additional responsibilities, and he did them beautifully. He is the first person to say "what can I do to help you?" when we have a staff member leave or out for an extended period of time. He already has a full plate, yet he is always offering to help in any way he can. In our staff meetings, we have been adding shout-outs to those that are going above and beyond to assist other staff. Everyone on the Campus Recreation team is mentioning specific things Bob has done to help them. These are only a few of the examples for why I believe Bob should be honored with a Golden Griffin - not only for Professional Excellence, but also Collaboration.