STARFISH AWARDS

The Starfish Awards program was established in 1999 and is based on the classic story of a young man who sees an old man picking up stranded starfish at the beach and throwing them back into the sea. The award recognizes a Kellogg Community College faculty or staff member who has played a significant role in a student’s education at KCC. Nominations are submitted in the Spring semester by KCC students who graduate in the year as the Starfish Award application.  Award recipients are notified around the time of Commencement.

Is there someone at KCC who has supported, advocated, or greatly impacted you while you’ve been a student? We want to know! Please consider nominating a KCC employee for a Starfish Award!

Nomination form is available HERE. All nominations are due by March 30, 2026.

2025 Starfish Awardees

Congratulations to the following individuals who are 2025 Starfish Award recipients:

• Jamie Bishop, Early Childhood Education Faculty, nominated by Savanna Thompson & Emily Fletcher
• Rico Earl, Simulations Operations Technician, nominated by Zoe Gibbs &  Brittney McKee
• Marci Morgan, Nursing Faculty,  nominated by Kristen Selvig
• Graham Smith, Math Faculty, nominated by Heather Harrell
• Brendan Welge, Office Information Technology Faculty, nominated by Reese Rellinger

2025 Starfish Award Nominees

Congratulations to the following individuals who have been nominated for a 2025 Starfish Award:

Jamie Bishop, Early Childhood Education Faculty, nominated by Savanna Thompson & Emily Fletcher
Julie Dawes, Physical Therapy Faculty/Coordinator, nominated by Jesus Martinez
Rico Earl, Simulations Operations Technician, nominated by Zoe Gibbs &  Brittney McKee
Kristen Foley, Physical Science Faculty, nominated by Daniel Jinks
Kellyann Garthe, Nursing Faculty, nominated by Ximena Griffiths
Pernell Gibson, Student Retention Coordinator
Aleatha Lycos, EMS Faculty
Kathy Mann, Human Anatomy/Physiology/Biology/Physical Education Faculty
Kristin McDermott, Director of Student Life
Marci Morgan, Nursing Faculty, nominated by Kristen Selvig
Stacey Schramm, Dental Hygiene Faculty, nominated by Miranda Parker
Graham Smith, Math Faculty, nominated by Heather Harrell
Mindi Snyder, Radiography Program Coordinator/Faculty, nominated by Kristina Richardson
Bernard Stankewicz, Adjunct Instructor, Business, nominated by Isabelle Neely
Brendan Welge, Office Information Technology Faculty, nominated by Reese Rellinger