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 of 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!

Nominations forms are available at 2024 Starfish Awards.

2023 Starfish Awardees

Congratulations to the following individuals who are 2023 Starfish Award recipients:

• Public Services and Outreach Librarian Dean Alcorn, nominated by Jennifer Lyon
• Davidson Building Process Specialist Joanne Colyn, nominated by Clara Lowe
• Nursing Professor Kellyann Garthe, nominated by Mackenzie Merchant, Shirley Hill and Reina Reyes
• Baseball Coach and PE Instructor Eric Laskovy, nominated by Austin VandenBrink and Noah Warren
• Marketing and Communications Specialist Krissy Stolz, nominated by Eve Hibbard
• Student Life Department Assistant Sierra Thurmond, nominated by Ella Smith

2023 Starfish Award Nominees

Congratulations to the following individuals who have been nominated for a 2023 Starfish Award:

• Public Services and Outreach Librarian Dean Alcorn, nominated by Jennifer Lyon
• Nursing Professor, Dr. Deb Buck, nominated by Sandra Hemenway
• Davidson Building Process Specialist Joanne Colyn, nominated by Clara Lowe
• English Professor Ron Davis, nominated by Savannah Whitney
• Nursing Professor Kellyann Garthe, nominated by Mackenziek Merchant, Shirley Hill and Reina Reyes
• Baseball Coach and PE Instructor Eric Laskovy, nominated by Austin VandenBrink and Noah Warren
• English Professor Matt Samra, nominated by Caleb Halder and Leah Tharp
• Marketing and Communications Specialist Krissy Stolz, nominated by Eve Hibbard
• Nursing Professor Liia Thatcher, nominated by Leyna Everline-Bailey
• Student Life Department Assistant Sierra Thurmond, nominated by Ella Smith
• Math and Science Professor Faith Vruggink, nominated by Caleb Halder
• Physical Therapist Assistant Instructor Tracy Wood, nominated by Dalia Awshana
• History Professor Michelle Wright, nominated by Reba Lewis and Colton Rainwater

To learn more about these individuals directly from the students: 2023 Starfish Award Nominees