This week’s ‘Thumbs Up’ recipients

Jonathan Miller

Jonathan (Operations and Maintenance) is an everyday hero for University Residences. His dedication to tackling plumbing problems, maintaining our systems, and going above and beyond for our residents cannot be overstated. He takes on problems and projects with a no-fail mindset and keeps the good of our students and staff in mind at all times. He often resolves problems so promptly that they go unnoticed by the majority of our residents. As a plumber on a team that services facilities for over 16,000 people, he has a tough job, and we greatly appreciate his exceptional efforts. — University Residences Facilities team

Melissa Frias

For the past several weeks, Mel (Research Support) has taken the initiative to better understand the processes of the Executive Offices Business Operations Center — Procurement in order to ensure her area’s internal processes aligned most efficiently with ours. In my role, this has resulted in the clearing of a backlog of packing slips, though I know she has also had discussions with others on the ZV60 side as well. Mel has also been extremely helpful and communicative with a positive attitude as we both navigate new policies and a few extra-complicated purchase orders. Thanks, Mel! — Stacy Gray (Finance and Business Operations)

Operations and Maintenance equipment and material movers

I want to give a big thank-you to Alan Farrester, Brett Camp, Chris Abbott, Dakota Brouillette and Shaun Voorhees (all Operations and Maintenance) for their great work moving furniture, equipment and other items from the Lambert Fieldhouse basement. Also, thank you to crew chief Brandon Ball (Operations and Maintenance) for coordinating, communicating and assigning the crew until the work was done. They are cordial, efficient and capable. I really appreciate their attitudes, work ethic and communication. Thanks, guys! — Jon Laswell (Health and Kinesiology)

Teresa Balser

Teresa (Libraries) has worked in the Parrish Library of Management and Economics within the Krannert Building since I started years ago as the assistant facilities manager for the Mitch Daniels School of Business. Since I met her, Teresa has done a lot of behind-the-scenes work to help out in our building and the library and is always able to assist in ways almost unseen. She goes out of her way to find solutions that don’t require our involvement, saving us a lot of time and the university a lot of money. She has also been extremely communicative when a problem arises, letting us know exactly what has occurred, along with ideas she may have so we can get the right team on the job. Recently, a foul smell appeared within the library, and thanks to her quick thinking and her communication, we were able to get a team over to diagnose and resolve the issue. We are greatly appreciative of all she does and having her at the library has been a blessing. Thanks, Teresa! — Blake Marks (Daniels School)

Justin Phillips

I would like to extend a sincere thank-you to Justin (Operations and Maintenance) in Zone 2. When an air handler went down in our zone, Justin was quick to step in and offer his assistance. His willingness to come over and share his expertise played a key role in helping us repair the issue and get the unit back up and running as quickly as possible. Justin’s professionalism, technical knowledge and readiness to support another zone did not go unnoticed and are greatly appreciated. Thank you, Justin, for your teamwork and dedication. — Duane Peterson (Operations and Maintenance)

Laurie Colchin and Madison Pollitt

Laurie and Madison (both Bursar) were extremely helpful in assisting us with quickly processing some fund returns. We appreciate their continued support. — Division of Financial Aid (loan area)

Thomas O’Grady

Congratulations to Dr. O’Grady (Purdue Global — Health Sciences) for his recently published invited commentary, “Lasting Impact of COVID-19 on HIV Testing in the USA,” in The Lancet HIV (March 2026, Vol. 13). Co-authored with Jim Tesoriero, the piece examines national trends in HIV testing following the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights important future research on how testing disruptions may affect delayed diagnosis, linkage to care and transmission risk. Being invited to contribute to a journal of this caliber is a significant scholarly achievement and reflects Dr. O’Grady’s expertise and impact in the field of public health. Thank you, Dr. O’Grady, for representing our academic community with excellence and for advancing research that contributes to improved public health outcomes. — Dr. Christopher Gallucci (Purdue Global — Health Sciences)

Mohammed Hasan

I’d like to thank Mohammed (Institutional Data Analytics + Assessment) for his exceptional web development knowledge and skills that have helped transform the Purdue University in Indianapolis website to a robust information hub for our students. He’s gone above and beyond as he’s helped launch nine brand-new pages, all while continuously managing incoming ticketing requests with speed and efficiency. We’re tremendously grateful for the work he’s done to bring this project to the next level. — Libby Hetler (Purdue Brand Studio)

Stephanie Dykhuizen

Stephanie (Institutional Data Analytics + Assessment) played a key role in developing a comprehensive communication plan for the ugSERU Student Survey. At a time when response rates for large‑scale surveys continue to decline, she designed and coordinated a thoughtful, strategic outreach approach aimed at improving participation in this year’s administration. Her plan effectively engages multiple stakeholders and leverages their influence to motivate students to respond. Thank you, Stephanie, for your leadership, collaboration and commitment to strengthening our survey efforts. Your work will have a meaningful impact on the success of this year’s ugSERU administration, and it is greatly appreciated. — Owura Kuffuor (Institutional Data Analytics + Assessment)

Heather Servaty-Seib

Heather, senior associate vice provost for teaching and learning, has been a strong champion of the ugSERU initiative. She has provided consistent direction and support throughout the process, helping to guide planning and implementation at critical points. Her leadership in making key decisions, combined with her unique position and influence among midlevel university leaders, has been instrumental in securing broad support for this year’s administration. Thank you, Heather, for your advocacy, guidance and continued commitment to the success of ugSERU. Your leadership has been essential to advancing this important work, and it is sincerely appreciated. — Owura Kuffuor (Institutional Data Analytics + Assessment)

Jason Ostanek

I would like to recognize Jason (Engineering Technology) for his leadership and commitment to our labs and safety efforts within the School of Engineering Technology. As the faculty member responsible for the Powertrain Technology Laboratory and the supporting faculty member for the Engineering Technologies Safety Committee, Jason has been instrumental in getting the safety committee up and running again. He consistently provides thoughtful input, has helped shape the committee vision and mission, and has dedicated significant time and effort to developing the training topics that will define our future safety initiatives. In the Powertrain Technology Lab, Jason has worked closely with vendors, the operations team and multiple stakeholders to improve the lab, particularly through efforts to get the gasoline engine and dynamometer running. Jason truly cares about our students, our labs and the operations team, and his collaborative approach makes a meaningful difference. — Dustin Schultz (Engineering Technology)