Mortar Board honors 2 staff members for exceptional service

The Barbara Cook Chapter of Mortar Board has presented its annual Rose Award to Walter Johnson, food service worker for Wiley Dining Court, and Colleen Flynn, executive assistant to the head of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture.

Given annually to full-time support or service staff members, the Rose Award honors those whose hard work and dedication have made a lasting impact on students and colleagues and enhanced the Purdue community overall.

Flynn was nominated for her ability to transform ordinary workplace interactions into meaningful connections that create a welcome, steady and supportive atmosphere across the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Flynn’s nominator praised her encouraging and calm presence, which has provided stability and continuity within the office throughout her 36 years of service to Purdue.

“Colleen’s professionalism and genuine kindness set the tone for the entire department, fostering a culture of collaboration and care that extends to everyone she encounters — students, faculty and staff alike,” the nominator wrote.

Johnson’s role in Purdue Dining & Culinary puts him in the path of students every day, and though customer service is just a portion of his position, his friendly and positive demeanor leaves a lasting impression on countless Boilermakers, including his nominator.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Walt at Wiley Dining Court my freshman year, and despite seeing thousands of students every day at one of the largest and busiest courts, he quickly came to recognize me and greet me every time we crossed paths,” the nominator wrote.

Mortar Board is the premier national honor society recognizing college juniors and seniors for their exemplary scholarship, leadership and service. The organization awards more than $18,000 in scholarships and awards annually to students, staff and faculty to celebrate excellence within the Purdue community.

Rose Award honorees are selected by Mortar Board’s Scholarship Committee, and its 2026 members include Purdue students Joey Vetter, Jade Larrison, Adam Szolwinski, Lucy Wilhoite and Kriti Bagchi and Mortar Board advisors Margie Jones and Chloe Benson.