This week’s ‘Thumbs Up’ recipients

Purdue Today’s “Thumbs Up” series gives faculty and staff members the opportunity to recognize, thank and congratulate others for their outstanding service, support and performance across the Purdue system. This week’s “Thumbs Up” recipients are:

Dustin Schultz

Dustin (Engineering Technology) was paramount in the successful refurbishment of a large passive solar collector. His ability to see a solution and lead the team through the process was a huge factor in the success of the project. — Operations team

Brandi Plantenga, Rachel Mirkin, Ellen McClannen and Kris Dacallos

We recently had a large conference on campus, and Brandi, Rachel, Ellen and Kris (all Purdue Conferences) volunteered their time on multiple occasions. They helped prep badges and bags for 1,200 attendees, assisted early in the morning to help hand out the items and direct attendees to where they needed to go, and stayed late in the evening to help with a large banquet dinner. With their help, the event went smoothly, and the attendee feedback about the conference was all positive! — Alicia Asa (Purdue Conferences)

Lauren Stearns, Victoria Deno, Kelli Stacey, Amanda Lade and AO staff members

I am writing on behalf of the Administrative Operations executive leadership team to express our sincere appreciation to all who helped execute our three employee appreciation meals (one per shift). Under the leadership of our lead event planners — Lauren (Purdue Conferences), Victoria (Administrative Operations), Kelli and Amanda (both Administrative Services) — many provided day-of event support. Additional teammates in Administrative Services, Building Services, Grounds, and Operations and Maintenance all stepped up to lend their expertise and help make these events meaningful for all our valued employees. Just one more example of how “We Power Purdue”! — Jay Wasson (Physical Facilities and Public Safety)

Violet Frye

Thank you, Violet (Engineering — Indianapolis) for your hard work and dedication to our classroom networking project. Your help drilling the metal plates and going the extra mile to 3D print custom grommets made a big difference. Your creativity, attention to detail and willingness to help resulted in a clean, professional installation. Your efforts are truly appreciated! — Purdue IT — Indianapolis

Clarence Huckleberry

Thank you, Clarence (Finance), for everything you do! Your daily dedication to helping our I-9 students succeed each semester does not go unnoticed. In addition to your student-focused work, you are always there behind the scenes helping students, faculty and staff with orders, TDX submissions, Ariba questions and whatever else is needed. On a personal note, thank you for always being willing to help when I have a question or need assistance. Your support, patience and knowledge are greatly appreciated. We are fortunate to have you at Purdue University! You are the best! — Julie Schaadt (Office of the Provost — Indianapolis)

Those who assisted with Fall Family Weekend

A heartfelt thank-you to the many campus partners who dedicated their time and energy to make Purdue Family Weekend a success: Ally Goodrich, Andy Goodwin, Brandon Cutler, Britni Henze, Jeff Stefancic, Jill Wable, Katy Hawkins, Kenny Seldomridge, Kim Jamriska, Krista Hixson Titlow, Michael Manzini, Nah’Shon Williams, Zenephia Evans (all Student Life), Mark Lester, Steven Carn, Sue Provo (all Administrative Operations) and Teresa Cadwallader (Office of the Provost). From event setup and check-in to staffing activities, assisting families managing logistics and helping with cleanup, your willingness to serve helped create a welcoming and memorable experience for thousands of Purdue families. Family Weekend is truly a campuswide effort, and it would not be possible without the enthusiasm, flexibility and generosity of our volunteers. Thank you for showcasing the spirit of Purdue and helping families feel connected to the Boilermaker community. We are grateful for all you do! — Jen Wetli and Missy Gulick (both Student Life)

Missy Gulick

A loud Boiler Up and huge thank-you to Missy, senior event planner in Student Life, for her incredible partnership in making Fall Family Weekend 2026 such a memorable experience for Purdue families! Her creativity, vision and attention to detail helped transform ideas into meaningful experiences that families will remember long after the weekend ended. Beyond her talent for planning exceptional events, Missy was a trusted sounding board, a problem solver and a steady source of support throughout the planning process and execution of the weekend. I am deeply grateful for her dedication, expertise and friendship. Thank you, Missy, for helping bring Family Weekend to life and for the countless ways you contributed to its success! — Jen Wetli (Student Life)

Samantha Scarpello

Thank you to Samantha (Institutional Data Analytics + Assessment) for the large amount of time and effort she dedicated to helping hire new members of the IDA+A team. I really appreciate her commitment to our team’s success and her willingness to invest so much in building our future team. Thank you, Samantha, for being such a great teammate and for all your hard work! — Taylor Stayback (Institutional Data Analytics + Assessment)

Gerald Munn

Gerald (Operations and Maintenance) has gone above and beyond to support the students in the Sustainable Energy Club of Purdue, for whom I’m the faculty advisor, in setting up a portable solar array to power part of the Purdue Farmers Market. The students are extremely enthusiastic about all the help and information that Gerald has provided. We really appreciate his efforts! — Kevin Kircher (Mechanical Engineering)

Meghan Beals

Thank you to Meghan (Engineering) for being so helpful and willing to share information. I really appreciate her support and willingness to help! — Katie May (Nuclear Engineering)

Tina Alsup

Thank you to Tina (Professional Practice) for her patience and for always taking the time to answer questions. Thank you for providing helpful resources when learning new systems and helping connect me with the right people when needed! — Katie May (Nuclear Engineering)

Jen Cutter

Thank you, Jen (Graduate Admissions), for always being willing to answer my questions and point me in the right direction. I really appreciate your kindness, positivity and willingness to help! — Katie May (Nuclear Engineering)

Want to recognize someone for a job well done? View the submission form and guidelines on the “Thumbs Up” webpage.