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Gary Misich, 91�ֿ� at Ashtabula’s academic laboratory manager, has earned a 2018-19 President’s Award of Distinction for demonstrating exceptional performance in advancing the strategic goals of the university. He was presented the award on May 16, 2019, by then-President Beverly Warren via Skype in the Huggins Lecture Hall in Robert S. Morrison Hall.  He was joined by faculty, staff and family members for the surprise announcement.

“I’m completely blown away, this is a wonderful surprise,” Misich said.  “I am honored to be recognized by my peers for this award, especially when I think of all the hard work and dedication that I see from those around me.  It gives me a great feeling to see how much everyone appreciates the work that I do.”

Nominees for the award must demonstrate exceptional performance in living the university’s core values and/or advancing the priorities of the Strategic Roadmap to a Distinctive 91�ֿ�. Performance can be but is not limited to actions, initiatives, achievements, service, leadership or projects.  Award recipients were selected by President Warren and receive a $1,500 award. Misich is the second member of the 91�ֿ� Ashtabula staff to receive the honor since its inception in 2009.

“Gary always puts students first and has been a huge factor in 91�ֿ� Ashtabula’s regional impact,” said Dean and Chief Administrative Officer Susan J. Stocker, Ph.D. “He is quiet and unassuming, but when it comes to student success, he goes above and beyond.”

Misich has been with the Ashtabula Campus since 2010.  In addition to his daily duties managing the science laboratories, Misich provides supplemental instruction to students for chemistry courses, tutoring students to help them perform better in the class. He also participates regularly in campus recruiting events, including playing the role of the patient at the popular Flash Medical Center which takes prospective students through the roles of technicians in radiology, nursing, respiratory therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy in a hospital setting. Colleagues say he does a great job of asking students critical thinking questions throughout the process.

Additionally, Misich offers his services to setup and pour for judges at the annual Ohio Wine Competition 91�ֿ� Ashtabula hosts each summer.  He then conducts the post-competition wine analysis, which requires the chemical testing of approximately 150 samples.  Misich also works with Nursing faculty and the Ashtabula County Water Rescue Team to conduct cold water rescue simulations and has performed a variety of services for this critical exercise.

“Gary is an amazing colleague,” said Ann Abraham, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry.  “He quietly works behind the scenes to make sure that everything runs smoothly in class and in the lab.  And he’s always willing to help out and do whatever he can to help students. Gary makes my job easier and my life better!”

For more information on the President’s Award of Distinction, including past recipients, visit www.kent.edu/president/distinction.