Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award

Award Nomination Information

MSU is seeking nominations for the 2024 Ruth Jameyson "Above and Beyond" Award. This award recognizes support staff members who are pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree while also performing "Above and Beyond”  in the scope of their duties at MSU.

This annual award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson, going “above and beyond” what is reasonably expected in supporting the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s own pursuit of a graduate degree while working at MSU, the award recipient must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere concurrent with their employment at MSU. A stipend of $2,500 will accompany the award and may be used as determined appropriate by the recipient.

Ms. Ruth Jameyson, who died in 2007 at the age of 100 years, served as the secretary to MSU President Robert S. Shaw from 1938 to 1941 and secretary/administrative assistant to President John A. Hannah from 1941 to 1969. Ms. Jameyson was the epitome of a dedicated woman possessed of dignity and grace, widely admired for her professionalism, loyalty, kindness, strength and patience. She served as both greeter and gatekeeper to the numerous students, faculty and staff seeking to meet Dr. Hannah, as well as dignitaries from around the globe. Ms. Jameyson accepted roles and responsibilities far beyond her formal job description. Having arrived in Lansing with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Coe College, Iowa, Ms. Jameyson pursued a master’s degree in economics at MSU while working full-time.

This award has been created and funded by friends of Ruth Jameyson; Barbara Sawyer-Koch, MSU trustee emerita, and Donald F. Koch, MSU professor emeritus.

Nomination Process

• Complete a nomination form and supporting materials (PDF)
• Inclusion of up to three letters of support and signature of supervisor
• For questions regarding the form or process, please contact Ray Gasser
• The nomination form and supporting materials are to be sent electronically by Friday, January 19, 2024 to:

Ray Gasser, Committee Chair
gasserra@msu.edu
Phone: 517-884-4996

Selection Process

Individuals may be nominated by any member of the university community (colleague, administrator, faculty, support staff, student). Nominees must be regular, active employees with at least five years of service in a support staff role at MSU or an approved affiliate of MSU. A nominee must be enrolled and attending a post-baccalaureate degree program at Michigan State University or elsewhere. Nominations will be evaluated for achievement in the following areas:

• Excellence in overall job performance going “Above and Beyond” what is expected
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and working relationships within MSU’s diverse community
• Contributions to the department that lead to efficiency, effectiveness or other improvements
• Contribution to the University (committees, outreach, projects or other efforts)
• Concern for students in or out of the classroom
• Successful progress toward degree completion

Annual Awards Ceremony Information

This page will be updated in early 2024 with next year's event details. Until then,  view a recording of the 2023 Ruth Jameyson and Jack Breslin Awards ceremony below or on YouTube:

View the 2023 Jack Breslin and Ruth Jameyson Awards Program here.