Awards and Scholarship Opportunities

2025 Award Nominations are Now Open!

​Ruthmarie Mitsch Professional Development Award

​The Association of Staff and Faculty Women’s Ruthmarie Mitsch Professional Development Award provides a sum of up to $500 annually to help pay for the education and training costs for one or more ASFW members wanting to further their career goals and professional development. The award was the inspiration of Ruthmarie Mitsch, ASFW President from 2003 – 2004. In addition to financial support for the recipient's professional development aspirations, the award also includes a plaque and recognition. Nominees must be full- or part-time faculty or staff, with at least one year of employment at The Ohio State University.

Applications will be reviewed on impact on personal and career development, need (funding not available through other sources at Ohio State), and cost-effectiveness of use of funds. Demonstration that the award, which is supplied in the form of reimbursements, will be requested/utilized within one calendar year from the date of the selection notification email for costs such as registration, fees or travel to professional conferences, research/professional supplies and equipment, and mentoring activities.  Both proof of completion and proof of payment for allowable costs must be submitted with the request for reimbursement. 

Ruthmarie Mitsch Nominations

Mary Ann Williams Women's Leadership  Award

​The Association of Staff and Faculty Women’s Mary Ann Williams Leadership Award recognizes a university employee who exhibits a special kind of leadership in the spirit of the award's namesake. Mary Ann Williams was the President of ASFW from 1990 – 1991. She instilled in others a sense of confidence to succeed, promoted a greater understanding of others, bridged differences and encouraged co-workers and friends to collaborate and cooperate. The recipient of this award will be comparable in their actions to Mary Ann Williams. The award includes a plaque, a $500 honorarium and recognition.

Nominees must be full- or part-time faculty or staff, with at least one year of employment at The Ohio State University. Nominees will be reviewed on their dedication to: encouraging a climate for success, appreciating diverse perspectives and celebrating differences, finding common ground, supporting others through mentoring, advising and/or advocacy, and increasing awareness and sensitivity toward others.

Mary Ann Williams Nominations

Dr. Patricia Cunningham II Commitment to Service Award

The Association of Staff and Faculty Women’s Dr. Patricia Cunningham II Commitment to Service Award recognizes a university employee who impacts the community through dedicated service. Dr. Patty was a member of the ASFW Executive Board from 2012-2015. Her life motto was “service is our rent for living” and she lived by that each and every day by giving back to her community and advocating through work, personal commitments, and encouraging and engaging others to also make a difference in their own way. Dr. Patty’s impact on the university and the community was immeasurable and inspirational. The recipient of this award will also exhibit an undeniable commitment to giving back to the community through service. The award includes a plaque, a one-year ASFW membership, and a contribution of $500 to be donated in the awardee’s name to the program or organization of their choice. 

Nominees must be full- or part-time faculty or staff, with at least one year of employment at The Ohio State University. Nominees will be reviewed on their devotion of time to giving back to the community, impact through service in an organization/in the community, and how they have inspired or engaged others

Dr. Patricia Cunningham II Nominations

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​ SELECTION PROCESS

A committee comprised of ASFW Executive Board Members will review all nominations. The final award recipients and their nominators will be informed about their selection by email.​ Please email [email protected] if you have any questions about the nomination forms.

​​Previous Award Winners

​Ruthmarie Mitsch Professional Development Award
2024 Dr. Shayne Piasta
2023 Jackiethia Butsch
2022 Dr. Rachel Arpin and Michelle McCoy
2021 Tiffany Quattlebaum
2019 Dr. Shannon Gillespie
2018 Emily Keeler

Mary Ann Williams Woman's Leadership Award
​2024 Nicole Kraft
2023 Alicia Baca
2022 Dr. Tina Pierce
​2021 Sarah Hughes
2019 Stephanie Orr
2018 Kristen Cole (OSUMC)
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​Dr. Patricia Cunningham II Commitment to Service Award 
2024 Dr. Gail Whitelaw
2023 Kelli Trinoskey 
2022 Selena Browning
2019 Erika Mitiska