Four Greenlee School faculty and staff members received honors from the [College of Liberal Arts and Sciences](https://las.iastate.edu/) at its annual [Fall Convocation and Awards Ceremony](https://news.las.iastate.edu/2017/09/06/las-honors-faculty-and-staff-at-2017-fall-convocation-and-awards-ceremony/) on Tuesday, Sept. 5.
The honors are listed below, along with background on the awards and the recipients’ bios from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
**Diversity Award**
**Michael Bugeja, professor**
The Diversity Award “recognizes faculty and staff who have advanced the College’s vision for diversity through their teaching, scholarship, service or campus-community outreach.”
“Before Michael Bugeja became Greenlee’s director in 2003, the program was going through turmoil. Allegations of bias caused three African-American professors to resign. A dozen years later, Greenlee won the national diversity award bestowed by its flagship organization. Bugeja served as the first chair of the LAS Diversity Committee. Under his leadership, the Greenlee climate evolved to such extent that the program is noted now for its commitment to inclusion. Diversity is a core value of its mission statement,strategic plan and stand-alone diversity plan. Bugeja publishes articles about diversity, making him a national figure in his unwavering support.”
**International Service Award**
**Daniela Dimitrova, professor and director of graduate education**
The International Service Award “recognizes faculty members for outstanding international service in terms of teaching, research or administration, within the United States or abroad.”
“Daniela Dimitrova’s international service contributions are wide-ranging, including teaching, research, service and administration. That is why she is a standout in this category. Dimitrova has delivered speeches and papers to conferences throughout the United States in addition to Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Singapore, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The breadth of her achievements has enhanced the Greenlee School’s reputation as she has helped internationalize curriculum, forged alliances with students and institutions abroad, enriched her prodigious research record with professional development leaves in Bulgaria and Sweden and fostered a deep, abiding commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
**Professional and Scientific Outstanding New Professional Award**
**Alyssa Rutt, program coordinator**
This award “recognizes and honors new professional and scientific employees who quickly have achieved excellence in their respective fields.”
“Alyssa Rutt’s dedication, knowledge and indefatigable spirit make her an invaluable resource in the Greenlee School. Since joining the Greenlee School in 2014, Rutt’s hallmark accomplishment rests in the school’s successful reaccreditation. The self-study report she created not only netted the school reaccreditation, but is also shared by the international accrediting body as a model for other schools. As one faculty member noted, ‘her work ethic is superior – complete, efficient and creative. She models for this university the type of young professional who will continue to contribute greatly to Iowa State.'”
**Professional and Scientific Award for Excellence in Information Technology**
**Shane Scherschel, system support specialist**
This award “recognizes and honors professional and scientific employees working in the field of information technology who have demonstrated excellence in their position responsibilities.”
“Shane Scherschel has provided excellent technical leadership for the Greenlee School and Iowa State. Within the school, Scherschel was instrumental in the transformation of the reading room into a top-flight newsroom/TV studio. Every day Scherschel manages equipment students use for projects and class assignments and Greenlee’s seven computer labs. Scherschel also provides campus leadership in the support of audio/video production and streaming. He provided innovative solutions to the student-run ISUtv, making it possible for broadcast reporter-in-the-field reports during election night, a huge success for this student-run enterprise. He has a well-earned reputation for approachability, reliability and customer success.”
[See the complete list of those honored by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.](https://news.las.iastate.edu/2017/09/06/las-honors-faculty-and-staff-at-2017-fall-convocation-and-awards-ceremony/)