Staff Member of the Year
The Barbara Bonney Staff Member of the Year award is presented annually to a staff member of the Westchester campus who has shown continued excellence in one's professional area. Nominees should consistently demonstrate commitment to the ideals of higher education, leadership and initiative within one's area or the university as a whole, a unique contribution to improving the quality of life at LMU, public service to the LMU community, and a commitment to improving the relationship between the staff and university by developing projects or participating in events that serve this purpose.
Barbara Bonney
Barbara joined the LMU staff in 1977 and worked in multiple departments including library services, College of Science and Engineering, College of Liberal Arts, Learning Resource Center, Office of the Vice President for Finance and Planning, and served as Executive Secretary for Presidents Loughran and O’Malley. In addition to performing her job flawlessly, Barbara was the person everyone went to with odd questions. She was the expert on topics as varied as grammar and etiquette to LMU basketball statistics. She was kind to all, gracious, worked very hard, had a wonderful sense of humor, loved LMU and did whatever necessary to make life easier for our community. Barbara was posthumously awarded the very first staff award in 1996, and this award is named in her honor.
Barbara Bonney Staff Member of the Year 2025
Rory Walsh
Manager of Learning Spaces and Event Technology Services
Information Technology Services
Nomination Stand-out Quote
"Whether it’s troubleshooting tech or anticipating needs during complex events, Rory’s initiative ensures everyone feels supported and LMU’s reputation for excellence is upheld. I have also witnessed Rory coaching and mentoring staff who take on the responsibility of supporting events. He is thoughtful, patient, and thorough in his instructions — empowering others with the confidence and knowledge to contribute effectively. His leadership builds capacity within the team and helps elevate the overall quality of LMU’s event execution."
Previous Awardees
| Year | Name | Title at Time of Award |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Michelle Fernandez | Event Manager, Conference and Event Services |
| 2023 | Kathryn Turner | Assistant Director for Event Management, Conference and Event Services |
| 2022 | Marieclare Sia | Senior Wellness Strategist and Advisor |
| 2021 | John Orozco | Director of Student Conduct and Community Responsibility |
| 2020 | Trish Carlson | Senior Director of Campus Services |
| 2019 | Pam Rector | Director of the Center for Service and Action |
| 2018 | Faith Sovilla | Senior Administrative Coordinator, Theological Studies |
| 2017 | Briana Maturi | Director of LMU CARES and Sorority and Fraternity Life |
| 2016 | Janet Lee | Training Coordinator, Information Technology Services |
| 2015 | Henry Ward | Director of Intercultural Affairs |
| 2014 | Dale Marini | Associate Director of Admission, Undergraduate Admission |
| 2013 | Raymundo Andrade | Library Assistant |
| 2012 | Kathleen Nelson | Senior Secretary, Undergraduate Admission |
| 2011 | Francesca Piumetti | Associate Dean of Students |
| 2010 | Fabio Caceres | Quality Assurance Coordinator, Facilities |
| 2009 | Joanne Connolly, S.S.L. | Director of Mission and Identity, Student Affairs |
| 2008 | Alice Johnson | Administrative Coordinator, Admission |
| 2007 | Timothy O'Neill | Special Projects Manager, School of Film and Television |
| 2006 | Dionne Simmons | Assistant Director of Residential Life |
| 2005 | Jaime Sanchez | Student Affairs Associate, Ticket Office and Camps |
| 2004 | Debbie Wilson | Director of Student Health |
| 2003 | Louisa Vakili | Director of Financial Services/Bursar |
| 2002 | Dave Trump | Associate Vice President of Facilities Management |
| 2001 | Jayne Mas | Associate Director of Student Health |
| 2000 | Dorothy Love | Assistant Director of Construction |
| 1999 | Bernadette Bernard | Executive Assistant to the President/Board of Trustees |
| 1998 | Rebecca Garcia Prieto | Senior Student Loan Counselor |
| 1997 | Peg Dolan, R.S.H.M. | Alumni Chaplain |
| 1996 | Barbara Bonney (posthumous) | Administrative Assistant, Office of the President |