Two honored by CSSAC for excellence in support, service

The Campus Support Staff Advisory Committee presented its 2024 CSSAC Excellence Awards to Carol Rosenberger and Norvin Bruns during a May ceremony.

Awarded annually, the CSSAC Excellence Awards recognize two benefits-eligible support and service staff members who go above and beyond in their roles, demonstrate exemplary leadership skills, and provide outstanding customer service. The award consists of a plaque and a $1,500 honorarium subject to tax withholdings.

As a senior administrative assistant in the College of Health and Human Sciences, Rosenberger coordinates a wide range of activities involving undergraduate student recruitment, academic advising, student success programs and career development. Rosenberger’s nominators praised her keen attention to detail, fantastic sense of humor, and deep understanding of every single process and procedure within her office. 

Whether she’s coordinating office moves, updating the college’s programs of study using Curriculog or helping new administrative assistants transition into their roles, Rosenberger does it with ease, pulling from the knowledge she’s gained throughout her 30-plus years at Purdue. 

“She is always ready to help everyone for whom she works either directly or indirectly,” one nominator wrote. “She most often shows initiative by offering to do things that lighten other people’s workloads or suggesting ways other people could make their work easier. That’s why it is an absolute joy for me to have her as my assistant for all matters of undergraduate education.”

Rosenberger says the award means as much to her as the colleagues who took the time to submit a nomination.

“It’s a nice feeling to have your efforts recognized by those around you,” Rosenberger says. “Who you work for has a big impact, and I’ve been fortunate to work for and with a lot of good people over the years.”

 Bruns was nominated for his unparalleled innovation and unwavering support for students in his role as senior research shop technician for the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering. Bruns’ expertise shines when he transforms complex engineering concepts into tangible prototypes, many of which have achieved international recognition through patents, publications and conference presentations. 

“Norvin Bruns is a cornerstone of our school, bringing innovation, dedication and an unparalleled commitment to excellence,” one nominator wrote. “His contributions extend far beyond the typical duties of his position, driving significant advancements in research, education and community engagement within the field of biomedical engineering.” 

Bruns is also committed to supporting and inspiring the next generation of engineers. He serves as a mentor to undergraduate students as he guides them through the intricacies of their senior projects, simultaneously creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel valued, appreciated and motivated to learn. He’s proud to have been a catalyst for many students’ successes, and being recognized for it is just the cherry on top.

“What an honor it is to receive the CSSAC Excellence Award,” Bruns says. “I am grateful to work alongside such an amazing group at the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and contribute to their research through my lab.”