The Neal R. Gamsky Endowment Fund was established in 1986. Dr. Gamsky, Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs at Illinois State University from 1973 to 1991, had a longtime interest in students and a determined goal to motivate students to achieve their highest possible level of personal, social, and academic excellence. His devotion to enhancing the quality of life for students motivated others to be equally concerned. In order to encourage professional staff to make significant personal contributions to the students at Illinois State University, Dr. Gamsky was prompted to establish this endowment. The endowment creates an opportunity to grant an award to a staff member in the Division of Student Affairs who has made outstanding contributions to the quality of life for students and who promotes excellence in individual effort and concern for the quality of the campus environment through service and support.
The recipient of this award receives a recognition plaque, monetary award, and their name permanently displayed on a plaque in the Student Service Building.
Qualifications
- Must have made a significant contribution to the quality of student life, which is readily acknowledged as such by peers and/or students
- Must currently hold a position in the Division of Student Affairs
- Must be a full-time professional (A/P or Civil Service) staff member in the Division of Student Affairs for at least three years
Nomination Materials
You will begin this process by completing the Neal R. Gamsky Quality of Student Life Award nomination form, where you will be able to upload your letter of support. The nomination form will ask you to provide the name and email addresses of the nominee's supervisor or department director AND one student or colleague. Please coordinate this with these individuals before submitting the nomination form because they will receive an instant email with the link to submit their individual letters of support when they are ready. If you are the nominee's supervisor or department director, please submit the names and emails of two individuals who will provide a letter of support.
Examples of Enhancing the Quality of Life for Students (to be addressed in the nomination form and letters of support):
- Impacting student lives in positive ways
- Motivating students and providing opportunities for students to achieve their goals
- Exemplifying the core values of Illinois State University in daily interactions with students
- Serving as a role model to students and staff in Student Affairs
The recipient will be announced at the Division of Student Affairs Gamsky Award Ceremony on Thursday, December 12, 2024, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Nominations are due October 28th, and nomination support letters are due November 1st.