Distinguished Alumnus Award: This award is presented to an alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated outstanding performance in his or her profession and has made outstanding contributions to his or her community.  This is the highest honor presented by the Alumni Association.

This year's recipient is Craig E. Gilliland.  Craig graduated from SSU in 1990 with an associate degree in accounting and in 1991 with an associate degree in computer information systems and a bachelor's degree in business administration.  He also has a master’s of business administration from Ohio University (’92).

Craig is the administrative director of financial support and facilities at Southern Ohio Medical Center, where he is overseeing SOMC’s $110 million expansion project.  He is also responsible for the oversight of $400 million in existing buildings over four campuses, nine off-site locations and 30 physician practices renting from SOMC.  Craig is also an adjunct professor at SSU.

Craig is the chairman of this year’s Scioto County United Way campaign. He is a member of the Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Southern Ohio Growth Partnership board, and the Scioto Foundation Investment Committee.  He is a past president of the Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and a past member of the SSU Development Foundation. 

Craig is the Head Elder and Treasurer for the Prison Ministries of the Portsmouth Seventh-Day Adventist Church.  He created and continues to operate a winter men’s industrial basketball league and he volunteers as a coach for youth softball, baseball, basketball, volleyball and soccer.

While at SSU, Craig played men’s basketball for four years and was a co-captain for one year. 

Gilliland and his wife, Melanie (’92), have three children, Lexie, Cole and Delanie.

Alumni Service Award: This award is presented to an alumnus or alumna in recognition of his or her outstanding volunteer service and contributions to Shawnee State and/or the Alumni Association.

This year's recipient is Brian Saul.  Brian graduated from SSU in 1997 with a bachelor's degree in social sciences.  Brian is the coordinator of student transfer services in the SSU Office of Admissions.

Brian is a member of the Alumni Council and has been involved with planning alumni activities for a number of years.  He serves on a number of campus committees including the Executive Committee of the University Administrative Assembly and the Veterans' Day Committee.  While a student at SSU, Brian was Student Government Association President (1995-1996) and a student member of the Board of Trustees (1994-1996).

Some of Brian's accomplishments include: the Army Commendation Medal (1991), the SSU Student Star Award (1997), the Radio Shack Regional Customer Service Award (1999), the Ohio Association of College Admission Counseling New Member Award (2003), the Tau Kappa Epsilon Alumni of the Year Award (2003) and the SSU Administrator Performance Award (2003).

Brian currently lives in South Point with his wife Sheryl.

Alumnus of Tomorrow Award: This award is given each academic year to a graduating student (from that academic year) who has displayed commitment to his or her individual endeavors—academic, social and personal—and who shows great promise toward his or her future endeavors.  The award is given at the annual Evening of Honors in May.

 

This year's recipient is Jeanette Bauer Brammer.  Jeanette graduated from SSU in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in biology.  Jeanette was a student employee in the Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs as well as for the science department caring for the animals in the SSU mini-zoo. 

Jeanette was a member of the Natural Science Club, the Recycling Club, Beta Beta Beta, the Chemistry Club, the Environmental Club and the Gamers Guild.  She also volunteered at Sierra's Haven (an animal shelter) and for many other on-campus causes. 

Jeanette married Erik Brammer ('07) July 28th.  They reside in Columbus, where Jeanette is a laboratory technician for Battelle.

For more information on how to nominate someone for these awards, click here.