January 7, 2021
The Shawnee State University Alumni Association recognizes six individuals for their achievements in their career fields and their communities in the presentation of the Alumni Awards. The 2020 awards include Distinguished Alumnus, Medal of Merit, Alumni Community Service, Distinguished Alumni Ambassador, Outstanding Recent Graduate, and Alumnus of Tomorrow.
Distinguished Alumnus:
Mandy Lynne (Hannan) Brown
The Distinguished Alumnus recipient is Mandy Lynne (Hannan) Brown. This award is presented to an alumnus who has demonstrated distinguished professional achievement, personal qualities and service to the university. A 2014 graduate, Brown works for the Ohio Attorney General's Office (AGO) and currently serves as an investigator in the AGO's Crime Victim Services Section. She assists victims seeking compensation for medical, counseling, work loss, and other qualifying expenses incurred as a result of violent crimes. At SSU, Brown received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and an Associate in General Studies, as well as a minor in Social Work and Certificate in Deaf Studies.
Medal of Merit:
Kyle Brewer
This year’s Medal of Merit recipient is Kyle Brewer. This award is presented to an alumnus who has demonstrated career achievements and outstanding performance in their profession. A 2008 graduate, Brewer serves as the Assistant Principal at North Adams Elementary School. In his role he has played a pivotal role in leading the efforts to implement the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system and conducted PBIS presentations to multiple schools and districts across Ohio. This state-wide initiative teaches students expected behaviors in a positive manner and has been shown to enhance student success and positively change school climate. At SSU, Brewer received his Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education.
Alumni Community Service:
Lisa Buckler
This year’s Alumni Community Service recipient is Lisa Buckler. This award is presented to an alumnus in recognition of their outstanding volunteer service and contributions to the community. A 1984 graduate, Buckler has had a long career in public service as an Injury Management Supervisor at the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation for over 26 years. Previously working as the Assistant to the Mayor of Portsmouth, Ohio, she is an active member of the Lucasville Kiwanis Club and also participates in various charity events. At SSU, Buckler received an Associate of Applied Business.
Distinguished Alumni Ambassador:
Christina Baker
This year's Distinguished Alumni Ambassador is presented to Christina Baker. This award is presented to an alumnus currently working at Shawnee State University who has demonstrated distinguished professional achievements, personal qualities, and service while working at their alma mater. Baker is a 2012 graduate who has devoted her life to Shawnee State, holding several different roles at the university for over a decade. She currently serves as the Coordinator of the Women's & Gender Equity Center and as a Grant Writer for Institutional Research. At SSU, Baker received a bachelor's degree in English & Humanities.
Outstanding Recent Graduate:
Aaron Daniel Wamsley
The Outstanding Recent Graduate recipient is Aaron Daniel Wamsley. The award is presented to an alumnus who has received their first baccalaureate degree from the institution within the last five years and who demonstrates the positive impact their university education has had on their profession. A 2018 graduate, Wamsley studied Biology with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences while also receiving a minor in Microbiology. During his time at SSU, he assisted with undergraduate research under Dr. Jenifer Napper, studying Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Currently, he is working as a Linkage to Care Coordinator with Equitas Health, a non-profit organization that assists people living with HIV/AIDS, while working towards his next step in graduate school.
Alumnus of Tomorrow:
Nathaniel Chris Jones
The Alumnus of Tomorrow recipient is Nathaniel Chris Jones. The award is presented to a graduating student who has displayed commitment to their individual endeavors - academic, social, and personal - and who shows great promise toward their future endeavors. Jones graduated in May 2020 with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. He was a four-year men's soccer team member, was named captain during his senior campaign, and was the team representative on the Mid-South Conference Champions of Character Team. After graduation, Jones planned to attend the University of Cincinnati, working on a Master of Science in Biomedical Research Technologies.
2021 Nominations
The Shawnee State University Alumni Association is now accepting nominations for the 2021 Alumni Awards until Monday, March 1. The nomination form can be found online at shawneestatealumni.com/awards.