The 2025 Excellence Awards celebrated our people and our successes from the 2024-25 athletic season. These awards recognized exemplary staff members from across the Athletics Department, Business Advancement and SASSO.

On May 10, 2025, Ohio State University hosted its annual Excellence Awards ceremony, honoring exceptional staff members from the Athletics Department, Business Advancement, and SASSO for their outstanding contributions during the 2024–25 academic year. This event underscored the university’s commitment to recognizing the dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit that drive its success.

The Excellence Awards encompass several categories, each highlighting specific aspects of staff performance:

• Integrity Award: Recognizes individuals who promote and uphold Ohio State’s standards and values through personal accountability.
• Education Award: Honors those who demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and contribute to academic, leadership, or social experiences.
• People Award: Acknowledges staff members who provide excellent experiences for student-athletes, students, staff, and guests.
• Respect Award: Celebrates individuals who foster collaboration and inclusiveness while treating all people with respect.
• Innovation Award: Recognizes those who utilize innovative ideas to create and deliver impact.
• Community Award: Honors staff committed to supporting people and causes across campus or in the community.
• Excellence Award: Acknowledges individuals who consistently represent Ohio State’s values and serve as exemplars for their peers.
• Higher Purpose Award: Selected by the leadership committee, this award honors those committed to fulfilling the mission and vision of the Department of Athletics, Business Advancement, and SASSO.

Eligibility for these awards requires staff members to be full-time employees with at least one year of service by the date of the event, with the exception of the Rookie of the Year Award. Additionally, nominees must have an overall rating of “meets expectations” or above on their most recent performance evaluation.

While specific winners for each category in the 2025 Excellence Awards have not been publicly disclosed, the ceremony highlighted the collective achievements of staff members across the three departments. The event served as a platform to celebrate the dedication and hard work of individuals who have significantly contributed to the university’s success.

The 2025 Excellence Awards ceremony was a testament to Ohio State’s vibrant community and its commitment to excellence. The event featured speeches from university leaders, presentations of awards, and reflections on the achievements of the past year. It provided an opportunity for staff members to come together, celebrate their accomplishments, and reaffirm their dedication to the university’s mission.

As Ohio State continues to build on its legacy of excellence, the 2025 Excellence Awards serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of staff members. The university remains committed to fostering an environment where innovation, collaboration, and dedication are valued and rewarded.

For more information on the Excellence Awards and to view previous winners, please visit the official Ohio State Athletics website. (Ohio State)