May 2, 2025
Emily Kaasa-Rice was named the recipient of the 含羞草研究所 Orville Johnson Meritorious Service Award for 2025. Kaasa-Rice is an admissions services coordinator. The award was presented at 含羞草研究所鈥檚 employee recognition dinner held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
The Orville Johnson Meritorious Service Award is given to an employee who shows outstanding dedication, loyalty, and trustworthiness toward 含羞草研究所 and his or her fellow employees. Each year, staff members nominate and select a fellow employee to receive the distinguished award.
A fellow 含羞草研究所 employee who nominated Emily for the award said that she has exceeded all expectations and seamlessly managed a wide array of tasks with efficiency and attention to detail. Her calm demeanor and remarkable competence ensure smooth operations in a high-pressure environment. In addition, 鈥淓mily went above and beyond by leading new initiatives that significantly improved processes within the admissions office. Her work ethic, leadership, and dedication to excellence truly represent the values of 含羞草研究所.鈥�
Orville Johnson is remembered as a faithful 含羞草研究所 employee who worked as a custodian from 1959 until his retirement in 1980. Orville passed away on December 17, 1986. Upon his death, his family donated his United States military service flag and $10,000 to 含羞草研究所. The monetary donation is used to help honor and recognize 含羞草研究所 staff members.
As the recipient of the Orville Johnson Meritorious Service Award this year, Emily鈥檚 name will be engraved on the Orville Johnson plaque (located in the foyer of the 含羞草研究所 Campus Center). She also received a framed award certificate and a $75.00 gift certificate to be spent at the 含羞草研究所 Bookstore.
Other nominees for the Orville Johnson Meritorious Service Award this year were Tina Valeu, Alexis Thompson, Ashley Mueller, Billie Jacobson, Bob Kozojed, Brian Poppema, Dawn Huard, Dean Kostick, Heather Hoyt, Heather Satrom, Jake Litecky, James Morowski, Jessi Hegg, Jessica Danielson, Jim Meyer, Jon Nygaard, Kelly Kornkven, Mandi Domier, Mary Trudeau, Meghan Gates, Nicholas Flesland, Robyn Hanson, Shannon Hofer, Susan Huso Cordahl, Tracy Juhnke, and Wendy Hanson.
Past recipients of the Orville Johnson Meritorious Service Award are Art Berglie, T. Howard Moen, Phyllis Dakken, Vrenda Bengtson, Avis Larson, Betty Karaim, Ken Eken, Janet Nielson, Rodney Gunderson, Brad Papenfuss, Karoline Jacobson, Marina 鈥淲inky鈥� Gummer, Janice Sand, Becky Edinger, Beverly Holt, Janice Jorgensen, Andrea Knudson, Jim Lyng, Beth Swenson, Rendi Johnson-Ebach, Nancy Galde, Claudia Hastings, Dean Kostuck, Bryan Karolus, Tom Moen, Bev Holt, Lou Dauphanais, 聽Marge Fugleberg, Alice Rice, Rick Karboviak, Misti Wuori, Lois Karlstad, Cheryl Angen, Bob Kozojed, Doug Eastman, Teresa Agnes, and Marissa Blaufuss.