Refreshed to align with the ND Values shared last fall, these honors recognize staff who serve as role models for our ND values of Catholic Mission, Community, Collaboration, Excellence, and Innovation.
The Presidential Catholic Mission Award Winners
This award honors staff who are a force for good. These award recipients help to advance Notre Dame’s mission to be the leading global Catholic research university.
John R. Zack: Catholic Mission
John Zack has served as the University sacristan within the Office of Campus Ministry for 39 years. Based at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Zack manages the complex liturgical operations that underpin the University’s prayer life. His work ensures that every Mass and service is executed with a level of precision and reverence that allows the community to focus entirely on worship.
Zack’s leadership is most visible during the University’s most significant spiritual milestones, such as Commencement and Opening of the Academic Year Masses. With a characteristic blend of professionalism and joy, he and his colleagues transform the Purcell Pavilion into a worthy space for worship. Without seeking the limelight or fanfare, Zack navigates complex logistical challenges to foster a spirit of collaboration among ministers and participants alike. A consistent force for good in the spiritual life of the University, Zack exemplifies the University’s mission and is a distinguished recipient of the Presidential Catholic Mission Award.
Susanna Villano: Catholic Mission
Susanna Villano serves as the administrative director of the Notre Dame Children’s Choir, where she masterfully blends professional expertise with a deep commitment to the University’s spiritual mission. From managing large-scale fundraisers and national tours to directing the Cantabile Choir, Villano ensures that sacred music remains a transformative experience for children of all backgrounds. Her innovative spirit led to the creation of the Lyric Choir for Singers with Mixed Abilities, providing a dedicated space for children with special needs to flourish. Beyond the logistics of O’Neill Hall, Villano acts as a mentor to graduate students and a bridge to the broader community, witnessing firsthand the growth of her students into leaders in their schools and churches. Villano’s devotion to the healing power of music and her commitment to being a force for good embody the University’s values, making her truly deserving of the Presidential Catholic Mission Award.
The Presidential Collaboration Award Winners
This award honors staff who embody the power of teamwork. These bridge builders work with honesty, kindness, and humility to achieve shared goals. They excel at open communication, celebrate the accomplishments of others, and are committed to the success of the team above their own.
Geory Kurtzhals: Collaboration
As the executive director of Notre Dame Sustainability, Geory Kurtzhals is a quintessential “bridge builder” who has transformed how her department engages the University community. Recognizing sustainability as an inherently collective effort, Kurtzhals has replaced fragmented processes with deep, meaningful partnerships across campus. Whether she is working alongside Building Services to refine gameday recycling or partnering with Utilities and Maintenance on complex infrastructure projects, Kurtzhals leads with a rare blend of humility and active listening. Her “team-first” mentality is evident in her dedication to celebrating the accomplishments of others, notably through the internal partner recognition initiative she developed for the Annual Sustainability Celebration. By consistently asking, “How can I help the team succeed?” Kurtzhals has turned competing interests into shared visions. Her ability to elevate others and lead through human connection makes her an invaluable collaborator, a true servant leader, and a deserving recipient of the Presidential Collaboration Award.
Tony Oleck: Collaboration
Tony Oleck serves as the advisor to the Vice President for Student Affairs, where he is a natural leader whose collaborative influence extends across the University. Through his cross-functional leadership, Tony has been instrumental in aligning the academic core with Student Affairs, ensuring a seamless and holistic experience for every Notre Dame student. Whether he is reimagining foundational first-year programs or spearheading the Student Formation Community of Practice to unify the vision of the Provost’s Office and Student Affairs, Oleck operates with a rare blend of vision and joyful service. He is known for his remarkable capacity to bring structure and clarity to complex, multidepartmental projects, ensuring their success through his polished and professional leadership. Oleck’s greatest strength is his ability to elevate those around him, providing the guidance and resources that allow the entire University team to thrive. His unwavering commitment to doing the right thing, in the right way, makes him an invaluable asset to the Notre Dame community and a deserving recipient of the Presidential Collaboration Award.
The Presidential Community Award Winners
This award honors staff who consistently treat everyone with dignity and respect. Award recipients build positive and inclusive environments, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone with whom they interact. They go out of their way to support and uplift their colleagues.
Anthony Mendenhall: Community
Through his daily work as event team field coordinator, Anthony Mendenhall embodies the Notre Dame spirit by consistently supporting and uplifting those around him. He has a unique gift for making everyone he interacts with feel they truly belong, creating a positive environment where every individual can thrive. Mendenhall is a tireless advocate for his team, providing hands-on mentorship to support their professional growth and investing his time to teach essential computer skills and professional communication that empower his colleagues to reach their full potential. His kindness extends across departmental boundaries, as evidenced by his willingness to assist colleagues across campus during their busiest seasons. With a reputation for always having his team’s back and a steadfast commitment to treating every person with respect and grace, Mendenhall personifies the Presidential Community Award.
Sonia Bibbs: Community
In her role as public space custodian at the Morris Inn, Sonia Bibbs serves as a vital ambassador of kindness and human connection. She possesses a natural ability to uplift those around her, ensuring that every individual feels heard and acknowledged.
Bibbs is known for her extraordinary intentionality; she makes a practice of remembering the names and stories of guests and colleagues, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she meets. Many note how her genuine care and attentiveness can brighten an entire day. Her leadership extends to broader University initiatives, where she recently served as an inspiring voice for the “Creating a Community of Respect” program. Bibbs’s daily actions foster an atmosphere of belonging and support, making her an invaluable asset to the University and a deserving recipient of the Presidential Community Award.
The Presidential Excellence Award Winners
This award honors staff who pursue the highest standards. Award recipients are committed to truth and service, consistently delivering exceptional, high-quality work. They are models of integrity, are skilled professionals, and inspire those around them to strive for excellence.
Erin Clark: Excellence
As the employment immigration program manager for International Student and Scholar Affairs, Erin Clark has led a remarkable transformation in how Notre Dame supports its international scholars and employees. Clark is a skilled professional who consistently delivers high-quality work, even when navigating the most complicated legal and administrative terrain. Her achievements are vast—from transitioning critical immigration forms into efficient digital systems, to mentoring her colleagues for their own professional development. Clark’s leadership style is defined by a proactive “builder” mindset and seasoned expertise, allowing her to identify gaps in institutional data and resolve them with grace and clarity. She remains a relentless advocate for policies that better serve our international community, ensuring that each individual feels welcomed and supported. Clark’s commitment to institutional excellence and meticulous compliance makes her a deserving recipient of the Presidential Excellence Award.
Lori Loftis: Excellence
Lori Loftis, Senior Pre-Award Program Manager for Notre Dame Research, is honored for her exceptional customer service and her role as a dedicated liaison for faculty. Loftis approaches her work with a focus on building positive relationships, ensuring that every person she encounters is treated with kindness and respect. She is a steadfast advocate for the faculty she supports, providing a helpful and steady hand that allows them to feel confident in their partnership with her department. Known for her patience and her ability to foster a sense of community, her work is defined by the meaningful connections she builds across campus. Her commitment to being a helpful, service-minded professional is a testament to her dedication to the Notre Dame family, and makes her a deserving recipient of the Presidential Excellence Award.
The Presidential Innovation Award Winner
This award honors staff who inspire us all to think differently. This award recipient embraces opportunities with creativity and dedication, consistently exploring new approaches and turning innovative ideas into reality.
Brandon Rich: Innovation
Brandon Rich, director of AI enablement in the Office of Information Technology, serves as a vital architect of innovation at Notre Dame, consistently turning emerging ideas into results that benefit the entire University. Over the past two years, he has led the successful integration of enterprise AI tools, providing secure platforms that support the evolving needs of modern higher education. Through the AI Accelerator, Rich identifies practical, results-driven applications for technology, streamlining administrative work and improving efficiency across diverse campus units. His national recognition as a leader in educational technology reflects his role in establishing Notre Dame as a pioneer in responsible AI strategy. Rich is a proactive leader who encourages a culture of curiosity and excellence, ensuring that the University remains at the cutting edge of innovation. His dedication to building sustainable, AI-enabled workflows makes him an exemplary recipient of the Presidential Innovation Award.
Nominate a colleague for the 2027 Presidential Awards today
The Presidential Awards celebrate the people who bring Notre Dame’s values to life every day, in ways both big and small. While the awards ceremony is an annual event, you don’t have to wait for next spring to recognize an outstanding coworker. Submissions for the 2027 Presidential Awards are open now, and nominations will be thoughtfully considered during the next selection cycle.
Originally published by at ndworks.nd.edu on May 18, 2026.