Colleagues honored at 2026 Staff Excellence Awards

Five Marquette staff members were honored with Excellence in University Service awards, and one staff member received the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 2026 Staff Excellence Awards on Thursday, May 21, in the AMU Monaghan Ballrooms.

All six honorees were selected for exemplifying the university's mission of excellence, faith, leadership and service.

Excellence in University Service

Maria Cooper, administrative assistant III in the Honors Program

Maria Cooper is widely recognized for her exceptional commitment to students, colleagues and the university community. A Marquette alumna with more than a20 years of service across multiple campus units, Cooper is known for her professionalism, reliability and deep institutional knowledge, earning a reputation as a trusted resource across departments.

Consistently described as going above and beyond her formal responsibilities, Cooper brings a highly student-centered approach to her work, reflecting a strong commitment to cura personalis. She regularly assists students with navigating university systems, organizing events and accessing resources, often anticipating needs and resolving issues before they arise. Colleagues note her ability to connect people across campus and solve complex problems efficiently, supported by extensive relationships and a strong understanding of university processes. In recent years, she has successfully managed responsibilities across three distinct areas, developing effective workflows, embracing new systems, and contributing to process improvements that benefit her teams and the broader university.

Beyond her primary role, Cooper is a dedicated university citizen who fosters a sense of community through both large-scale initiatives and small, meaningful gestures. From her leadership in organizing the annual Holiday Giving Tree to her involvement in Staff Senate and her thoughtful support of colleagues, she consistently contributes to a culture of care and connection at Marquette.

"I arrived at Marquette in 1983 as a first-year student in the College of Journalism, and Marquette has been home ever since," Cooper said. "I have been privileged with 20 years of engaging work with Honors colleagues who care deeply about students and their experience at Marquette."

Erin Folstad, director of project planning and development in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

Erin Folstad plays a central role in advancing Marquette's research enterprise. Over more than a decade of service, she has built a reputation as a trusted partner to faculty and staff across campus, bringing deep expertise, professionalism and institutional knowledge to the development of competitive grant proposals and strategic research initiatives.

Folstad is consistently recognized for her exceptional attention to detail, command of complex funding processes and ability to guide projects from early concept to successful submission. She supports faculty at all levels, helping them navigate evolving sponsor requirements, structure proposals and meet demanding deadlines, often in high-pressure situations. Colleagues note her steady composure, responsiveness and willingness to go above and beyond - frequently working outside traditional hours - to ensure submissions are thorough, compliant and positioned for success. Her contributions have been instrumental in securing major external funding and advancing interdisciplinary collaborations that strengthen the university's academic mission.

Beyond her technical expertise, Folstad fosters a culture of collaboration, mentorship and care across the research community. She connects faculty and partners across disciplines, supports professional development for investigators and students, and approaches each interaction with patience, encouragement and respect.

"Being recognized for excellence is especially meaningful given the extraordinary individuals who make up the Marquette community!" Folstad said.

Courtney Hanson, director of the Career Center

Courtney Hanson has led a transformative effort to reimagine career services and education at Marquette. A three-time Marquette alumna with two decades of service, Hanson has developed a strategic, collaborative model that connects career development with the broader student experience, ensuring all students have access to meaningful opportunities that prepare them for life after graduation.

Hanson is widely recognized for her student-centered approach and her commitment to expanding access to high-impact experiences. She has led the creation of innovative initiatives, including the Unpaid Internship Funding Program, which removes financial barriers to experiential learning, and the Student Art Initiative, which connects career exploration with self-expression and belonging. She has also advanced the university's Professional Formation Competencies, helping students articulate the skills they develop through coursework and campus involvement. Through partnerships across campus and with employers, Hanson has strengthened opportunities for engagement, contributing to record participation in career programming and creating welcoming pathways for students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Beyond her programmatic leadership, Hanson fosters a culture of collaboration, mentorship and care among her team and campus partners. She is known for building strong systems that support communication, professional growth and shared purpose, while approaching leadership with humility and a deep commitment to the Ignatian ideals of cura personalis and magis.

"I am truly honored to be recognized as a Staff Excellence Award recipient," Hanson said. "Doing work that has a direct impact on student success and leads to graduates living lives of purpose is very meaningful to me. I am blessed to work at a place like Marquette where I know I can count on colleagues to work together for the good of students."

Don Hertz, manager of technical services in the Diederich College of Communication

Don Hertz plays a vital role in supporting the university's production, broadcasting and event needs. Known for his deep technical expertise and creative problem-solving, Hertz is a trusted partner to colleagues across campus, regularly contributing to high-profile events and initiatives well beyond his college role. His work has helped position the college as a resource for the broader Marquette community.

Hertz is consistently recognized for his ability to translate complex challenges into effective, innovative solutions. Whether supporting live events, video production or new initiatives, he approaches each project with precision, flexibility and a commitment to excellence. Colleagues highlight his willingness to step in, often on short notice, and his ability to remain calm and solutions-oriented under pressure. From leading production efforts during the pandemic to expanding student-run broadcast opportunities in partnership with Athletics, his contributions have enhanced both the quality and reach of university programming.

Equally impactful is Hertz's dedication to mentoring and supporting students. He provides hands-on learning opportunities that build technical skills, confidence and career readiness, while also supporting students with flexibility and care.

"It's always exciting to find opportunities where the learning needs of our students coincide with a project requirement elsewhere on campus," Hertz said. "The Diederich College of Communication has made a significant investment in digital media production equipment, television studios and podcasting spaces. Matching those resources with campus needs allows our students to hone their craft on real-world projects and be better positioned to enter the job market when they graduate."

Karen Parr, creative director in the Office of Marketing and Communication

Karen Parr plays a defining role in shaping and expressing Marquette's visual identity. Since joining the university, she has established herself as a highly respected creative leader and collaborator, known for her ability to translate complex ideas into compelling visual storytelling that reflects the university's mission, values and brand.

Parr is widely recognized for her exceptional creativity, strategic thinking and attention to detail, consistently delivering work that exceeds expectations. Her contributions are visible across campus, from admissions materials and Mission Week campaigns to environmental design elements that enhance the campus experience for prospective students, families and the Marquette community. Colleagues point to her leadership on high-profile, time-sensitive projects - including the redesign of the university seal and materials for presidential events - as examples of her ability to balance artistry, precision and responsiveness under pressure. She is known for her collaborative approach, partnering closely with colleagues to understand goals, elevate ideas and bring projects to life in ways that are both effective and meaningful.

Beyond her creative expertise, Parr is a thoughtful and generous colleague who approaches her work with humility and care. She mentors others and consistently places the needs of the university and its community at the center of her work.

"Weaving creativity and purpose together have always been a goal of mine, and I am grateful to do this work at Marquette University," Parr said. "I am honored to receive this award and thankful for the many collaborations across campus that help bring this work to life."

Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award

Emily Raclaw, director of the On Your Marq Neurodiversity Support Program

Emily Raclaw has led a transformative effort to support neurodivergent students at Marquette. Since launching the On Your Marq program in 2019, Raclaw has grown it into a nationally recognized model, expanding its reach and impact while helping position the university as a leader in neuroinclusive education. Through her leadership, On Your Marq has created meaningful pathways for students to thrive academically, socially and personally, while embedding inclusion more deeply into campus culture.

Raclaw is widely recognized for building a comprehensive, student-centered program that provides holistic support across all aspects of the college experience. From academic and executive functioning support to social engagement, mental health and career development, she has created systems that ensure students feel seen, supported and empowered. At the same time, she has extended this work across the institution, developing training programs, resources and partnerships that equip faculty and staff to better support neurodivergent students.

Raclaw has also expanded opportunities for long-term success through partnerships with employers and community organizations, helping to advance more equitable hiring practices and professional pathways.

"Receiving this recognition is incredibly meaningful because it reflects the work so many people have done to create a more inclusive and supportive experience for neurodivergent students at Marquette," Raclaw said. "On Your Marq has always been about helping students feel seen, understood and empowered to thrive as themselves, and I'm honored to be part of that work every day."