Congratulations to the July "Be a Bengal" Nominees

Since 2019, the "Be a Bengal" Program has recognized employees who exemplify ISU's six core values: Teamwork, Integrity, Inclusivity, Community, Learning, and Shared Responsibility. In 2025, the program expanded to recognize contributions in any or all of these values, reinforcing their importance to our Strategic Plan.

Our July nominees exemplify what it means to be part of the Bengal family. Through their dedication, collaboration, and commitment to others, they help create a campus community where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive. We are incredibly grateful for the many ways they bring our values to life each day.

We'd also like to recognize two employees who were inadvertently missed in our June announcement. We apologize for the oversight and are pleased to celebrate them now!

Cali Bell - Shared Responsibility, Community, Teamwork
Michelle Collier - Shared Responsibility, Community, Teamwork
Abdul Khalil Azizi (2 Nominations) - Integrity (2x), Inclusivity, Shared Responsibility (2x), Community, Learning, Teamwork (2x)
Derek Barnard - Integrity, Inclusivity, Community, Teamwork
Lance Blanchard - Integrity, Shared Responsibility, Community, Learning, Teamwork
Ed Bold - Integrity, Inclusivity, Shared Responsibility, Community, Learning, Teamwork
Lewis Burnham - Integrity, Shared Responsibility, Teamwork
Reinalyn Echon - Integrity, Inclusivity, Shared Responsibility, Community
Bree Gilbert - Integrity, Inclusivity, Shared Responsibility, Community, Learning, Teamwork
Sarah Hook - Integrity, Inclusivity, Shared Responsibility, Community, Learning, Teamwork
Darin Ivie, Dawn Lewis, Steve Merrill, Kurtis Moser, Paul Murray, Patrick Perry, Casey Skelton, Adam Spencer - Integrity, Shared Responsibility, Community, Learning, Teamwork
Office of Financial Aid - Integrity, Inclusivity, Shared Responsibility, Community, Learning, Teamwork
Mandy Myers - Integrity, Inclusivity, Community, Teamwork
Aaron O'Leary - Integrity, Inclusivity, Shared Responsibility, Community, Learning, Teamwork
JJ Pereira - Integrity, Shared Responsibility, Community, Teamwork
Tony Razo - Inclusivity
Denise Scott - Teamwork
Stetson Tolman - Integrity, Inclusivity, Shared Responsibility, Community, Learning, Teamwork
Alen Walker - Integrity, Inclusivity, Shared Responsibility, Community, Learning, Teamwork
Chelsea Wilkerson - Learning

Thank you to all of our nominees for the meaningful contributions you make to ISU. Your commitment to our students, colleagues, and campus community makes a difference every day.

Know someone who exemplifies what it means to "Be a Bengal"? If you would like to nominate a colleague, please visit the website to submit a nomination today.

Together, we'll continue building a university community that embraces our values, celebrates one another, and brings out the very best in our Bengal family. Thank you for being Bengals!