BVM Core Value Award

The BVM Core Value Award is presented to a current full-time member of the faculty, staff, or administration who strongly exemplifies the BVM Core Values of Freedom, Education, Charity, and Justice, as well as the quest for self-knowledge and the application of knowledge for the greater good.

This year’s Clarke University BVM Core Value Award was presented to:

Troy Aiken, MFA
Assistant Professor of Art

Here is an excerpt from the nomination for this year’s recipient:

“[His deep care] for his students and colleagues …is evident in everything that he does. In the classroom, he is patient and considerate, allowing students to learn at their own pace while giving them an outlet to express themselves creatively. He has introduced new and exciting concepts to his classes like Raku Fire Nights and demonstrations from guest artists.  

It is no wonder that his classes now have waiting lists and even community members [ask] to audit his classes – The word of his good nature and skilled approach to teaching have spread rapidly!”

Previous Recipients

Aimee Taylor, Ph.D., Chair of First Year Studies, 2025
Amy Errthum, MOL, Director of Marketing, 2024
Samantha Hicks, MSW, Assistant Professor of Social Work, 2023
Cathy Stierman, Ed.D., Assistant Professor of Education 2022
Ellen Spencer, Ed.D., Associate Professor of Education, 2021
Mary Gitau, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Social Work, 2020
Sean Bradley, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics, 2019
Deann Petitgout, MA, Instructor of Athletic Training, Director of Compass, 2018
Rachel Daack, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology, 2017
Bill Kochendorfer, Safety and Security, 2016
Kathy Ternes, Bookstore, 2015
Mary Ellen Herbst, Receptionist, 2014
Helen Black, Institutional Advancement, 2013
Darrell Deutmeyer, Facilities, 2012
Bill O’Dell, PT, DHS, OCS, MBA, Cert.DN, Professor of Physical Therapy, 2011
Lorie Murphy, Counselor, 2010