Karalewitz Given Frostburg State University President’s Distinguished Staff Award

Jun 6, 2019 3:50 PM

Bridgette Karalewitz, administrative assistant for Student Support Services at Frostburg State University, has been selected as the 2019 recipient of the President’s Distinguished Staff Award, which was presented during FSU’s 154th Commencement Ceremony.

This award recognizes a staff member who has provided exceptional service to the University and has helped to advance its mission, goals and priorities. FSU awards the President’s Distinguished Staff Award in recognition of the countless ways that staff support Frostburg’s excellence.

“Bridgette’s love of public service is woven through all aspects of her life,” said FSU President Ronald Nowaczyk, in presenting the award. “Her outstanding service impacts the Frostburg State University community and beyond.”

Aware of the needs of students and often meeting those needs on her own, Karalewitz recognized the growing issue of food insecurity among college students long before it gained national attention. Partnering with the FSU Student Lions Club, Karalewitz formed a committee of students, faculty and administrators to help establish PAWS Pantry, a campus food pantry serving all students.

Involved in every aspect of PAWS Pantry, Karalewitz conducted research on the issue of food inadequacies on campus and developed the policies and procedures to put the pantry in place. Karalewitz led a workgroup to secure a location, secure funding for a part-time AmeriCorps member and collected food items and monetary donations to stock the pantry.

PAWS Pantry has been operating since November 2018.

“Bridgette is the epitome of a servant-leader who makes a real-world difference,” Nowaczyk said.