Morningside University recently presented its 2025 Thomas S. Thompson Staff Excellence Awards to Pastor Andy Nelson, Campus Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry & Community Service; Jason Reynoldson, Assistant Vice President of Facilities & Auxiliary Services; Allysen Van Ginkel ‘19, Admissions Counselor; Katie Koithan, Student Experience & Retention Coordinator; and Dennis Gonzales, Software Engineer. Gonzales was also named the 2025 Employee of the Year. Additionally, a number of faculty and staff were honored for their years of service to Morningside. 

Recipients of the award are selected annually based on their demonstration of outstanding dedication, service, and commitment to Morningside and its students. Each winner receives a cash bonus. The Thompson Staff Excellence Awards are funded by an endowment established in memory of Thomas S. Thompson, who served as president of Morningside from 1969 to 1978. 

Pastor Andy Nelson has been with Morningside since 2017. He is known for always being willing to help and for offering support that goes far deeper than what’s expected. Whether guiding someone through a difficult moment, creating spaces where people feel safe and valued, or simply showing up with steadiness and kindness, they embody what true service looks like. His work touches many areas of campus life: supporting students facing food insecurity, fostering meaningful dialogue, caring for the emotional and spiritual well-being of our community, and stepping in whenever there’s a need—no matter how heavy the lift. 

Jason Reynoldson began working at Morningside in 2021. Known for his professionalism, creativity, and unwavering dedication to serving our campus, colleagues often talk about how he approaches every challenge with thoughtful problem-solving and a genuine desire to help. His mix of practicality and creativity leaves a lasting impact on the spaces we all share. Jason has saved the university significant resources thanks to his skill, initiative, and willingness to take on complex projects—always delivering quality results. His positive attitude, commitment to Morningside’s mission, and sincere care for colleagues and students show up in everything he does. His role in helping bring our new Mustang statue to campus and overseeing its installation is just one example of his dedication to making our campus a place we’re all proud of. 

Allysen Van Ginkel ’19 has worked as an admissions counselor since 2021. Colleagues describe her as dependable, someone who steps in without hesitation, brings calm during busy times, and quietly lifts others up. This past year brought standout accomplishments, with expectations not just met but exceeded. Through thoughtful, relationship-driven recruitment efforts, this individual played a key role in delivering record-breaking results. Allysen spent countless hours connecting with students and families, answering questions with patience, and creating experiences that made prospective Mustangs feel seen, welcomed, and genuinely excited to join our community. The trust she builds and the support she offers move the whole department forward. 

Katie Koithan has been with Morningside since 2015. Stepping into an important role during a time of transition, Katie took on leadership of a major student success initiative, expanding staff support to meet the needs of our largest incoming class in years. Her leadership is thoughtful, compassionate, and rooted in helping students feel supported. Her collaboration across departments helps shape a campus culture defined by empathy and student-centered problem-solving. As a key contributor to strategic retention efforts and a steady guide for exploring students, she helps ensure students have the clarity and resources they need for their next steps. She brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to equity and belonging. 

Employee of the Year

Dennis Gonzales has been an employee at Morningside University since 2021. Colleagues describe him as someone who can be counted on in any situation, and brings clarity to confusion, calm to stressful moments, and good humor to even the busiest days. His patience, generosity, and friendly spirit have shaped countless positive interactions across departments. Whether answering questions, helping colleagues navigate something new, Dennis consistently brings empathy and confidence to every conversation. This year especially, his contributions have had a far-reaching impact—quietly supporting the work of others, strengthening campus operations, and ensuring that many moving parts continued to run smoothly through a campus-wide IT transformation. His influence has touched nearly every corner of the university, often in ways that are unseen but deeply appreciated. 

Also recognized were Morningside employees for their years of service. 

Individuals who reached five years of service: Kelly Chaney, Brooke Daane, Kelli Flack, Joshua Nannestad, Jessica Squier, and Amanda Stabile.

Individuals who reached 10 years of service: Karrie Alvarez, Katy Burford, Shannon Claxton, Marilyn Eastman, Amanda Haverhals, Cindy Houlsworth, Katie Koithan, James Larson, Nga Nguyen, Jennifer Peterson, Lauretta Shaver, and Nate Turner. 

Individuals who reached 15 years of service: Aaron Bunker; David Elder, Kristal Grigsby, Kurt Spearing, and Jeff Zink. 

Individuals who reached 20-years of service: Stacie Hays, Andre McWell, Joan Shaputis, and Karen Wascher. 

Individuals who reached 25 years of service: Regina Bade and Stephanie Peters. 

Individuals who reached the 30 and 35-year mark of service: Randy Campbell (30) and Jack Hill (35).