Four 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 2025 Staff Excellence Awards on Thursday, May 22, in the AMU Monaghan Ballrooms.
All five honorees were selected for exemplifying the university’s mission of excellence, faith, leadership and service.
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
Taylor Rose Pamperin, graduate student success and programming specialist in the College of Nursing
As a member of the College of Nursing’s Equity and Inclusion Committee, Taylor Rose Pamperin addresses social justice by identifying and addressing bias to continue the college’s mission to be an inclusive community focused on justice and equity. She’s commended for her keen awareness of student needs and willingness to ensure every student feels supported, valued and included, regardless of their background.
In her role as a graduate student success and programming specialist, Pamperin is accessible, approachable and genuine, creating an environment where students feel comfortable seeking support. She contributes to the development and implementation of inclusive programming, book groups and workshops that address the needs and concerns of diverse student populations. Her programming – which includes her work as a facilitator for the university’s Making Marquette Inclusive initiative – also assists faculty and staff, deepening their awareness of different social identities.
“I am truly honored to be recognized for my vocation and grateful for the opportunity to amplify the possibilities of what we can do and who we can be together when we truly embrace access, equity and inclusion,” Pamperin said. “I’m so grateful to my colleagues and friends who are never satisfied with merely being good enough and whose daily, individual and collaborative actions help make Marquette and other community spaces more justice-oriented. It is not a sprint, it is not a marathon — it’s a relay race, and there is always a baton that can be passed. Each of us has the opportunity, every day, to contribute to a more inclusive community in both word and deed.”
Excellence in University Service
Eric Benjamin, director of applications in Information Technology Services
Eric Benjamin is responsible for many of the technical systems that make the university run, a role that is both vital and complex. He is praised for his organization as he balances daily issues with enterprise applications, new proposals, updates to existing systems and contracts – all with a calm, steady demeanor.
Benjamin, who has served in multiple roles at Marquette over 20 years, is described as a servant leader, willing to take on assignments outside his usual scope for the betterment of the team.
“It’s an honor to receive this award, and it’s been a true joy to receive kind words and messages from friends all over campus after they saw the news,” Benjamin said. “I cherish that feeling of community and camaraderie that comes from working so long here at Marquette, and I’m overwhelmed by those feelings with this award and ceremony. I’m grateful to everyone who got me here.”
Sara Koenig, coordinator of records and student services in the College of Business Administration
In her role as coordinator of records and student services, Sara Koenig serves as a focal point for support in the College of Business Administration, always there to answer questions for students, faculty and staff throughout the year. Whether it’s about registering for classes, reducing a credit load, changing majors or graduation checklists, she’s the expert, sharing her wisdom with respect and empathy for others.
Koenig, who arrived at Marquette in 2006, goes the extra mile to ensure students are set up for success. She’s been described as a “lifeline for students and faculty,” an “oracle for undergraduate advising” and an “irreplaceable part” of the College of Business Administration.
I am truly honored to receive this award,” Koenig said. “I love the work I get to do and to be recognized in this way is incredibly meaningful. I feel lucky to work with so many amazing people in the College of Business and across campus who are doing exceptional work.”
Steven Robertson, associate director of the Educational Opportunity Program and Pre-College Programs
An alumnus of the Educational Opportunity Program, Steven Robertson’s personal experience fuels his passion for supporting students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. He works tirelessly to ensure current students have the resources, guidance and support necessary to succeed in their academic journeys, no matter the roadblocks they face. He’s been instrumental in many key initiatives, including the establishment of cross-campus and cross-Milwaukee collaborations. He’s built a network of people from all walks of life to pass on the EOP’s impact to the next generation.
Robertson has been described as a living example of the kind of person the EOP hopes to nurture in all its programs – a caring, thoughtful adult who pursues a career path that allows them to serve and inspire others. That impact extends beyond students. He’s also been a valuable mentor to many of his colleagues and regularly participates in university committees, strategic planning groups and community events.
“Being selected for the Staff Excellence Award is a profound honor,” Robertson said. “As a Marquette alumnus — shaped by the Educational Opportunity Program, Upward Bound and Student Support Services — this recognition is a full-circle moment. It affirms what’s possible when access and opportunity meet purpose and perseverance. I stand on the shoulders of those who believed in me before I believed in myself. I’m deeply grateful to Marquette for helping me be the difference — and for continuing to make a difference in the lives of others. I carry that mission forward by investing in the next generation.”
Darwin Sanders, IT support associate in Raynor Library
Darwin Sanders plays a pivotal role in planning, coordinating and providing support for conferences and events held in the Beaumier Suites. His multilingual skills and technological expertise are on display as he interacts with researchers, students and scholars from around the world. Described as a “glue person for the library,” Sanders engages authentically with all around him – often in their native tongue.
Recently honored for his 45 years of service to Marquette, Sanders goes above and beyond, springing to action to solve any roadblocks and customize the space for each event’s needs. He’s been called upon to coordinate and support key campus events, including the Higher Learning Commission’s re-accreditation site visits, international trade and academic conferences, lecture series, competitions and department workshops.
“I am both incredibly honored and humbled to have been selected as one of this year’s Staff Excellence Award recipients,” Sanders said. “Being surrounded by amazing staff, faculty and students working together in our Marquette community is a constant source of inspiration. It reinforces the sense of collegiality. In such a positive environment, it is easy to strive to provide the best service possible for everyone you have the opportunity to work with.”
