Two faculty and two staff members each received a Silver Star Award from the Bush School Class of 2021.
The Bush School Class of 2021 honored distinguished faculty and staff members with Silver Star Awards at a recent Bush School ceremony. Students recognized the positive impact faculty members Dr. Mallory Compton and Professor Katherine Weary and staff members Holly Kasperbauer and Michael Cochran made in their lives and academic careers.
“Receiving the Silver Star Award this past May was truly an honor,” said Professor Weary. All winners expressed a similar sense of gratitude to the students who voted for them.
“I am honored that the Class of 2021 selected me to receive the faculty Silver Star Award,” said Dr. Compton.
Kasperbauer echoed her sentiment. “Receiving the Class of 2021, PSAA Silver Star Award is a great honor,” she said.
Every year, each graduating student at the Bush School nominates three faculty and three staff members to be awarded the Silver Star. From the pool of nominees, the graduation chair, also a student, identifies the employees who receive the most nominations in each category, separated by department: Public Service and Administration (PSAA) faculty, PSAA staff, International Affairs (INTA) faculty and INTA staff. Graduates from each department then vote on winners in their respective categories.
Compton joined the PSAA faculty in the fall of 2019, having already established a stellar reputation lecturing on public service and management.
“We all know what a challenging year this has been for our students, and I hope that I was able to provide them some support during this difficult time. I’m very proud of what our students have accomplished, and I look forward to seeing what they achieve in the future,” she said.
Weary also joined the faculty in 2019 to teach in the INTA intelligence concentration. Drawing on her experience as a Senior Analyst for the federal government, she instills in her students practical knowledge and competence in analysis and writing for the intelligence community.
“While the Bush Class of ‘21 had many obstacles, there were also many amazing shared experiences. I will always look on this award and be flooded with unforgettable memories from my Zoom classes and capstone team,” said Weary.
Students’ appreciation for Bush School employees extends beyond the classroom. Staff members also invest heavily in the futures of students.
According to Kasperbauer, “The most rewarding work that I get to do at the Bush School is the work I do with students, and I love getting to be part of their journey.”
Kasperbauer became Assistant Director of the Bush School Public Service Leadership Program in 2012. She works with faculty and staff to inspire students to become principled leaders, encouraging them to identify and use strategies to continue developing their leadership identity.
“I can never thank them enough for recognizing me with this award,” said Kasperbauer.
Michael Cochran has served as Assistant Director of Employer Relations at the Bush School Department of Career Services since 2011, where he coordinates employer development and facilitates job or internship placement for students.
“The Class of 2021 was faced with unique internship and job search challenges, but these students were consistently optimistic and professional throughout their time here. I’ll remember them with a particular fondness and am appreciative to them for the Silver Star Award,” said Cochran.
For more information about the Bush School of Government and Public Service, visit bush.tamu.edu.
