STEP Leadership Lecture & Distinguished Service Recognition Event
April 23, 2026
On April 15, 2026, STEP closed another remarkable year with its annual Leadership Lecture and Distinguished Service Recognition Event, bringing together faculty mentors, community partners, and campus colleagues to celebrate student success and the people who make it possible.
This year, more than 2,700 students across Columbus and regional campuses participated in STEP, with 76% submitting a Signature Project proposal—the highest submission rate in years. These outcomes reflect the ambition and perseverance of our students, supported by the steady guidance, encouragement, and care of STEP faculty mentors and community partners.
The event included a keynote address by Dr. Matthew Mayhew, professor at The Ohio State University. His remarks offered one perspective on high-impact educational practices and invited reflection on how experiential learning initiatives like STEP continue to evolve within a changing higher education landscape.
We were honored to recognize seven inaugural award recipients whose exceptional contributions have strengthened STEP’s mission and expanded opportunities for students. Congratulations to our 2026 recipients! You can read more about each award recipient at the bottom of the page.
- Outstanding New Mentor Award: Dr. Kristin Stover
- Distinguished STEP Faculty Mentor Awards: Dr. Lucille Toth, Dr. Julie Sanzone, Dr. Daniel Linden
- STEP Community Partner Awards: Meagen Rinard, Jenny Kraft
- Decade of Dedication Award: Beth Black
As we close out this academic year, we pause with deep gratitude for the collective efforts that made these successes possible. The impact of STEP is built on the generosity, care, and commitment of our Faculty Mentors, campus partners, and dedicated team members. Your guidance, collaboration, and quiet behind-the-scenes work continue to shape meaningful opportunities for students, and we are truly thankful for the role each of you plays in this shared endeavor.
Photo Gallery
Distinguished Service Recognition
Outstanding New Mentor Award
Honors a first-year Faculty Mentor who makes an early and meaningful impact through high engagement, creativity and strong collaboration with students and STEP staff.
Dr. Kristin Stover
Assistant Professor
Department of Biomedical Education and Anatomy
1-Year Mentor
Recognized for making an immediate and meaningful impact in her first year as a STEP mentor, Dr. Stover fosters a strong sense of community and provides individualized support that extends beyond required meetings. Students note her creativity, consistency, and ability to challenge them to reflect deeply on their goals and pursue new opportunities with confidence.
Distinguished STEP Faculty Mentor Awards
Recognizes Faculty Mentors who demonstrate exceptional excellence in advancing STEP's mission through inclusive engagement, experiential learning and sustained support of student growth and signature projects.
Dr. Lucille Toth
Associate Professor
French & Francophone Studies, Newark Campus
6-Year Mentor
Dr. Toth is celebrated for creating cohort spaces where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to explore who they are becoming. Her mentorship consistently guides students toward transformative experiential learning and long-term personal growth. As one nominator shares, she is “inspiring, intentional, and transformative.”
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Dr. Julie Sanzone
Associate Director of Academic Initiatives
Office of Student Life, Housing and Residence Education
4-Year Mentor
Known for her consistency and student-centered approach, Dr. Sanzone provides reliable guidance and clear expectations while fostering inclusive community and deep self-reflection. Her mentorship balances care with accountability, helping students navigate the Signature Project process with confidence and clarity.
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Dr. Daniel Linden
Associate Professor
Animal Sciences and Technology, CFAES Wooster
7-Year Mentor
Dr. Linden’s mentorship is grounded in belonging, reflection, and sustained presence. Students and colleagues describe him as someone who creates welcoming spaces where students feel they truly matter—an impact defined by authenticity, empathy, and year-over-year commitment.
STEP Community Partner Awards
Honors campus or community partners whose collaboration significantly expands experiential learning opportunities and strengthens STEP programming and student success.
Meagen Rinard
Assistant Director, Community and Civic Engagement
Office of Student Life, Leadership and Community Engagement
Through her leadership with Buck-I-SERV, Meagen Rinard expands access to high-impact service experiences for STEP students. Her partnership is distinguished by a relationship-driven approach, thoughtful problem-solving, and a shared commitment to equitable, student-centered experiential learning.
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Jenny Kraft
Lead Global Education Specialist
Office of International Affairs, Global Education
As a key partner supporting education abroad, Jenny Kraft’s behind-the-scenes work ensures students engage in global experiences that are safe, well-structured, and meaningful. Her student-first mindset and expertise in complex systems work strengthen STEP’s ability to support transformational learning abroad.
Decade of Dedication Award
Recognizes a Faculty Mentor with 10 or more years of service whose sustained excellence, leadership and student-centered impact have profoundly shaped STEP and its mission.
Beth Black
Undergraduate Engagement Librarian
University Libraries
12-Year Mentor
STEP’s most prestigious honor recognizes Beth Black for more than a decade of foundational leadership and mentorship. A part of STEP since its earliest days, her sustained commitment, advocacy, and relationship-driven approach have shaped the program’s evolution and impacted hundreds of students and colleagues.