University Libraries Staff Honored at Annual Recognition Ceremony

Library Staff Years of Service Awards 

Lisa Bleeke, Finance and Business Operation Manager – 30 Years of Service 

For more than 30 years, Lisa Bleeke has been a truly valued part of the Wright State University community, serving as a Finance and Business Operations Manager. She has been the go-to person for so much of the work that keeps things running smoothly, helping manage budgets, keeping a close eye on spending, and making sure everything stays on track. From building annual and long-term budgets to analyzing finances and planning for major needs, she has handled it all with care and expertise. She’s also been a trusted partner to leadership, always ready with thoughtful advice and practical solutions. Beyond the numbers, she has built strong processes, supported colleagues, and worked closely with partners across campus. Her dedication, reliability, and positive spirit have made a lasting difference, and we are so grateful for her many years of service and all she has contributed to the university. 

 

Desirée Loewit, Library Acquisitions and Digitization Coordinator – 25 Years of Service 

Desiree joined the University Libraries staff in January of 2000 as Database Maintenance and Copy Cataloging Coordinator in Technical Services. In this role she oversaw the work of other copy catalogers, as well as managing the authority control process for the catalog. Following retirements from the accounting section of the department, Desiree took on the responsibility for processing the Libraries' payments to vendors in addition to her cataloging roles., and with Rita Johnson's retirement she moved fully into the role of Acquisitions Coordinator, providing accounting and clerical support for all of the collection management operations, as well as handling much of our communication with vendors. In the late 2010's Desiree began dividing her time between Technical Services and the Digital Services department, where she performs digital scanning and image quality control. Throughout her years in the library Desiree has been a cheerful presence, eager to learn and always willing to help out in any way she can. Her dedication and hard work are deeply appreciated. 

Richard Perry, Library Operation Specialist 2 – 25 Years of Service 

Rich joined the library staff in October of 2000, initially working at the public service desk in the Current Periodicals Room. Since the closing of that area he has been doing copy cataloging and database maintenance work in Technical Services/Content Acquisition & Management. He does cataloging for books and A/V materials for the main collection, as well as published books going to the Special Collections & Archives reading room. He frequently manages large weeding projects and database cleanup activities and can generally be counted on to tackle any special task that comes along. He also works regular shifts at the circulation desk, which puts him in the position to serve as an informal liaison between Resource Delivery Services and CAM. Rich is the consummate team player, and a great asset to the University Libraries. 

Matt Shreffler, Head of Resource Delivery Services – 10 Years of Service 

As the Head of Resource Delivery Services, Matt plays a vital role in keeping library operations running smoothly. He oversees key services including circulation, interlibrary loan, reserves, and stack maintenance, while leading and supporting the staff who make these services possible. He also sets departmental goals and implements new technologies to keep services efficient and responsive. 

Known as a dependable leader and problem solver, Matt consistently supports both his department and library users. His work extends across campus and beyond, collaborating with faculty, partnering with affiliated libraries, contributing to the Libraries’ strategic planning, and serving on OhioLINK committees. 

Outside of work, Matt stays busy with his three kids and enjoys planning family trips, especially Disney. 

We’re grateful for Matt’s dedication and leadership over the past 10 years and look forward to many more to come. 

2026 StAR (Staff Achievement and Recognition) Award Recipients 

Shannon Michalak, Library Technical Services Assistant for Interlibrary Loan and Course Reserves 

Nomination:  

Shannon is such an amazing STAR! Being the main person for all of our ILL needs, she goes above and beyond to get patrons what they need. Like helping professors find research materials that are in Russian and German. Shannon always has ideas of what the circulation department can do to help students and their study needs. Her creativity soars in everything she does and I love her little activities for social committee as I am very much not a crafty person. Her guidance and expertise in Course Reserves motivates me to help students find all of their materials they need for classes. Shannon does such a great job representing the library and Wright State well and our students, faculty, and fellow staff appreciate her hard work.   

 

Grace Ethier, Archivist, Reference & Outreach 

Nominations: 

I am nominating Grace for a StAR award for her enthusiastic can-do attitude! Grace always looks for solutions and is a joy to partner with when implementing new services. Her enthusiasm is contagious and her positive attitude ensures she is a wonderful representative for Special Collections & Archives as well as the University Libraries.

Even though Grace has been here for a short time, she has done such a traffic job representing the Special Collections and Archives. Grace always has a radiant energy and positive attitude about the Archives as well as the library as a whole. She always brings fresh ideas to the marketing team and I feel grateful that she is always there to listen to students and staff. Grace is always advocating for new ways that Special Collections and Archives can make their presence on campus bigger (like the cool Wright History shirts!) and showing off the Archives during events like Green and Gold days. She also is a key part on making Crafternoons fun in the library for students who need an escape from classes. I admire her amazing enthusiasm and her hard work for making the library even more great! Grace is such a terrific star and I believe she will soar throughout her career here at the library.