Bowling Green State University Athletics
Elsasser’s Inspiring Leadership Earns Ferrari Award
April 16, 2012 | General
For two decades of dedicated service to the University and the community, Jim Elsasser, associate athletics director for internal affairs, has been named the 2012 Michael R. Ferrari Award winner.
Presented at the annual Administrative Staff reception April 12, the honor includes a $1,000 cash award and a reserved parking spot for a year. The Ferrari is the highest award given to administrative staff and recognizes those who represent the values exemplified by former interim president “Mick” Ferrari: demonstrated excellence in one's work while also promoting harmony, having strong relationships with the University community and being committed to the growth and betterment of BGSU and its students.
Elssaser has moved up through the administrative ranks based on those principles, said nominator Andy Grant, director of business operations. He has had responsibility for some of the biggest projects, culminating in his serving as the athletics representative to the core design team for oversight of the Stroh Center construction.
“Jim has the knack of expressing himself in a professional manner, even during challenging moments,” wrote nominator Michael Schuessler of Design and Construction and project manager for the Stroh.
“He spent countless hours making the building a reality—while staying within budget,” said Mary Ellen Gillespie, associate athletics director for external relations. “His commitment to ensuring the building is LEED-certified has earned BGSU great national visibility and recognition while securing gold status.”
Elsasser's “unique ability to deliver a message in a direct yet constructive manner,” as Greg Christopher, director of intercollegiate activities, said, is admired by many and has made Elsasser one of “the most valued staff members in our department.”
He has had a significant impact on the department's progress and development as a whole, said Gillespie, from his earlier days as “facilities guru” and sport administrator for golf and hockey to his current position, in which he oversees the department's finances and internal operations. He has streamlined the financial system and increased cross-campus collaboration for better accountability and organization.
Elsasser brings his visionary and creative strengths, along with attention to detail and efficiency, to his everyday work, said Stephanie Young, head women's golf coach. “His tireless work ethic coupled with a quiet, yet determined demeanor is always steadied by a steadfast, well thought out plan.”
His tasks often entail a sense of urgency since they are directly related to the experience attendees will have at BGSU events, Grant noted. Elsasser is masterly at determining what needs to be done and making sure it happens, even if it means him mowing the baseball field or painting a tennis shed before the MAC championship.
“Jim rolls up his sleeves and makes things happen in order to help others,” Gillespie wrote, adding, “In these challenging times with stress and frustrations running high, Jim is always there with his Seinfeld quotes and subtle humor to lighten the mood. He is flexible, honest and genuine.”
This and his rapport with the University community have led to his being in demand for committees across campus, from student affairs to parking and traffic.
He also is well known in the community, coaching youth sports, serving on community committees and in his church.
“He represents our institution well,” Gillespie wrote.
WHAT THE ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT SAYS ABOUT JIM ELSASSER
"Congratulations to Jim on receiving the Ferrari Award. He's a valuable part of our team and it's a deserving honor for Jim. His nearly two decades of service to BGSU have touched every area of our department and other areas of campus. Jim's work is often in the background, so many don't always see the impact he has. Our staff, though, fully understand the importance of Jim's efforts." Greg Christopher, Director of Athletics
"As far as performance, there are few who work harder, have a more positive outlook, or wear as many hats, including taking on various special projects in addition to their daily tasks than Jim Elsasser. His tireless work ethic coupled with a quiet, yet determined demeanor is always anchored by a steadfast, well thought out plan. These are the firm foundations of his life and work styles and have been the driving force of a respected and accomplished career. Jim does an outstanding job leading and collaborating with staff and students from all backgrounds and areas through servant leadership and motivating them by the example he sets. His commitment to excellence, genuine care for the development of others, passion for his work, unparalleled organizational skills, deep love for BGSU, and strength of character are just some of the characteristics which cause Elsasser to standout amongst his peers." Stephanie Young, Women's Golf Coach
"I am very happy for Jim. This is a very well deserved award. It is not often enough that people get recognized and thanked for going above and beyond. I have not known him very long, but during the two years we have worked together I have seen how much Bowling Green means to Jim, and how much Jim means to Bowling Green." Chris Bergeron, Hockey Coach
"I couldn't work for a nicer person and I'm so proud of Jim - what a class act he is. It makes you feel good when one of your own get the Ferrari Award - it's all about hard work and leadership. Thanks for all you do Jim!" Linda Kidd, Business Officer
"Jim is a wonderful supervisor to work for - he is always free and open to discuss a variety of topics from facility upgrades, game operation adjustments or long term projects. From riding in a gator at 5:30 in the morning in preparation for a football game to being one of the last people out from a night event and everyday in-between, Jim is always in his "can do" approach. He has been a great mentor, teacher, and friend since I started at BGSU." Ben Spence, Stroh Center General Manager
"Jim has been very supportive over the years! I feel very fortunate to have him as my sport administrator! Not only Jim, but his entire family make Bowling Green a better place! Congratulations Jim!" Garry Winger, Men's Golf Coach
Presented at the annual Administrative Staff reception April 12, the honor includes a $1,000 cash award and a reserved parking spot for a year. The Ferrari is the highest award given to administrative staff and recognizes those who represent the values exemplified by former interim president “Mick” Ferrari: demonstrated excellence in one's work while also promoting harmony, having strong relationships with the University community and being committed to the growth and betterment of BGSU and its students.
Elssaser has moved up through the administrative ranks based on those principles, said nominator Andy Grant, director of business operations. He has had responsibility for some of the biggest projects, culminating in his serving as the athletics representative to the core design team for oversight of the Stroh Center construction.
“Jim has the knack of expressing himself in a professional manner, even during challenging moments,” wrote nominator Michael Schuessler of Design and Construction and project manager for the Stroh.
“He spent countless hours making the building a reality—while staying within budget,” said Mary Ellen Gillespie, associate athletics director for external relations. “His commitment to ensuring the building is LEED-certified has earned BGSU great national visibility and recognition while securing gold status.”
Elsasser's “unique ability to deliver a message in a direct yet constructive manner,” as Greg Christopher, director of intercollegiate activities, said, is admired by many and has made Elsasser one of “the most valued staff members in our department.”
He has had a significant impact on the department's progress and development as a whole, said Gillespie, from his earlier days as “facilities guru” and sport administrator for golf and hockey to his current position, in which he oversees the department's finances and internal operations. He has streamlined the financial system and increased cross-campus collaboration for better accountability and organization.
Elsasser brings his visionary and creative strengths, along with attention to detail and efficiency, to his everyday work, said Stephanie Young, head women's golf coach. “His tireless work ethic coupled with a quiet, yet determined demeanor is always steadied by a steadfast, well thought out plan.”
His tasks often entail a sense of urgency since they are directly related to the experience attendees will have at BGSU events, Grant noted. Elsasser is masterly at determining what needs to be done and making sure it happens, even if it means him mowing the baseball field or painting a tennis shed before the MAC championship.
“Jim rolls up his sleeves and makes things happen in order to help others,” Gillespie wrote, adding, “In these challenging times with stress and frustrations running high, Jim is always there with his Seinfeld quotes and subtle humor to lighten the mood. He is flexible, honest and genuine.”
This and his rapport with the University community have led to his being in demand for committees across campus, from student affairs to parking and traffic.
He also is well known in the community, coaching youth sports, serving on community committees and in his church.
“He represents our institution well,” Gillespie wrote.
WHAT THE ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT SAYS ABOUT JIM ELSASSER
"Congratulations to Jim on receiving the Ferrari Award. He's a valuable part of our team and it's a deserving honor for Jim. His nearly two decades of service to BGSU have touched every area of our department and other areas of campus. Jim's work is often in the background, so many don't always see the impact he has. Our staff, though, fully understand the importance of Jim's efforts." Greg Christopher, Director of Athletics
"As far as performance, there are few who work harder, have a more positive outlook, or wear as many hats, including taking on various special projects in addition to their daily tasks than Jim Elsasser. His tireless work ethic coupled with a quiet, yet determined demeanor is always anchored by a steadfast, well thought out plan. These are the firm foundations of his life and work styles and have been the driving force of a respected and accomplished career. Jim does an outstanding job leading and collaborating with staff and students from all backgrounds and areas through servant leadership and motivating them by the example he sets. His commitment to excellence, genuine care for the development of others, passion for his work, unparalleled organizational skills, deep love for BGSU, and strength of character are just some of the characteristics which cause Elsasser to standout amongst his peers." Stephanie Young, Women's Golf Coach
"I am very happy for Jim. This is a very well deserved award. It is not often enough that people get recognized and thanked for going above and beyond. I have not known him very long, but during the two years we have worked together I have seen how much Bowling Green means to Jim, and how much Jim means to Bowling Green." Chris Bergeron, Hockey Coach
"I couldn't work for a nicer person and I'm so proud of Jim - what a class act he is. It makes you feel good when one of your own get the Ferrari Award - it's all about hard work and leadership. Thanks for all you do Jim!" Linda Kidd, Business Officer
"Jim is a wonderful supervisor to work for - he is always free and open to discuss a variety of topics from facility upgrades, game operation adjustments or long term projects. From riding in a gator at 5:30 in the morning in preparation for a football game to being one of the last people out from a night event and everyday in-between, Jim is always in his "can do" approach. He has been a great mentor, teacher, and friend since I started at BGSU." Ben Spence, Stroh Center General Manager
"Jim has been very supportive over the years! I feel very fortunate to have him as my sport administrator! Not only Jim, but his entire family make Bowling Green a better place! Congratulations Jim!" Garry Winger, Men's Golf Coach
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