Three USI employees honored for showing "Spirit of the Eagle"

Each year the Student Government Association (SGA) recognizes the outstanding dedication of University of Southern Indiana faculty, staff, and administrators by presenting the Spirit of the Eagle Awards. Recipients are employees who go out of their way to help students, contributing to the positive atmosphere at the University. This year's honorees, who were nominated by students and selected by SGA's General Assembly, were announced at the 2013 Student Leadership Awards Ceremony on April 18.

Marie Bussing-Burks - Faculty Member Spirit of the Eagle

Marie Bussing-Burks is completing her third year as assistant professor of economics, after starting her career at USI as a part-time instructor in the Romain College of Business for 19 years. Bussing-Burks has written eight books, including the most recent, Deficit: Why Should I Care? in 2012. She serves as the faculty advisor to Omicron Delta Epsilon, USI's chapter of the International Honorary Society in Economics. She was the recipient of the Dean's Teaching Award of Excellence last year and is currently serving as vice-chairperson of the USI Foundation.

Bussing-Burks considers herself lucky to have the opportunity to teach Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Money and Banking, and History of Economic Thought classes at USI. "I am thrilled when a student brings in a business or economics article and wants to discuss the issue further," she said. "When students ask questions about topics in the news, such as unemployment rates and Federal Reserve decisions, it shows a high level of interest in the subject - a curiosity. If a student leaves the class wanting to learn more, I'm pleased. Asking questions and searching for answers will serve them well in life. I want my students to be lifelong learners."  

Cathy Goldsborough- Administrator Spirit of the Eagle

Cathy Goldsborough, assistant director of business operations for Housing and Residence Life Operations, came to USI from Virginia four years ago with more than 17 years of experience working with students in a university setting. She is responsible for the business processes and software within Housing and Residence Life, which allows her the opportunity to serve students and collaborate with many offices on campus. Goldsborough values the one-on-one interaction with students as the best part of her job. She says her conversations with students give her insight into what they need, what they like, how processes can improve, and what challenges they face. "I'm always looking for the opportunity to help students meet their educational goals and learn life skills," she said. "I look for the potential in students and try to challenge them to reach higher."

Mary Beth Rush - Staff Member Sprit of the Eagle

As a clerk in the bookstore, Mary Beth Rush is known for her exceptional customer service skills. She began her career at USI in 1993 as a temporary employee in the bookstore, assisting in the textbook department and working as a cashier. In 1996, she was hired as a full-time employee and became responsible for textbook layout and storage. Rush continued to take on more responsibilities over the years and now works with academic regalia and the annual Ropewalk Visiting Writer's Reading Series, in addition to assisting students and parents in the bookstore. With more than 20 years of experience at the University, Rush can answer most any bookstore-related question that comes her way. "I love seeing students grow, mature, and  graduate," she said. "I like to feel that I've helped them along their college journey."

Spirit of the Eagle Awards also were given to Dylan Melling (Alumni Spirit of the Eagle), USI International Club (Organization Spirit of the Eagle), and Adam Brothers (Student Spirit of the Eagle).