Colorado Springs, CO – The NJCAA national office announced its annual award recipients during the third NJCAA Awards Dinner presented by Medalcraft Mint at the Antlers Hotel on April 5.
For the past three years at the NJCAA annual meetings, individuals from around the country are recognized for their dedication, commitment, and leadership to two-year college athletics. Individuals are also recognized for years of service and for upcoming retirement announcements.
To see photos from this year's NJCAA Awards Dinner, visit: NJCAA Awards Dinner Photo Gallery
GEORGE E. KILLIAN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Awarded annually by the NJCAA national office staff to individuals dedicated to the organization's ideals of volunteerism, achievement, service, leadership and excellence. This year's award has extra meaning to it as Killian, the first-ever Executive Director of the NJCAA passed away in December. At this year's awards ceremony, a special tribute was paid to Killian. To see the video, visit: George E. Killian Video Tribute
Michelle Ivey – Marion Military Institute (AL) | Region XXII Women's Director
Michelle Ivey has served the last 21 years as the Director of Athletics at Marion Military Institute. During her tenure, Ivey has been instrumental in the development of the athletics program. Ivey has helped grow the program from zero NJCAA teams to the current number of nine. Ivey also serves as the Region XXII Women's Director and the Co-Chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee. Ivey sits on a number of sport committees as well, including softball, volleyball, and tennis.
Mick McDaniel – Tompkins Cortland Community College | NJCAA President
With over 14 years of NJCAA experience, McDaniel was elected as the association's president this year. The Tompkins Cortland Athletic Director, McDaniel has risen through the ranks of the NJCAA where he has also been elected as 1st and 2nd Vice President. The former Northeast Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year, McDaniel has sat on and chaired a variety of committees. Along with his duties as Athletic Director, McDaniel has helped guide the Tompkins Cortland men's and women's golf programs as head coach.
NJCAA MARY ELLEN LEICHT SERVICE AWARD
Awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the NJCAA on a national level for an extended period of time. The award was named after retiring executive director Mary Ellen Leicht in 2017.
Jo Ann Rogers – Prince George's Community College (MD) | Region XX Women's Director
Jo Ann Rogers took over as the Region XX Women's Director in 2011 and has helped guide Maryland community colleges ever since. The Athletic Director at Prince George's, Rogers has provided a number of leadership roles to the NJCAA that has made a lasting impact on student-athletes throughout the country. Rogers has chaired both the Division I Sport Districting and Division I Women's Soccer committees while also serving on a number of other committees throughout her tenure.
Bryce Roderick – Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Commissioner
Former NJCAA president Bryce Roderick has been a staple in the association for more than 20 years. The current commissioner of the KJCCC, Roderick has recently been inducted into the NJCAA Track and Field Hall of Fame while serving as the Co-Chair of both the cross country and track and field committees. Roderick has helped grow the KJCCC into a perennial power each year in a variety of sports while also making an impact on an array of sport and governance committees during his time with the association.
NJCAA LOYALTY AWARD
Awarded to an active athletic director of a member college who has worked to uphold the ideals of the NJCAA. Significant to this award is leadership in an athletic program exemplifying excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
Katie Herrington – Jones County Community College (MS)
Katie Herrington, athletic director at Jones County Community College, was awarded the NJCAA Loyalty Award, just the 19th recipient in the history of the association. Herrington has provided exceptional leadership for both the Bobcats and the entire NJCAA for over 25 years in a variety of roles. Herrington served as the Region XXIII Women's Director from 1997-2011.
Upon receiving the honor, Herrington stated "I am honored to receive this award from the NJCAA. I realized my name is on the award, but I share it with the coaches and players that have been a part of our teams at Jones County. I have been a part of the NJCAA for a long time and know many of the past recipients of this award. I am humbled to receive this year's Loyalty Award."
NJCAA MERIT AWARD
The NJCAA Merit Award is given to a former NJCAA student-athlete that has distinguished themselves in their craft and are recognized nationally for their achievements at the professional level.
Ryan Ciminelli – Erie Community College (NY) | PBA Bowler
A two-time NJCAA All-American, Ryan Ciminelli helped lead Erie to two NJCAA national championships in 2005 and 2007. Ciminelli captured two all-events championships and the singles crown in 2005. Since his time at Erie, Ciminelli has proven to be one of the top bowlers on the PBA. The Cheektowaga, NY native has bowled 11 perfect games during his time and won the US Open in 2015 to go along with six standard titles.
"I am honored that I was chosen for the Merit Award," Ciminelli stated. "What I've been fortunate enough to accomplish on the PBA tour has literally been a dream come true and hopefully there's more accomplishments ahead. Erie Community College was the spring board from a teenager into my professional career and I will always cherish my years there."
NJCAA SERVICE MEDALS
Awarded to individuals who have served for 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years as a region director, assistant region director, officer, coaches association president, presidential representative or national office employee.
30 Years of Service
Berdy Kuiken – Region IV Women's Director
20 Years of Service
Lorna Brizzie – NJCAA National Office
Dale Vos – St. Clair County Community College (MN) | Region XII Men's Director
15 Years of Service
Scott Barlow – Lakeland Community College (OH) | Region XII Women's Director
Buster Gilliss – Bismarck State College (ND) | Region XIII Men's Director
Jean Musgjerd – Rochester Community & Technical College | Region XIII Women's Director
Mel Millerbernd – Rainy River Community College (MN) | Region XIII Women's Assistant Director
10 Years of Service
Jim Southward – Mississippi Community College Board | Region XXIII Men's Director
NJCAA RETIREMENTS
The NJCAA recognizes those individuals who will be retiring from their service towards the NJCAA.
Mel Millerbernd – Rainy River Community College (MN) | Region XIII Women's Assistant Director
Jean Musgjerd – Rochester Community & Technical College | Region XIII Women's Director
Rex Parcells – Hill College (TX) | Region V Women's Director