Case Western Reserve staff members are essential to the university’s success, providing vital support and services across campus. Their dedication enriches the student experience, fosters a productive learning atmosphere, drives the university forward and elevates its impact.
Each year, four exceptional staff members are recognized with two awards: the President’s Award for Distinguished Service and the Robin Kramer Volunteer Award. After reviewing submissions from faculty, staff and students, the Staff Advisory Council Staff Recognition Committee recommends nominees for both honors to the Office of the President for final selections.
The 2025 award winners will be celebrated at the annual Staff Service Awards ceremony today, June 12, in Tinkham Veale University Center. The event will also honor employees with 10, 25, 35, 45 and 50 years of service at Case Western Reserve.
President’s Award for Distinguished Service
Established in 1992, the President’s Award for Distinguished Service recognizes up to three staff members with qualities that are consistent with our university values and whose contributions to CWRU culture have a transformational effect on colleagues, students or visitors.
This award honors the late Roseanne Shaerban, whose family, friends and co-workers remember her for the care, concern, loyalty and support she demonstrated to the campus community during her years as a university employee.
The 2025 President’s Award winners are:
- Jason Buitrago, executive director, Enrollment Management and Strategic Initiatives, School of Medicine
- Jennifer DeSantis, advisor and senior associate dean, Undergraduate Advising Support Office
- LaTasha Johnson, advisor and associate dean, Undergraduate Advising Support Office
Jason Buitrago
Executive director, enrollment management and Strategic Initiatives, School of Medicine
Recognized as a team player across academic and administrative units, Jason Buitrago champions Case Western Reserve University within the campus community and far beyond. As one award nominator put it: “There is not a better ambassador for CWRU than Jason Buitrago.”
As one example of his leadership and dedication, Buitrago proactively spearheaded a working group of CWRU enrollment leaders to share best practices and find creative ways to work together. The idea came in response to the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that universities could not use race as a factor in admissions decisions.
In 2024, he invited the Society for Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science’s leadership team to campus. The national organization, which cultivates diversity in the STEM field, met with representatives from several schools across the university to elevate the comprehensive clinical programs offered at Case Western Reserve.
Buitrago’s strong work ethic not only delivers results—his positivity also inspires colleagues to do their best work. As one nominator shared: “His enthusiasm is infectious.”
Jennifer DeSantis
Advisor and senior associate Dean, Undergraduate Advising Support
Jennifer DeSantis has built a reputation as a compassionate leader and advocate for students during her 12 years of service at Case Western Reserve University. As senior associate dean in the Undergraduate Advising Support Office, she approaches her work with a level of care, foresight and commitment that continues to shape student experiences and strengthen the university community.
Known for her empathy and leadership, DeSantis works closely with students navigating complex academic and personal challenges, creating a safe, supportive environment where students feel seen and empowered. A nominator noted that DeSantis routinely goes the extra mile, checking in with students, connecting them with critical resources and offering encouragement at every turn.
“Jenn’s ability to anticipate challenges and create programs that meet those needs is a testament to her forward-thinking leadership, and her impact is felt across campus,” a nominator wrote. “Students from diverse backgrounds, faculty and colleagues have all benefited from her compassion, insight and dedication.”
DeSantis’s impact extends far beyond individual advising through her service on numerous academic policy and student support committees—including the Dean’s Committee, Academic Standing, Special Petitions and assessment committees. She also played a central role in navigating the launch of the university’s reimagined advising model and successfully led the Undergraduate Advising Support Office through a yearlong leadership transition.
Her nominator added: “Jenn is a transformative figure at Case Western Reserve, positively impacting students, faculty and the broader community. Her tireless efforts ensure that our campus is a place where students not only succeed but thrive.”
LaTasha Johnson
Advisor and associate dean, Undergraduate Advising Support Office
LaTasha Johnson’s impact at Case Western Reserve University is evident through the hundreds of students she advises, the programs she oversees and the committees she helps lead. Since joining the university in 2018, Johnson has served in a range of roles that showcase her strength as a thoughtful mentor, collaborative leader and advocate for student success.
Currently an associate dean in the Undergraduate Advising Support Office, Johnson advises more than 200 students while also overseeing CWRU’s prestigious national fellowship programs, including Fulbright, Rhodes and Marshall. Her colleagues describe her as one of the hardest-working individuals on campus—someone who leads without seeking recognition, and whose efforts have a lasting impact on students, faculty and staff.
“LaTasha stands out for her ability to guide and inspire those around her,” her nominator said. “She is not simply an advisor, but a trusted mentor who provides guidance in both academic and personal growth.”
Beyond advising, Johnson is a consistent force in fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the CWRU community. Through her work as a Title IX advisor, and former roles as a Diversity 360 facilitator and chair of the Staff of Color Alliance, she has helped build spaces where individuals from all backgrounds feel they belong.
“LaTasha does so much work in making sure others get the recognition they deserve through awards and fellowships,” a nominator noted. “It’s time to recognize her and give her the award instead.”
Robin Kramer Volunteer Award
Established in 2014 to recognize a staff member who actively volunteers in the CWRU community, this award is named for Robin Kramer, a university employee whose qualities and commitment to volunteerism set a standard for distinguished service before she passed away the previous year.
The 2025 Robin Kramer Volunteer Award recipient is Michelle Cseh, advisor and assistant dean in the Undergraduate Advising Support Office.
Michelle Cseh
Advisor and assistant dean, Undergraduate Advising Support Office
Whether advising students, supporting colleagues or volunteering across campus and beyond, Michelle Cseh brings unwavering dedication to everything she does.
As an advisor and assistant dean in the Undergraduate Advising Support Office—and a passionate advocate for student success—Cseh has made a profound impact through her work, including her many volunteer endeavors. Whether mentoring through the Emerging Leaders Program or supporting student achievement through the Provost Scholars program and Greek Life’s Pytte Cup, she consistently goes above and beyond to foster an environment where students feel heard, valued and empowered to succeed.
“Through her passion for service and commitment to the CWRU community and beyond, Michelle has inspired others to give back and contribute in meaningful ways,” her nominator wrote. “She is the reason I have myself continued to volunteer with CWRU.”
In addition to her volunteer work with many campus programs, Cseh volunteers through her Master of Social Work program at CWRU, working with adults facing complex mental health challenges. She also volunteers her time supporting the Impact of Engineering on Society (ENGR 399) course, helping engineering students reflect on how they can design solutions to benefit society.
Despite her full-time role, graduate studies and responsibilities as a mother of two, Cseh is known for checking in on colleagues, stepping in when others are out and encouraging those around her to engage with their communities.
Her nominators described her as their “#1 cheerleader”—someone who lifts up others without expecting anything in return.