A special commendation for Washington State University faculty and staff who have provided superior customer service.
Anyone can nominate. See the eligibility guidelines.
About the Program
Crimson Spirit Recognition honors individual employees who provided exceptional service and exceeded expectations while representing WSU to internal or external constituencies. Honorees receive a unique award plaque, WSU-themed goodies, and university-wide acknowledgment through various WSU publications.
Tim Wirth receives 2026 Crimson Spirit Award
Vanessa Syms receives 2026 Crimson Spirit Award
Jason Mieirs receives 2026 Crimson Spirit Award
Who Are Our Honorees?
Honorees exemplify university values and promote strategic goals through:
- Expressing genuine interest
- Anticipating needs and taking appropriate action
- Following up to ensure an issue is resolved
- Exceeding expectations
- Providing superior quality service
- Creatively solving problems
- Presenting noteworthy extra effort
- Providing outstanding contributions to the WSU community
- Other superior efforts in support of the University’s strategic goals
Eligibility
- Nominees must be current benefit-eligible Washington State University classified staff, faculty, or administrative professional employees from any University work location. Student and temporary hourly workers are not eligible.
- Nominees may be recognized once every three years.
- University affiliates are not eligible for this recognition.
- Since the program is overseen by Human Resource Services, HRS staff are not eligible for this recognition.
- Self-nominations cannot be considered.
Nominations
The 2026 nominations will be accepted through:
- Period 1: November 5 (2025) – February 20 (2026)
- Period 2: February 21 – June 12
- Period 3: June 13- November 2
Any nominations submitted after November 2nd will be considered in 2027.
- Submit a nomination with the nomination form.
- Nominations can be provided by: WSU faculty, staff, students, or community members.
- If a nominee is not selected as a recipient, the nominee may be re-nominated in the next period.
- 4 Winners will be selected each period for a total of 12 winners per year.
- Winners are selected by the Crimson Spirit Recognition Committee, made up of employees throughout the WSU system.

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