Recognition can make all the difference in a busy campus environment, and the Heart of BSU aims to do just that.

The Heart of BSU is a campus-wide recognition program that highlights students, staff and faculty who make a positive impact at Bemidji State University. Through written nominations shared across campus, the initiative celebrates everyday acts of service, leadership and care that strengthen the BSU community.

Micah Friez, communications manager for the Bemidji State Alumni and Foundation and a multiple-time nominee, shared his thoughts on what the recognition initiative fosters and the culture of appreciation it encourages on campus.

“A Heart of BSU nomination is a really nice morale boost,” Friez said.

“The Hobson Union team deserves a lot of credit for implementing this across our campus to instill a culture that recognizes the really good work our campus community does. Nominating someone may feel like a small act, but being on the receiving end can really make someone’s day.”

While nominations like Friez’s demonstrate the personal impact of the initiative, the Heart of BSU program also works toward a broader goal.

Student Senate President Jonathan Fleischer noted that Darby Bersie led the initiative’s launch while serving as Student Senate vice president in the spring of 2024. Fleischer explained that the program aims to build community on campus.

“My hope is that the initiative will continue to encourage the entire BSU community to express gratitude for one another where it so often goes unsaid,” Fleischer said.

Muriel Kingery, associate director for Hobson Union operations and leader of the initiative’s marketing efforts, said the program’s impact comes from its simplicity.

“It’s a web form, some mail-merged letters and some stickers. It has always been low tech and low budget, but it has made a big difference in our campus community.”

Kingery said she regularly hears from faculty, staff, and students about how meaningful it is to receive the letters.

“It has been a good reminder for me to intentionally call out what makes people in my life great,” Kingery said. “People need to hear that they matter, that their work matters and that you see them.”

Learn more about the Heart of BSU on BeaverLink.

Story by: Hannah Cook, Content Assistant, Office of Communications and Marketing.