Bommelje Honored with Outstanding Leadership Circle of Excellence Award
Created in honor of communication professor Rick Bommelje, this new award recognizes a Rollins faculty or staff member for embodying the College’s values of service excellence.
August 02, 2023
In recognition of communication professor Rick Bommelje, who is retiring this year from Rollins after 49 years of service, the Service Excellence team has created a new award in his honor and named Bommelje the first recipient of the Outstanding Leadership Circle of Excellence Award.
Over the course of his long Rollins career, Bommelje has served as a staff member, an administrator, and a tenured faculty member, continually embodying the Service Excellence values of responsiveness, respectfulness, collaboration, competence, and inclusivity in ways that have had an immeasurable impact on the community. His steadfast contributions include being a long-serving anchor facilitator of the Rollins Leadership Academy and equipping students over the decades to be better leaders and, in particular, to be listening leaders, with many students considering him one of their favorite professors.
“Rick has been an inspiration to me,” says Matt Hawks, associate vice president of HR and risk management, who presented the award. “I am proud to have had the opportunity to serve Rollins with him over the course of my 27 years here. Rollins is truly grateful for his service.”
- Categories:
- Highlights |
- Faculty
Recent Stories
December 15, 2025
10 Things I’m Hearing, Learning, and Loving About Rollins
Informed by conversations across the Rollins community, President Brooke Barnett shares reflections on the connections and experiences that bring the College’s mission to life.
December 15, 2025
What It’s Like ... to Plan One of the World’s Biggest Events
Fueled by the endurance and adaptability she built at Rollins, Morgan Colley ’17 is helping bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup to life on the world’s biggest stage.
December 15, 2025
Sparking Passion, Igniting Purpose
Celebrating 20 years, SPARC Day is a signature piece of the Rollins experience that inspires community connection and provides a key foundation for leadership and success.