
2026 Region IV Honors and Awards Recipients
The 2026 Awards Committee is proud to announce the following award winners for 2026:
Honors

Distinguished Service Award
Roger Wareham
University of Green Bay, Wisconsin

“For the past 25 years, Roger has dedicated himself to NCURA through volunteering. He is hardworking and notafraid to ask the hard questions to make things better for members. Roger genuinely cares about deliveringexcellent quality work and strives to integrate both an understanding of the big picture, keeping goals in mind,and has great attention to detail with following through.” Diane Hillebrand, Assistant Director, Research & Sponsored Program Development, University of North Dakota
“What makes Roger particularly amazing is that due to his incredible knowledge base, he is able to seamlessly teach both pre- and post-award. He has worked tirelessly to update the curriculum and to onboard co-presenters to ensure a quality experience for attendees. In addition to the university perspective on research administration, Roger spent time at the National Science Foundation as a Grant Policy Specialist which allowed him to gain a different level of understanding about the inner workings of a federal agency. He freely passes on all of his expertise to the research administration community and is highly approachable with questions.” Katherine Durben, Executive Director, Office of Research & Sponsored programs, Marquette University

Meritorious Contribution Award
Sue Grimes
Purdue University

“Sue exemplifies the spirit of meritorious contribution envisioned by this award. Through her long-standing involvement with NCURA—particularly her leadership service within NCURA Region IV—Sue has advanced the organization’s mission of strengthening research administration through community, engagement, and professional stewardship. She has served as an NCURA Mentoring-On-One (MOO) mentor to Hang McLaughlin and Tara Gregg, both of whom have continued in research and research development careers.” Jennifer L. Freeman, PhD, Assistant Vice President for Research Development, Purdue University
“Sue approaches mentorship with clarity, generosity, and intention. She is thoughtful in how she shares institutional knowledge, careful to provide context, and consistent in supporting others as they grow into complex roles. When I mentioned my new membership with NCURA, she was thrilled to share her great experience and leadership and encouraged me to get involved right away. Her guidance has been instrumental in preparing me to assume these responsibilities, and it reflects the same professionalism and commitment she brings to her broader work in research development.” Kristi Reynolds, Principal Project Manager, Purdue University

Special Merit and Distinction Award
Suzanne Reinke
Purdue University

“As Chair-elect in 2025, I had the opportunity to plan the spring meeting in Chicago, IL. Suzanne was my guiding light through the budgeting, contracting, and spending processes. She was the common sense sounding bounding and words of reason and perspective when struggling with a decision. I watched her do the same for the Ann Arbor meeting and she is currently doing the same for the St. Louis meeting. She always takes time to answer questions and more importantly, she asks the tough questions to ensure members are getting the best benefit and that something isn’t missed. Her role as treasurer put her in the position, but I am 100% (and more) sure Suzanne would have been there to help even without the role. She is an outstanding mentor.” Sandra Fowler, Assistant Dean for Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison
“Throughout her time volunteering with Region IV, Suzanne has exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and service. She has played a pivotal role in nearly all aspects of service within NCURA. She has served in leadership positions such as Treasurer and chair of the membership committee. She has dedicated herself to developing members of NCURA though serving on the membership committee and serving as a mentor to many people, me included, in both formal and informal capacities. Suzanne has also given many hours of her time negotiating contracts for the site selection committee and assisting in the organization of the Annual Spring Meetings in her capacity as the Treasurer.” Elizabeth Woods, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Chicago.
Travel Awards
Regional Travel Award
Tricia Sutton
Washington University
Heather Taylor
Medical College of Wisconsin
John Philipps Travel Award
Shaunte Baboumian
Washington University
Sarah Smith
Case Western Reserve University
National Travel Award
Brianna Galli
University of Michigan
Lupe Cotto
Northwestern University
