Ohio State Marion staff member Lynda Behan was honored with the 2009 Ohio State University Distinguished Staff Award during a surprise presentation on the Marion campus Tuesday, May 26.

A resident of Delaware, Ohio for the past 12 years, Behan was recognized, in part, for her work in establishing a writing center at The Ohio State University Delaware Center over the past 2 years. Behan noted, that the writing center has become an important part of her job and she particular loves assisting the large number of non-native writers who attend the Delaware Center, and the cultural diversity fostered through her position. In addition to here work in Delaware, Behan, directs the Academic Enrichment Center in Marion and teaches English part-time.

Behan was 1 of 12 Ohio State staff members to be recognized university wide. The winners were chosen out of 52 nominations. The Distinguished Staff Award is the highest recognition given to staff members, said Michele Bondurant, Ohio State program manager of special events, who presented the award. Staff members with five years of continuous service are eligible and the award is given for "exceptional accomplishments, leadership and service to the university community."

Behan has directed the Academic Enrichment Center for the past 10 years. The center, located in Morrill Hall on the Marion campus, offers free tutoring services to all Ohio State Marion students. She has worked for the university since 1987. She also helps plan diversity efforts such as the annual international festival A Taste of Culture.

Behan will be honored at an upcoming special luncheon for all 2009 Distinguished Staff Award winners.