Binney Girdler studies what makes ecosystems flourish. Louise Tennant-Filkins helps people flourish.

For the ways they strengthen the Kalamazoo College community, Girdler and Tennant-Filkins received two of the College’s most significant employee honors today at the fall all-campus gathering. Girdler, a professor of biology, was named the recipient of the 2026–27 Florence J. Lucasse Fellowship for Excellence in Scholarship, while Tennant-Filkins, executive assistant to the vice president of student development, received the W. Haydn Ambrose Prize for Extraordinary Service.

The awards recognize different forms of impact. Girdler has distinguished herself through scholarship that engages students in meaningful research, while Tennant-Filkins has earned a reputation for service, care and commitment to the campus community.

Girdler directs K’s environmental studies program and teaches courses including Environmental Science, Ecology and Conservation, Plant Biology, and Population and Community Ecology. Her work often brings students into the research process, allowing them to contribute to scientific discovery while developing their skills as researchers.

Most recently, Girdler has guided student summer research on Beaver Island, where she helps protect Pitcher’s thistle, an important early spring food source for pollinators. She has also contributed to international research examining how urbanization and climate change influence evolution and collaborated on student research exploring whether replacing mowing with grazing can benefit agricultural ecosystems.

Her mentorship extends beyond the field and laboratory. Girdler has accompanied students to professional ecology conferences, giving them opportunities to present their work, engage with scientists from across the country and build professional networks.

Lucasse nominators recognized Girdler’s ability to grow a student’s passion for science and help them launch academic pursuits at the graduate level during life after K.

If Girdler’s impact can be measured through discovery and scholarship, Tennant-Filkins’ influence is felt through the daily interactions and acts of kindness that help make K feel like home. Tennant-Filkins’ honor is presented annually to a staff member whose contributions have had a meaningful positive impact on the College community. The selection committee includes staff leaders and previous Ambrose Prize recipients and considers nominations from students, faculty and staff.

Tennant-Filkins joined K in 2018 in the Business Office before moving to Student Development in 2019. Her nominations came from across campus, including many students who highlighted her encouragement, positivity and genuine concern for their success and well-being.

One example cited by nominators was Sew What?, a Friday afternoon program she created where students can learn basic clothing repair skills or bring items for Tennant-Filkins to repair. The program reflects the practical, personal support she provides while continuing her regular responsibilities.

Another nominator said, “Some people make a campus run and others make it feel like home. Louise does both.”

Together, Girdler and Tennant-Filkins represent two essential elements of K’s mission: advancing knowledge and creating opportunities for students to participate in meaningful scholarship, while also strengthening the relationships, traditions and everyday acts of care that help students feel supported, connected and at home on campus.