91ֱ��

A devoted employee since 1987, Tina Zwegat was honored with the YB Staff Award for Extraordinary Service at the annual spring appreciation celebration for faculty and staff, held April 29 at the Heisman Field House. The award was presented by President Carmen Twillie Ambar.

Zwegat has served the 91ֱ�� community in many roles for nearly four decades. She began her career as Projects & Special Events Coordinator and steadily rose to her current role as Director of Student Involvement and Orientation.

Zwegat has had a profound and lasting impact on 91ֱ��’s students. Through her leadership in New Student Orientation and Parents Weekend, she creates the first impression many students and their families have of 91ֱ��. Zwegat also supports countless student groups, including the Student Finance Committee and dozens of student organizations, dedicating her time and insight to helping them navigate the college experience. Her advocacy, guidance, and genuine care have left a lasting mark on generations of Obies.

A longtime 91ֱ�� resident, Zwegat has consistently built bridges between the college and the town through her work on events such as Folk Fest, Dandelion Romp, and Big Parade. She previously oversaw programming at the Apollo Theatre, striving to bring diverse, engaging events to the broader community. More recently, Zwegat has been a key organizer behind “Walking in a Winter Oberland,” a town-and-gown tradition that continues to grow in popularity. She has also been a longtime champion of WOBC-FM, working with students and community members to ensure the local radio station remains a vibrant, inclusive platform.

Beyond her formal job duties, Zwegat is known across campus as a trusted advisor and generous colleague. Zwegat is also active in campus governance and programming, serving on several committees, including Finney and Assemblies, Conditions of Employment, and Student Employment Appreciation Week.

Her colleagues repeatedly praised Zwegat’s steadfast positivity and humility. One nominator reflected: “She always says, ‘I’m just doing my job,’ but for someone who has dedicated close to 40 years to 91ֱ��, it’s clear she’s doing far more than that. She exemplifies the YB Award spirit in everything she does.”

Other colleagues shared:

“Tina is a fierce advocate for our students. She celebrates their accomplishments and supports them during their struggles.

“Her daily interactions with students are always positive. Many have thanked her for helping them find a sense of belonging and fulfillment here at 91ֱ��.”

 “Whenever a new person is hired in our division Tina is the first to reach out. She makes sure they know they can come to her at any time, with any question.”

“Tina’s institutional knowledge is immense. She knows who to call for anything, and she always makes time to help. Her advice is gold—because she’s done it all.”

“During my first week, Tina made me feel seen, welcome, and appreciated. I hadn’t even found my office yet, but I knew I had someone in my corner.”

“Tina truly lives and breathes 91ֱ��. Her decisions reinforce the values and traditions this institution is famous for.” 

The YB Staff Award was established to honor the extraordinary service of the late Yeworkwha Belachew—“YB,” as she was affectionately known—who served 91ֱ�� in numerous roles for more than 35 years, most notably as ombudsperson and founder of the 91ֱ�� College Dialogue Center.

First presented in 2016—to Belachew—the YB Award was established to recognize a non-faculty employee of the college or conservatory who demonstrates daily commitment and performance in advancing 91ֱ��’s strategic goals through exemplary service.

For more information about the YB Award and a complete list of past honorees, please visit the Department of Human Resources’ Awards and Recognition page.