'Above and Beyond': Donna Bazow retires after 22 years at Millersville
7/26/2024 7:00:00 AM | General
Bazow has faithfully served athletics since 2010
MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - In the last 14 years Millersville Athletics teams have won 13 PSAC Championships with dozens of athletes recognized as All-Americans and national champions. It's fair to ask, "Does any of it happen without Donna Bazow?"
Donna never played a minute on the field. She didn't coach from the bench or blow a whistle in practice. But her love for the student-athletes, desire to see them excel and graduate, support of the coaches, and meticulous attention to detail in her role have held the Millersville Athletics department together.
From 2010 until Friday, July 26, Donna served as the department's administrative assistant, wearing many hats--an event planner, at one time a budget manager, an organizer of schedules, and list goes on. She was integral in the planning and execution of the department's marquee events like Hall of Fame and Dining with Champions. She was the first to volunteer for the extra tasks that come with hosting postseason championships and fundraising events. A 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Donna's knack for logistics was crucial in ensuring that student-athletes were fed and housed on campus and bussed on time and to the right places for road trips. She was the ultimate problem solver for the department. Her responsibilities, flawlessly performed daily, were an underappreciated feat essential for providing a championship experience for thousands of Millersville student-athletes.
Beyond her administrative skills, Donna was a constant and a pillar in the department. She was a listener to the frustrated, a positive voice for the down, a cheerleader for every student-athlete from the role player to the star, and often a babysitter for the coaches and staff in a parenting pinch. Donna was also a smile and warm greeting for recruits, making them immediately feel at home on campus. No athletics staff member matched her zeal for selling the University to families of recruits.
These intangibles were why she was the first recipient of the Millersville Athletics Core Values Award, which was presented to those who exemplify the core values of the department through everyday actions.
Donna's contributions to Millersville Athletics were immeasurable. While her skills and presence at the University will be missed, the department wishes her a happy and fulfilling retirement.
MESSAGES FROM THE MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
"Donna has been a great friend and advocate for myself and all involved with athletics at Millersville. It's uncommon that you have someone so committed and passionate about what we do here. She has had an immense impact on our department. I'm so grateful for the time we shared in athletics." – Andy Young, Millersville Cross Country/Track & Field Head Coach
"DB is the rock of Millersville Athletics. Our athletic department has become a fantastic place to work over the last 15 years, and our program has seen much success. So much of the stability, and health of our department is directly or indirectly tied to Donna's pride in Millersville Athletics and her love for coaches and student-athletes. It takes an army to win consistently at the college level, and DB has been the greatest example of how a support staff impacts winning and academic success behind the scenes." – Jon Shehan, Millersville Baseball Head Coach
"Donna has been the glue for our department, making all of our jobs easier with her attention to detail and patience, and all our lives better with having had her in them. She is loved, and we will miss her." – Brian Smith, Millersville Women's Volleyball Head Coach
"You are not only my coworker, but my friend! Thank you for sharing all you know to make me a better Athletics team member! We all love you and will miss you greatly!" – Theresa DiPaula, Athletics Business Manager
"Donna was so helpful to me when I started as an assistant coach. Trying to get acclimated to a new environment, my role, and responsibilities was disorienting to say the least. Donna guided me through and even went the extra mile at times." - Sharon Barley, Assistant Golf Coach
"Donna's contributions are hard to quantify and put into words, because she did so much that was above and beyond her call of duty, and her care and attentiveness to the needs of the athletic department were unmatched. To say that we appreciate her work and will miss her would be a severe understatement." – Matt Helsel, Tennis Head Coach
"Donna has been a cornerstone of all things Millersville Athletics for as long as I have been here. Her work does not go unnoticed and she will be greatly missed. We wish her all the best in her retirement endeavors! Thank you again for all you have done for us!" – Matt Procopio, Women's Soccer Head Coach
"Donna has been a huge help for me and the basketball program the last eight years. I can't thank her enough for all her hard work. Wishing her a happy and healthy retirement!" – Casey Stitzel, Men's Basketball Head Coach
"Donna Bazow exhibits all of the EPPIIC values of Millersville University and is a Marauder forever. She will be missed by all that have had the pleasure to interact with her during her time at the 'Ville. I wish her all the best as she moves on to the next chapter of her life but hope she will continue to visit us and cheer on the student-athletes, coaches, staff and faculty within Intercollegiate Athletics who she has supported and served so well." – Gail Gasparich, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
"Donna embodies the core values of the department of Pride and Serve. Since I arrived in 2016, Donna has lived these two values in everything she has done. Donna is a huge part of the successes over the last several years and she made us better every day. I will miss her keeping us all in line but more importantly her friendship. Best of luck in retirement and look forward to seeing you around!" - Larry Earnesty, Associate Director of Athletics
"I've never met someone who loves her job quite like Donna. She is hard-working and takes pride in everything she does. It's been an absolute blessing working with her for the last 4 years and she will be truly missed!" – Chelsey Wirth, Director of Athletic Advancement
"Donna is an incredible human being. I can't think of a better example of someone who lived the core values of Millersville. Every day she would go above and beyond to support the coaches, students and campus community. I owe the world to Donna for her support during my time at Millersville, and I'm excited for her and her family for this next chapter." – Miles Gallagher '10/'12M, former Millersville Director of Athletics
"When we first arrived at Millersville University, Donna was the one who welcomed us into the athletic community and made us feel at home. She has been a faithful friend and supporter of FCA since our arrival. And we are so thankful for the countless ways she has helped and encouraged us through the years. We will miss having her pop into the office now and then. And wish her much happiness in her retirement! Best Wishes!" - Dan, Lisa & Cheri, Millersville Fellowship of Christian Athletes
