Miami University has a national reputation for its campus beauty, which prompted celebrated poet Robert Frost to once dub it “the most beautiful campus that ever there was.”

Maintaining that quality is no small feat. On May 21, Miami President Gregory Crawford and University Ambassador Dr. Renate Crawford honored those responsible for the university’s celebrated aesthetic with the President’s Medallion during a ceremony at Lewis Place.

President Crawford praised their commitment, which drew several compliments during the recent Spring Commencement ceremony held on May 16 at Yager Stadium.

“Renate and I heard over and over throughout the weekend how striking and picturesque the campus looked,” President Crawford said. “That is because of the pride, dedication, and care our incredible employees take in their work.”

Miami University President Gregory Crawford, left, and University Ambassador Dr. Renate Crawford talk during a special ceremony at Lewis Place on May 21. (Jeff Sabo photo)

Those honored included Gerry Geil, director of grounds; Mark Baum, senior operations manager; Brian Nixon, building and grounds manager; Danny Rosenberger, building and grounds manager; Amy McIntosh, senior building and grounds assistant; David Wuertemberger, building and grounds coordinator; Frankie Dishmond, senior building and grounds assistant; Kelsie Johnson, senior building and grounds assistant; Kevin Gramman, senior building and grounds assistant; Megan Croswell, horticulturist; Phillip Niswonger, senior building and grounds assistant; Rick Yeager, senior building and grounds assistant; Shane Witter, senior building and grounds specialist; Stacey Mays, senior building and grounds assistant; Tom Davis, senior building and grounds assistant; Troy Durham, senior building and grounds assistant; Dennis Pollock, building and grounds coordinator; Dustin Fain, building and grounds coordinator; Lloyd Cameron, building and grounds coordinator; Mark Ridenour, building and grounds coordinator; Nathan Fields, building and grounds coordinator; Paul Jones, building and grounds coordinator; Allen Vonderheide, senior building and grounds assistant; Bennet Grimes, senior building and grounds assistant; Jacob Mabry, building and grounds coordinator; Jay Hammer, senior building and grounds specialist; Jeff Clark, building and grounds assistant; Jesse Bailey, senior building and grounds assistant; Kyle Phelps, senior building and grounds assistant; Matthew Ball, senior building and grounds assistant; Rayman Chenault, senior building and grounds assistant; Ryan Bridge, senior building and grounds assistant; Sharon Blalock, senior building and grounds assistant; Steven Young, building and grounds assistant; and Victoria Mumma, senior building and grounds assistant.

In the Princeton Review’s section on Miami, it’s noted that the university has been called “astoundingly beautiful” by students under the Campus Life heading.

“We are so grateful for the wonderful caretakers and curators of our campus,” Renate Crawford said. “They help create a truly inspiring environment for our students to thrive and excel in.”