Mark & Robin Gambaiana Purple Pride Award

The Mark and Robin Gambaiana Purple Pride Award is a cash award that recognizes Truman State University’s dedicated, non-exempt administrative assistants for exemplary service to their departments and to the University. Colleagues, supervisors and co-workers can nominate an administrative assistant who meets the criteria listed below by submitting a brief summary of recommendation (150 words or less).

Nomination Form

Criteria for Award
Individuals selected for this cash award will be considered under the following criteria:

  • Administrative assistants serving any department on the Truman State University campus
  • Must have at least five years of service to Truman State University
  • Must be a non-exempt (hourly) employee

Selection of Recipients
Potential recipients of the award will be considered through a nomination process. Each year, the recipient will be selected by a committee, and the award will be presented at the University’s Opening Assembly.

About the Award
The fund for the Mark & Robin Gambaiana Purple Pride Award was established in 2016 to commemorate Mark and Robin Gambaiana’s deep relationship with Truman.

Mark served as vice president for University Advancement from July 1, 2004 – Dec. 31, 2015. His strong people skills and donor-focused operating style provided a powerful combination as he led Truman’s Advancement efforts to record-setting achievements. Mark guided Truman to the successful completion of Truman’s inaugural comprehensive campaign, the five-year, $30 million Bright Minds Bright Futures campaign (2006-2011), and the successful launch in 2015 of the University’s $40 million Pursue the Future campaign.

During Mark’s tenure he led a team that raised more than $65 million in private gifts and grew Foundation assets from $18.6 million to $44.8 million while creating hundreds of new funds and scholarships to assist students in pursuing their education at Truman.