Faculty members are usually who people name when they think about what makes a university great. But three administrative staffers will get their day in the sun May 5 when the university gives out the 24th annual John S. Perkins Distinguished Service Awards.

The three honorees – Sponsored Programs Assistant Director David Bowen, College of Fine Arts Administrative Assistant Janice Filippi and Computer Resources Manager Guoan Hu – will receive their awards at a ceremony at the Castle. The awards are given out each year to non-faculty BU community members, who are nominated by their peers, according to Perkins Award Chair Emma Previato.

Previato said she was especially pleased with the faculty’s nomination choices this year, which she said highlighted the extraordinary accomplishments of seemingly ordinary staff members.

“It was touching to see that Buildings ‘ Grounds people were nominated,” she said. “These people are with you every day. They were special to faculty.”

This year, the Faculty Council received more than a dozen nominations from faculty, administrators and students. The committee then narrowed the pool down to three deserving “unsung heroes,” Previato said.

“I decided to find the candidates that made an across-the-board contribution,” she said. “My entire committee chose the first two people.”

DAVID BOWEN

Bowen, who works in the College of Engineering, said he tries to alleviate the stress of grant deadlines with efficient work and an up-beat attitude. He said he “deals with deadlines so often that they are not quite so intimidating anymore,” though his colleagues still find them overwhelming.

“He’s the kind of person that does everything behind the scenes so well that you don’t even know it’s getting done,” said ENG graduate program Associate Dean Mark Horenstein, who claimed responsibility for initiating Bowen’s nomination.

Bowen said his success would not be possible if not for the support of the Office of Sponsored Programs community, which creates a pleasant atmosphere that allows him to remain calm in stressful situations.

“It is hard for me to think of my work as ‘award-winning’ – it’s just what I do,” he said. “I am pleased that others recognize the quality of my work.”

Bowen is an “indispensable” part of the College of Engineering, in which grant proposals are an integral part to the school’s successful research and development, Horenstein said.

“He’s the finest grant officer I have ever encountered,” he said.

When Bowen is not working late hours assisting his co-workers, he said he spends time at home with his wife and daughters.

JANICE FILIPPI

The CFA’s School of Music relies on Filippi as an administrator and a friend, according to André De Quadros, the school’s director.

“I have never seen such dedication, integrity and selflessness as is evident in her work,” he said. “As the administrative assistant in the School of Music, she is the pivotal figure in the administration of complex school.”

Filippi said she does not believe her work is award worthy, but rather it is necessary for her role on the School of Music team.

“The award is something I share with all the faculty and staff because they contribute so much to the life of the school – we are a team,” Filippi said. “I feel as if the award has already been given to me because all who wrote letters in support of my nomination gave me their hearts, an opportunity not many are given. It is a gift.”

De Quadros said Filippi’s sensitivity and grace helped the staff cope with the death of CFA professor John Daverio last April.

“Her ability to deal with crises is remarkable,” he said. “It was her instinct about [Daverio] which led us to suspect that he was missing. Right through this tragedy, she was able to be a source of strength and solace for the school community as well as being a guide for working through some unprecedented problems.”

In her spare time, Filippi said she watches CFA performances and cantors at several churches in the Boston suburbs.

“It allows me to express the spiritual side of my life while helping others to sing in worship and prayer,” she said.

GUOAN HU

After hours, Hu can often be found at professors’ homes fixing their computers out of goodwill, according to testimony submitted with his Perkins nomination.

The Physics Department submitted a “gigantic testimony” in support of Hu, Previato said. The testimony said Hu’s performance for the department has been outstanding, including 24-hour technical support and efficient computer replacement after a flood.

“In the physics department, we are very computer-intensive, so that’s our life blood,” Physics Department Acting Chairman Sidney Redner said. “He’s a master at making everything run well. He’s managed to solve problems in a way that makes me feel good about myself.”

According to Redner, a majority of the department collaborated on the nomination for the man who “runs their ship.”

Hu said he never expected the award and he has no idea who nominated him.

“It is a great honor for me,” Hu said. “It means recognition and encouragement.”