In Loving Memory of Tyler Campbell, Susan Dodson and Hero Miles Campbell

The Campbell and Dodson Family Award was established in 2025 to honor the enduring legacies of Tyler and Susie Campbell, two individuals whose commitment to NC State and the power of community left an unforgettable mark on campus. The award recognizes student employees who demonstrate a profound passion for recreation, leadership and the betterment of their peers.

This year, the spirit of the award shines through Jonathan ‘Johnny’ Pimentel-Garcia, a member services supervisor whose infectious energy and dedication have made him a staple of the Wellness and Recreation community.

In the high-traffic areas of our facility, names are the foundation of community for Johnny. He makes a point to know his coworkers and professional staff alike, a trait that has not gone unnoticed by leadership.

“Every time I see Johnny, he is happy and says hi to me by name,” said Eric Hawkes, executive director of Wellness and Recreation. Johnny joined the team in September 2024 as a member services entrance assistant. His “extra-mile” attitude quickly led to a promotion to supervisor in June 2025.

For Johnny, a sports management major, the Wellness and Recreation Center is more than a workplace; it is a professional laboratory. During a recent interview for his coursework, we discussed how working at the Wellness and Recreation Center provides a sense of purpose through daily interactions with peers and members working toward personal goals.

We explored how his involvement in various departmental projects is helping him define his career path in sports. Learning about his drive left me feeling rewarded by the work we do every day. Students like Johnny are exactly why this department thrives.

Johnny’s path to leadership is unique. Currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps while pursuing his degree, he brings a disciplined, military-grade perspective to his role. He has successfully bridged the gap between the structured standards of the armed forces and the dynamic environment of campus customer service, evolving into a leader who balances professional expectations with genuine empathy.

“Johnny is the embodiment of what the Campbell and Dodson Award was created to recognize,” his supervisor noted. “He has a passion for recreation and the positive impact it creates.”

Beyond his job responsibilities, Johnny serves as an architect of the department’s culture. He frequently organizes intramural teams to build camaraderie beyond the facility’s turnstiles. By investing in his coworkers as individuals, he has turned a campus job into a community hub.

Johnny is scheduled to graduate during the 2026-27 academic year with a degree in sport management. His goal is to work in Major League Baseball; he hopes to one day join the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.

Johnny, through your dedication, your drive to grow, and the way you foster connections across our Wolfpack community, you truly capture the spirit of Tyler and Susie Campbell. On behalf of Wellness and Recreation, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on being our second recipient of this award.”

Though the absence of Tyler, Susie and Miles leaves a deep ache in our hearts, their impact on the NC State community remains vivid. Tyler’s own words from his farewell email echo in our minds, reminding us of the profound connections forged within these walls: “I refuse to say goodbye because part of me will never leave. So instead I say, until next time.” Tyler, Susie and dear Miles, your light continues to shine through the legacy of this award. Until next time.

Supporting Future Leaders: The Campbell and Dodson Family Award

We are currently working to turn the Campbell and Dodson Family Award into a permanent endowment. Our goal is to transform this recognition into a recurring scholarship that provides meaningful financial support to deserving student employees who embody the spirit and integrity of Tyler, Susan, and Miles. Every donation helps us reach this goal and ensures their legacy continues to impact student lives for years to come.