Perhaps now more than ever, it is important that we recognize and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of Student Affairs staff members, student employees, and initiatives of the past year. Although we can't celebrate in person at this time, we thank and recognize these individuals and departments who went above and beyond to transform lives at the University of Miami. We look forward to acknowledging all winners and nominees in-person in the fall once it is deemed safe to do so.

Click the image below to watch a special video message from Dr. Whitely and our student employees:

Outstanding New Student Affairs Employee

Kennedy Robinson
Assistant Director, Multicultural Student Affairs

Here is what the nominator said: Having a great pulse on what students are interested in, Kennedy jumped into re-imagining MSA's existing programs, as well as creating a new program series that has become extremely popular. Students have shared exceptional feedback as a result of Kennedy's hard work and awareness that students prefer evening programs focusing on discussion and real conversations about issues that matter. She certainly makes others feel valued, always asking how someone's day is going and if they're taking care of themselves.

Nominees: Sompa Adhya-Taylor (Dean of Students Office), Rachel Askowitz (Student Health Service), Christine Baez (Student Activities and Student Organizations), Renae Bollibon (Housing and Residential Life), Julian Carter (Housing and Residential Life), Elizabeth Ingrao (Housing and Residential Life), Vanessa Kania (LGBTQ Student Center), Sarah Naturman (Dean of Students Office), Carolina Rodriguez Vargas (Wellness and Recreation), Dion Todman (Student Center Complex)

Outstanding Job Performance

Undergraduate Student: Anil Dalling
Student Assistant, Dean of Students Office

Here is what the nominator said: As a Student Assistant in the Dean of Students Office, Anil does a wonderful job of making sure all of our guests feel valued, safe, and respected. He is smart and attentive, and his warm nature helps foster a sense of belonging for all who come into contact with DOSO. This is especially important for our office given the highly confidential nature of a lot of our student interactions. Anil is also a student panelist on the University's Major and Title IX Hearing panels, one of two student panelists that form the Appellate Board, and is the president of the Honor Council. He always brings a sense of fairness and maturity to these roles.

Nominees: Denisse Sandoval (Housing and Residential Life), Joshua Fournier (Housing and Residential Life), Rayne Mershon (Dean of Students Office), Tia N. Black (Student Center Complex)

Graduate Student: Matta Sannoh
Graduate Assistant, Dean of Students Office (Sandler Center)

Here is what the nominator said: Over the past two years, Matta has become an integral part of the Sandler Center and DOSO team. She has built relationships with students, staff, and other departments because she is always willing to lend a hand and support the office. Specifically, the peer educators attribute the success of their programs to Matta's support and leadership. She consistently works to improve her professionalism and this growth over the past two years has been immeasurable. Consistently over the past two years, 100% of our peer educators have evaluated Matta to the highest degree on her open lines of communication, encouraging a sense of autonomy and collaboration, level of support as an individual and peer educator, and confidence as a resource.

Nominees: Anthony Bolcato (Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement)

Administrative Staff: Ulda Cher
Administrative Assistant, Housing and Residential Life

Here is what the nominator said: During the fall 2019 semester we hired over 200 student employees and hosted over 350 programs. We held over three weeks of professional and student staff training that required room reservations, supplies, and Joanna's cookies. Ulda not only keeps track of everything but makes working alongside her fun. She is timely and anticipatory. I love her ability to follow up with any program stakeholders and vendors to ensure they have all the information they need prior to the event. She is consistently dependable in her quality of work and exhibits a high level of care for colleagues and students.

Nominees: Diana Gomes (Housing and Residential Life), Ernesto Ryan Suarez (Housing and Residential Life), Jennifer Ruggiero (Multicultural Student Affairs)

Professional Staff: Kelly Hui
Financial Analyst, Student Activities and Student Organizations

Here is what the nominator said: Kelly shows immeasurable care, compassion, patience, and understanding as she navigates the sensitivity around funding and addressing the concerns of students, advisors, and faculty and staff members. She gets to know students and organizations and their guiding principles to better understand and serve them. Kelly is a beacon of knowledge not only around the funding process but around the mission and guiding principles of student organizations. She has a deep understanding of the student org community. Additionally, Kelly has always been an advocate for diversity and inclusion, whether it was getting to know someone and their culture more, providing insight on her own culture, or by being interested in various sessions held on campus around the matter.

Nominees: Ronald Wabomnor (Housing and Residential Life), Tyler Rodibaugh (Housing and Residential Life)

Exceptional Work with Students

Alejandro "Alex" Castaneda
Area Director, Housing and Residential Life

Here is what the nominator said: Alex continuously holds himself to such a high standard as a professional staff member and mentor to students. He makes sure to always treat those he works with and those he supervises, with the utmost respect and dignity. He exemplifies what it means to be a supervisor as he always makes sure to go out of his way to check in with everyone, see how they are doing, how they are doing mentally/emotionally -- Alex's priority is first and foremost students. Alex also serves as a NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program mentor to one of his student staff members.

Stephanie Fleitas
Assistant Director, Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement

Here is what the nominator said: Steph exhibits utmost professionalism in all aspects of her occupation, taking pride in everything she does. She consistently goes above and beyond what her job description might entail. She communicates with students in a way that is genuine and caring, taking the time to hear concerns that compel her to take action. She not only practices inclusivity and respect for diversity but also includes such topics in our trainings because she understands their value for growth. Steph shows genuine care for the commuter student population. She has made facilitating our college transition more than just her job. She has made it her mission to ensure that we are receiving the support to excel at UM.

Nominees: Reichard Burse (Housing and Residential Life), Elizabeth Greenlee (Housing and Residential Life), Whitney O'Regan (Dean of Students Office), Jessica Stinnett (Housing and Residential Life)

Outstanding Departmental Initiative

Flu Shot Outreach
Student Health Service

Here is what the nominator said: The 2019 flu shot outreach initiative involved 26 pop-ups across all 3 campuses to provide 2,232 flu shots to students in a highly convenient and accessible way. Since flu vaccination rates among college students are low, this initiative aimed to remove common barriers that college students face in receiving their flu shot and make it as easy as possible. The campaign also sought to correct common misconceptions that students have that prevent them from receiving their flu shot. By scheduling pop-ups at varying times and locations, the initiative was able to reach a wide range of student populations, such as Greek students, student-athletes, law students, medical students, upperclassmen, and more.

Nominees: Resident CHATs (Housing and Residential Life), Roommate Meetups (Housing and Residential Life), Stanford Stories (Housing and Residential Life)

Outstanding Collaborative Departmental Initiative

'Canes Clear the Smoke
Sandler Center for Alcohol and other Drug Education, Student Health Service, Student Government Senate

Here is what the nominator said: 'Canes Clear the Smoke was a collaborative event to address vaping and smoking on campus. Specifically, we noticed that students were unaware that they could (and have ownership to) talk to people who are vaping/smoking on campus about how we are smoke-free, while also providing them with health information to create a dialogue about the harms of not only smoking cigarettes but vaping and second-hand smoke as well. According to assessment data, 86% strongly agree or agree that "It is my responsibility, as a member of the 'Canes community, to enforce the smoke-free policy on campus" and 95% strongly agreed or agreed that "After completing this program I feel more prepared to address a friend or classmate's smoking habits."

Nominees: 'Canes Come Out For Pride: Women's Basketball (University Athletics, Development and Alumni Relations, Category 5, Multicultural Student Affairs, Student Life, Greek Ally Unity, SpectrUM, GradOUT, Women's Commission), Centralized Check-In Process (Housing and Residential Life, Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement, Student Affairs Communications and Marketing, Student Health Service, Parking and Transportation, Student Accounts, Facilities and Access Control), Cupid's Corner (Sandler Center for Alcohol and other Drug Education, Student Health Service, School of Nursing), Engage Implementation and Roll-Out (Department of Student Activities & Student Organizations, Student Affairs Information Systems, and Student Affairs Communications and Marketing), Leadership UMiami (Butler Center for Service and Leadership, Office of Government and Community Relations)

Patricia A. Whitely Student Affairs Enrichment Award

Ryan Holmes
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Here is what the nominator said: Ryan Holmes has demonstrated the characteristics of a model student affairs professional by showing a strong commitment to making positive contributions to the field and building strong relationships within the University, the Division, and his staff. He is reliable and relatable to students and staff alike. Whether interacting with the Board of Trustees or Student Government, Dr. Holmes respectfully considers all viewpoints, is generous with his time and tips, and is not afraid to roll up his sleeves to help. Quick to laugh with you or sing to you, cook for you or help comfort you, Dr. Holmes is a people person, natural leader, and the model of a career student affairs professional.

Years of Service

Thank you to these individuals who have committed their time and talents in service of our students and institution.

10 Years

• Caridad Bechtinger, Student Health Service
• Joshua Brandfon, Student Activities and Student Organizations
• Maria Dayoub, Student Health Service
• Maritza Dubourg, Student Health Service
• Kimberly Martin, Counseling Center
• Teresa Ortega, Dean of Students Office
• Tracy Pottker-Fishel, Student Center Complex
• Jennifer Ruggiero, Multicultural Student Affairs
• Gisel Stark-Wechsler, Student Health Service

15 Years

• Suelyn Chong, Counseling Center
• Marianne Mijares, Commencement
• Teesha Modest, Student Health Service

25 Years

• Patricia Swift, Wellness and Recreation

2020 Laurel Awards Committee

• Mike Piacentino, Chair, Student Affairs Communications and Marketing
• Lindsey Woods, Vice-Chair, Butler Center for Service & Leadership
• Rachel Askowitz, Student Health Service
• Alex Castaneda, Housing & Residential Life
• Layla Claure, Undergraduate Student Representative, Student Center Complex
• Marena Gavilan, Herbert Wellness Center
• Ashley Morning, Orientation & Commuter Student Involvement
• Tery Ortega, Dean of Students Office
• Benjamin Stocking, Counseling Center