Recognizes the contributions of employees who exceptionally complete essential functions within the division that foster student success but are not primarily in direct contact with students. This award is designed to celebrate the contributions of employees often completing responsibilities “behind the scenes”, seeking development in their role, and contributing to the success of the organization.

Scoring Criteria

• Fosters success directly and/or indirectly with students
• Exceeds expectations in their role  
• Goes above and beyond expectations of customer service and attitude  
• Seeks development in their role  
• Contributes to the success of the organization 

Recent Winners

2024: Stephanie Miller, University Housing
2023: Dow Hammond, Student Disability Resource Center
2022: Application Reviewers, Undergraduate Admissions; Valarie Lindsay, University Housing; LeAnne Ryan, University Housing
2021: Haley Joy, University 101 Programs; Patti King, Undergraduate Admissions

Recognizes the contribution of employees who consistently demonstrate an exceptional commitment to and understanding of inclusive excellence within the Carolina community outside the scope of their day-to-day job duties through communication, innovation, improving the office/university environment, and student engagement.

Scoring Criteria

• Enhances inclusion through positive communication between persons of different backgrounds  
• Develops innovative methods for increasing and valuing equity through wide-ranging activities and programs  
• Demonstrates outstanding efforts to promote an environment aligned with the Carolinian Creed and free from bias and discrimination  

Recent Winners

2024: Sandy Greene, University 101 Programs
2023: Zo Sediqi, Career Center
2022: Shay Malone, Multicultural Student Affairs
2021: Claudio Alejo, University Housing; Janie Kerzan, Student Life

Recognizes USC departments and/or staff members within the division who have demonstrated significant creative, original, and exceptional work that has positively impacted the overall quality of campus life. The project must be practical and replicable to external communities.

Scoring Criteria

• Identifies and solves a significant problem impacting campus life, leading to meaningful improvements
• Demonstrates clear, measurable improvements in student and staff well-being, engagement, or satisfaction
• The project is adaptable and replicable to other departments, campuses, or external communities
• The initiative is cost-effective, making efficient use of financial, human, and physical resources
• Designed for lasting impact with clear strategies for maintenance, evolution, and future support

Recent Winners

2024: Eli Scriver, Student Health and Well-Being
2023: Gamecock Community Shop 
2022: Gamecock School Supply Closet, Student Success Center
2021: Resiliency Project

Recognizes an employee who has been at the institution for at least two years but less than five, who has contributed to the success of the organization through their use of personal initiative, commitment to learning, analytical and critical thinking skills, motivation of others, and problem-solving capabilities.

Scoring Criteria

• Displays personal initiative through involvement in university-wide events/initiatives  
• Displays active learning in their position within the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support  
• Contributes to the success of the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support  
• Displays Commitment to personal and professional development  
• Motivates other by demonstrating personal responsibility  
• Displays excellent analytical and critical thinking skills 

Recent Winners

2024: LeAnne Ryan, University Housing
2023: Liliann Pineda, Capstone Scholars Program
2022: Carli Mercer, Fraternity and Sorority Life
2021: Jason Halterman, Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention and Prevention

Recognizes an employee who have been at the institution for at least two years but less than five, who has contributed to the success of the organization through their use of personal initiative, commitment to learning, analytical and critical thinking skills, motivation of others, and problem-solving capabilities.

Scoring Criteria

• Displays personal initiative through involvement in university-wide events/initiatives  
• Displays active learning in their position within the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support  
• Contributes to the success of the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support  
• Displays Commitment to personal and professional development  
• Motivates other by demonstrating personal responsibility  
• Displays excellent analytical and critical thinking skills 

Recent Winners

2024: Scott Hudson, University Housing
2023: Aimee Hourigan, Substance Abuse Prevention and Education
2022: Regina Hailey Smith, TRIO Programs
2021: Cindy Peachey, Student Financial Aid and Scholarships; Elizabeth Orehovec, Undergraduate Admissions

Recognizes the contributions, knowledge and experience of a long-term employee in appreciation of their dedicated service to the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support.

Scoring Criteria

• Distinguished performance and/or contribution that is beyond the scope of the employee’s regular day-to-day activities and assignments
• Committed to the long-term success of the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support by displaying personal initiative through involvement in the division 
• Uses resources effectively to achieve institutional mission and goals 
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support mission, vision, policies, and procedures and is prepared to address student, parent, employee, or stakeholder concerns, proficiently determining the best solution and quickly follows through for a positive result. The recipient must also exhibit courtesy and professionalism during interactions
• At least ten years of service to the student affairs profession or relevant functional area

2024: Dana Talbert, Student Success Center
2023: Kim McMahon, Russell House University Union

Recognizes USC departments and/or staff members within the division who have demonstrated significant interdepartmental collaboration to positively impact the overall quality of campus life by addressing a problem or need. Recipients of this award can be: individual-to-individual; department-to-department; or individual-to-department.

Scoring Criteria

• Demonstrates a strong, balanced collaboration, leveraging diverse perspectives and complementary skills to achieve a successful outcome 
• Effectively identifies and solves a significant problem or need that positively impacts students, faculty, or staff 
• Creates sustainable, long-term improvements that benefit the broader university community and align with the institution’s mission 
• Applies novel ideas, strategies, or interdisciplinary approaches to address the issue in an innovative way 
•  Provides clear evidence of the collaboration’s tangible, positive impact on campus life and relevant university metrics 

Recent Winners

2024: Alicia Bervine, Division Human Resources; Coleman Carlisle, Career Center; Sandy Greene, University 101 Programs; Maegan Gudridge, Division Communications and Marketing; Erin Mullen, Career Center
2023: Leena Holt, Parent and Family Programs; Maegan Gudridge, Student Affairs and Academic Support
2022: Grace Kazmierski, Sustainability; Kimberly Seibles, Multicultural Student Affairs
2021:  Gamecock Pantry and Parent and Family Programs

Recognizes the division’s most exceptional employee who consistently go beyond the call of duty to make a difference in the Carolina Community by displaying personal initiative, developing relationships, and engagement in university activities.

Scoring Criteria

• Takes proactive steps to drive positive change and contributes to university-wide initiatives beyond job responsibilities 
• Develops meaningful, collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the broader Carolina community 
• Exceeds job expectations by taking on additional responsibilities, supporting others, and stepping up during challenges 
• Engages actively in divisional and campus-wide events, committees, and projects 
• Has a lasting, positive effect on the Carolina community, inspiring and supporting others while embodying the Division’s Mission 

Recent Winners

2024: Jessie McNevin, Sustainability
2023: Megan Colascione, Student Life
2022: Mandy Bidinger, Office of the Dean of Students
2021: Katherine Hilson, Undergraduate Admissions

Recognizes one graduate assistant who works in the division that have gone above-and-beyond the call of duty to make a substantial impact on USC’s campus by utilizing a theory-to-practice mindset, demonstrating leadership, and engagement in division and university activities.

Scoring Criteria

• Positive impact on the student experience 
• Utilizes a theory-to-practice mindset in their work beyond the classroom  
• Identify 3 behaviors/competencies that have been observed regarding leadership qualities, which can include but are not limited to: 
  • Guides toward clear goals and objectives by setting expectations and ensuring accountability
  • Motivates and inspires others to perform at their best, fostering a positive and productive work environment
  • Takes initiative in solving problems and making decisions, even in challenging situations
  • Delegates tasks effectively based on team members' strengths, ensuring efficient project execution
  • Provides constructive feedback and supports professional development, helping team members grow
  • Models ethical behavior and integrity, setting a high standard for the team to follow

Recent Winners

2024: Julia Ballou, Preston Residential College for Leadership
2023: Emma Ormond, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
2022: Rachel Mungovan, University Housing; Alexandra Shay, Sustainability; Ailish Stein, Substance Abuse Prevention and Education
2021: Hamilton Wasnick, Student Government; and Kaitlin Yoffie, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity

Recognizes an employee who has made an impact at USC during their first two years of service to the division. Recipient must have two years or less of service at the time of submission and have demonstrated a positive impact to the student experience, built strong community with professionals, demonstrated leadership, involvement, and a commitment to learning.

Scoring Criteria

• Advances the university mission  
• Positive impact on the student experience  
• Builds community among professionals  
• Involved in the Carolina community
• Commitment to learning
• Identify 3 behaviors/competencies that have been observed regarding leadership qualities, which can include but are not limited to: 
  • Guides toward clear goals and objectives by setting expectations and ensuring accountability
  • Motivates and inspires others to perform at their best, fostering a positive and productive work environment
  • Takes initiative in solving problems and making decisions, even in challenging situations
  • Delegates tasks effectively based on team members' strengths, ensuring efficient project execution
  • Provides constructive feedback and supports professional development, helping team members grow
  • Models ethical behavior and integrity, setting a high standard for the team to follow
  • Encourages collaboration and open communication, ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard and valued
  • Navigates conflicts diplomatically and finds solutions that maintain team cohesion and focus
  • Makes informed, data-driven decisions while considering long-term impacts on the team and organization

Recent Winners

2024: Tharangi Fernando, Student Success Center
2023: Sarah Cassidy, Capstone Scholars Program
2022: Joshua Cauble, Leadership and Service Center; Jessica Gibson, Career Center; Gabriella Penaherrera, Career Center
2021: Carly Walter, Fraternity and Sorority Life; Emilia DeMarco, Student Disability Resource Center; Krystal Reynolds, National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition

Recognizes USC faculty and/or staff members employed outside student affairs and academic support who have demonstrated significant support for the division mission, programs, and services, and the overall quality of campus life by aiding in student access, facilitating student progress and persistence, and advancing learning.

Scoring Criteria

• Engages with the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support 
• Provides access 
• Facilitates students’ progress and persistence 
• Advances learning at the university 
• Advances learning in the higher education community

Recent Winners

2024: Elise Lewis, Capstone Scholars Program and College of Information and Communications & Rebecca Lancaster, Development
2023: Armen Shaomian, Preston Residential College and College of Hospitality, Retail and Sports Management & Brian McCaster, College of Engineering and Computing
2022: Lara Lomicka Anderson, Preston Residential College and Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures & Ashleigh Speaks, Financial Aid and Scholarships
2021: Michael Gavin, First-Year English, College of Arts and Sciences & Stephen Cutler, College of Pharmacy & Beth Bilderback, University Libraries & Jeff Stensland, Communications and Public Affairs

Recognizes the contributions of employees who continuously demonstrate dedication to our mission through positive influences on student learning and engagement by participation in university activities promoting student development, delivering support to students, going above job description, and being approachable and accessible. 

Scoring Criteria

• Participation in student-centered university activities 
• Promotes academic and personal student development  
• Delivers support and guidance to students  
• Goes beyond job description to help students  
• Approachable and accessible demeanor to students 

Recent Winners

2024: Dan Colascione, University Housing
2023: Josh Dunn, Student Success Center
2022: Courtney Buzan, Russell House University Union
2021: Anna Edwards, Student Life; and Nikki Prudé, Substance Abuse Prevention and Education

Recognizes the effort and tenacity of an employee who has displayed heartfelt commitment and ability to recover from a strenuous situation. This staff member has been able to push through barriers in dedication to their role and office’s mission and values in order to continue excellent service for the institution. This award is designed to celebrate the victories of our employees despite setbacks, changing times, and roadblocks along the way.

Note: For this particular award, nominators are asked to not include the nature of the strenuous situation in their nomination.

Scoring Criteria

• Demonstrates exceptional perseverance and the ability to navigate setbacks while maintaining focus on goals
• Consistently aligns actions with the organization’s mission, values, and objectives, even during tough times
• Effectively adapts to changing circumstances, finding creative solutions to overcome barriers and maintain performance
• Maintains excellent service, even under pressure or challenging conditions
• Inspires and motivates colleagues with a positive outlook, contributing to overall team morale and resilience

Recent Winners

2024: Krystal Reynolds, National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition
2023: Wallace Crosby, Fraternity and Sorority Life
2022: Alisa Liggett, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity; Bethany Naser, New Student Orientation
2021: Camille Darby, Fraternity and Sorority Life; Kourtney Love, Undergraduate Admissions;  Michael Sisk, Undergraduate Admissions; Patricia Davis, Student Success Center

Recognizes a staff member who supervises at least one full time employee. This supervisor fosters an environment of trust, collaboration, and growth, leading by example with integrity and a deep dedication to excellence. They consistently inspire, motivate, and empower their team members to achieve their fullest potential, even in the face of challenges. Through their ability to guide and support others, they contribute significantly to the overall success of the department and institution. This award celebrates the supervisor who exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the well-being and development of their team.

Scoring Criteria

• Demonstrates a commitment to mentoring, growing team members, and delegating responsibilities to foster autonomy and skill development 
• Maintains clear, open communication, actively listens to team concerns, and keeps the team informed of important updates and changes 
• Cultivates a positive team environment, recognizes achievements, and resolves conflicts to maintain high morale and engagement 
• Achieves team and organizational goals, leads with resilience through change, and aligns the team's efforts with the broader mission 

Recognizes a staff member who supervises part-time staff, graduate assistant(s), and/or undergraduate staff, which can include paid or non-paid positions. This supervisor demonstrates a unique ability to foster a positive, inclusive work environment while balancing the challenges of scheduling flexibility and varying availability. Through clear communication, individualized support, and a deep commitment to team development, this supervisor ensures that part-time staff feel valued, engaged, and integral to the success of the organization.

Scoring Criteria

• Provides tailored growth opportunities, fosters inclusivity, and supports work-life balance for part-time staff
• Adapts communication methods to part-time schedules, clarifies expectations, and actively responds to feedback
• Ensures part-time staff are integrated, recognized, and engaged, while resolving conflicts and maintaining positive team dynamics
• Aligns part-time staff with organizational priorities, maximizing their contributions 

Recognizes an undergraduate student staff member who is affiliated with the division (i.e. student employee, student leader, peer leader, etc.) and has gone above and beyond the call of duty to make an impact on USC. This can be an office assistant or a student in an unpaid peer leader leadership position.

Scoring Criteria

• Demonstrates a positive attitude toward the university, faculty, staff and fellow students 
• Displayed great potential, as evidenced in ways including but not limited to: leadership, involvement, work ethic, desire and ability to contribute positively to the campus  
• Currently enrolled undergraduate student  
• Demonstrates a commitment to developing their leadership identity and making contributions to our campus every day whether it be university, division-wide or department-specific

2024: Evey Konstantopoulos, Leadership and Service Center
2023: Hunter Strause, Russell House University Union