ASU Graduate College announces 2022 Staff Awards for Excellence winners

10 ASU staff members awarded the Graduate College Awards for Excellence

The Graduate College is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2022 Graduate College Staff Awards for Excellence. Created to acknowledge the significant contributions made by ASU staff who support graduate student needs, the awards spotlight individuals who go above and beyond to fulfill the mission of the university and contribute to graduate student success.

This year, there were over a hundred nominations submitted and many staff members were nominated multiple times in different categories showing their versatility and dedication.

The heartfelt nominations spoke to how much ASU staff contribute to the graduate student population and to the university. And, although we wish we could award everyone, only the nominations with the top scores received the awards.

The Graduate College Staff Awards for Excellence are awarded in four categories: Going the Extra Mile, Outstanding New Staff Member, Supporting Student Success and Outstanding Collaboration.

The recipients of the 2022 Graduate College Awards for Excellence are:

Graduate College Award for Excellence: Going the Extra Mile

• Susan Draughn, Executive Coordinator in Edson College Administration
• Leah Legg, Graduate Coordinator in the School of Politics and Global Studies

Graduate College Award for Excellence: Outstanding New Staff Member

• Jennie Burel, Program Coordinator in the School of Mathematics and Statistical Sciences

Graduate College Award for Excellence: Supporting Student Success

• Lindsey Plait-Jones, Graduate Student Support Coordinator in School of Sustainability Academic Advising
• Theresa Jorgensen, Project Manager Research in the College of Health Solutions
• Jessica Ranney, Assistant Director for the Center of Biology and Society
• Fred Pena, Laboratory Manager for the School of Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy
• Christine De La Cerda, Program Manager for W.P. Carey Graduate Programs Support Services
• Mirna Hodzic Mun, Grant + Contract Officer Senior, Office for Research and Sponsored Projects Administration Award Management

Graduate College Award for Excellence: Outstanding Collaboration

• Janet Callozzo, Program Manager for W.P. Carey Graduate Programs Student Services

Going the Extra Mile

The Going the Extra Mile award is an opportunity for ASU staff and faculty to recognize a staff member in a graduate support role that has contributed in a significant way to the academic success or overall experience of graduate students at ASU. There were two staff that were awarded this accolade in 2022.

Susan Draughn, executive coordinator in Edson College Administration, was one of the outstanding staff to receive this award. Susan, who worked at ASU for numerous years, recently retired from her service to the University. She made an impact in many ways during her years at ASU. Her skills in being resourceful, efficient and organized were pointed out by Dr. Diane Nunez, clinical professor and program director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. Dr. Nunez praised Susan for the way in which she engaged with students, stating that “[Susan] cares about their success — the student’s success is her success.” Dr. Nunez also emphasized Susan’s compassion and ability to “remain calm, focused, and [attain] university resources and support” for students in difficult situations. This was especially important during the pandemic, as the students she was serving were registered nurses working on the “front lines.” Dr. Nunez clarified that even during those difficult years, Susan always ensured that students knew that they were cared for. We are thrilled to recognize Susan’s dedication to “going the extra mile” for students and we are thankful for all she has contributed to graduate education.  

The other winner of the Going the Extra Mile award is Leah Legg, graduate coordinator in the School of Politics and Global Studies. Leah has been described as creative, caring, and committed to students in their graduate program. Dr. Jeff Kubiak and Dr. Magda Hinojosa agree that Leah “executes her role as advisor and coordinator in ways that strongly support individual student’s success and their sense of belonging to a larger community from recruitment through graduation and beyond.” Leah’s ability to proactively communicate with students about schedule changes, enrollment status, etc., helps support their success. She supports their degree completion by addressing the concerns and issues of each student individually through personal contact, problem solving, connecting them to resources, and proactively reminding them of important requirements and deadlines. Dr. Hinojosa and Dr. Kubiak state that much of the credit for their students' high level of satisfaction in the program is attributed to Leah. For example, one of the graduate students in the program wrote to thank her for her empathetic and diligent approach, “It was nice to know that someone outside my family was checking on me.” Congratulations to Leah! We are thankful for all that she has contributed to graduate education and students.

Outstanding New Staff Member

The Outstanding New Staff Member award is an opportunity for ASU staff and faculty to recognize a newer staff member in a graduate-support role that has contributed in a significant way to the academic success or overall experience of graduate students at ASU. 

This year’s winner is Jennie Burel, program coordinator in the School of Mathematics and Statistical Sciences. Jennie recently began her administrative role in the School and quickly began streamlining some of their processes. According to Sharon Crook, associate director for Graduate Programs and professor, one of Jennie’s revamped processes is now “less stressful and more organized and transparent to the students, [which helps] them focus on studying and exam success.” In addition to making a difference for students, she “excels in the other student-and-faculty-facing roles of her job as well. She is always available to [students] and is extremely organized and detail-oriented while also being warm and supportive.” Jennie is described as being conscientious, organized, professional and warm. These attributes have been an asset for the students, staff and faculty in the School. Congratulations to Jennie for her contributions to graduate education and students.

Supporting Student Success

The Supporting Student Success award is an opportunity for graduate students to recognize a staff member in a graduate-support role that has contributed in a significant way to their academic success or overall graduate-student experience during their graduate program.

The first Supporting Student Success winner we’d like to recognize is Lindsey Plait-Jones, graduate student support coordinator in the School of Sustainability Academic Advising. Lindsey supports achievement, growth and wellbeing for students in the School of Sustainability’s graduate programs. With a proactive and empathetic approach, Lindsey is able to communicate important deadlines to students and always takes the time to answer their questions and empower them to succeed. As one student put it, “I am certain that she is the reason why some doctoral students have stayed the course and graduated instead of dropping out.” Lindsey is also recognized by the students she serves for applying an extra level of personal engagement and compassion that goes beyond the normal scope of her position. Students witnessed the depth of Lindsey’s dedication when she joined them at a rally to protest discrimination against a member of the cohort. “This is the level of support Lindsey gives to us, and how deeply she is committed to serving students.” Congratulations to Lindsey as we recognize and celebrate her commitment to supporting student success and wellbeing. 

Our next Supporting Student Success winner is Theresa Jorgensen, project manager research in the College of Health Solutions. In her multifaceted role, Theresa oversees all research and  provides support and guidance to students while ensuring the integrity of their research. Theresa uses her background as an ultrasound technician and her experience working within the College of Health Solutions to answer questions for students and empower them to achieve their research goals. Students can count on Theresa to dedicate her time and energy toward their success and wellbeing. As one student put it, “Theresa has been there for me through the rough parts of my degree. She has been my cheerleader when no one has cheered for me, and pushed me to do my very best.” The student continues, “She has gone out of her way at every turn to help me succeed in my research, studies, personal life and work/life balance.” Congratulations to Theresa, whose dedicated approach has been a great benefit to the students she serves. 

Next up is Jessica Ranney, assistant director for the Center of Biology and Society. In this role, Jessica uses an at once empathetic and pragmatic approach to support students and connect them with critical resources. Students appreciate Jessica’s willingness to openly discuss the financial challenges they face as she takes active steps to improve their outlook, securing stipends and funding for needed equipment and additional staffing. According to one student, “[Jessica] works very hard to make sure all students are compensated fairly for the work that they do, and she advocates on our behalf to faculty and university leadership. Jessica finds ways to get students supplies like books, lab equipment and software when needed.” Jessica also played a pivotal role in supporting students and fostering a feeling of community during the pandemic, providing free lunches and holding regular office hours over Zoom for students to seek advice. Many of the students who have benefited from Jessica’s service see her as “the heart of the program,” and the Graduate College is thrilled to recognize her as a winner of the Supporting Student Success award. 

In his position of laboratory manager for the School of Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy, Fred Pena is able to impact the lives of students by making sure they have what they need to succeed, both within the lab environment and more holistically as students and people. As lab manager, Fred handles requests from students related to building access, the workspace environment, as well as laboratory equipment and safety. Fred takes the extra step of personally ensuring that all of these issues are resolved, and he’s known around the building for his positivity and energy. Going beyond lab-related concerns, Fred also steps in to provide emotional support when he notices a student who may be facing difficult challenges. According to one student, “I remember a day where I had a very tough presentation to give, and I felt lonely and was so full of stress that I was about to burst and cry in the lab. He noticed this, stayed, and talked to me and left me feeling great and smiling, and told me to let him know how my presentation went.” This extra level of empathy and support is a great benefit to graduate students and makes Fred one of our winners for the 2022 Supporting Student Success award. Congratulations, Fred! 

As Program Manager for W.P. Carey Graduate Programs Support Services, Christine De La Cerda serves as a crucial point of contact for students and sets an example of selflessness and leadership. Over the course of the pandemic, support staff like Christine have become even more essential to keep students connected with the resources they need. For one international student navigating major life decisions at an uncertain time, Christine’s help was indispensable. According to the student, “For every deadline and for every task that was required, Christine was the one I could rely on for guidance. My constant communication with Christine helped me not only remain optimistic and mentally strong, but also led me to satisfactorily complete all the steps required to maintain my status in the MBA class.” The student goes on to highlight the ways that Christine’s dedication and service contribute to a sense of community and affinity for a program: “Through the efforts of persons like Christine, W.P. Carey has gained a reputation not just as a highly ranked MBA program but one that goes to greater extent to care for its students’ wellbeing — a school that is serious about making an impact. Whenever I talk to prospective students, one thing that amazes them is the sense of community and collaboration that exists at W.P. Carey.” We are happy to have the opportunity to recognize the great work that Christine is doing to provide support for her students. Congratulations, Christine!

In her role as Grant and Contract Specialist in the Office for Research and Sponsored Projects Administration, Mirna Hodzic Mun supports student success by coordinating fellowships so students can secure the funding they need. These awards can be complicated, and this was only exacerbated by the travel bans and other challenges spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mirna worked diligently to convert one international student’s fellowship from an in-person modality to remote, connecting a wide range of stakeholders to facilitate the complex transition. According to the student, “I encountered a unique challenge: my Fellowship/Grant was paused due to international travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, in my case, due [also to] political instability in my research host-country. Considering all these circumstances, Ms. Mirna has communicated all these unique challenges while positively and successfully addressing them. In doing so, she supported an individual student from an international background, experiencing unique challenges which would have easily been a bottleneck to the doctoral study and completion.” The student also noted that Mirna went to great lengths to serve as a “cultural liaison,” helping them navigate the various challenges associated with securing a fellowship as an international student. Through her flexibility and diligence, Mirna provides excellent support to the students she serves and plays an essential role in their graduate education. Congratulations on your Supporting Student Success award, Mirna!

Outstanding Collaboration

The Outstanding Collaboration award is an opportunity for Graduate College employees to nominate a staff member in a graduate support role outside of the Graduate College that has volunteered to collaborate on projects, tasks and/or who have served as a trusted source to champion new Graduate College initiatives.

Our winner for the Outstanding Collaboration award is Janet Callozzo, program manager for W.P. Carey Graduate Program Student Services. In her role, she assists with student advising, recruitment and the facilitation of W.P. Carey’s MBA Fast Track and Professional Flex programs. Janet is being recognized for her enthusiasm and willingness to collaborate with the Graduate College on various initiatives, including a Canvas course for support staff. According to Jessica Vasquez, graduate support coordinator, “She set time aside out of her schedule to review a very lengthy guide full of several modules of resources and materials to help with the onboarding of future staff at the university.” By dedicating her time and energy to this project, Janet ensured that the Graduate College would be in a better position to assist current and future support staff with a comprehensive guide that is tailored to their needs. The insight gained from Janet’s feedback was an invaluable resource. In addition to the Canvas course project, Janet also regularly assists in trainings for new advisors, monthly support-staff meetings and Graduate College events. Jessica Vasquez continues, “With her expertise from learning and working with the Graduate Support Coordinator team, she is building a relationship of support and rapport between the Graduate College and her academic department.” The Graduate College is grateful to Janet for the role she has played in maintaining a spirit of collaboration and we are thrilled to recognize her with this award.