Luncheon recognizes the unsung heroes of the graduate student experience

On May 15 the Graduate College held its 6th annual Graduate Support Staff Luncheon as a way of thanking all ASU staff who work directly with graduate students. Staff were invited to relax, enjoy each other’s company and partake in a buffet and giveaways.

The graduate support staff encompass roles such as graduate advisors, coordinators, administrative assistants, managers, assistant directors and all those who provide support for the graduate student experience. Be they advisors who guide students through understanding their degree requirements, deadlines, policies and procedures, or staff who manage clubs and organizations, these staff are often the unsung heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure students are successful.

During her address, Graduate College’s Associate Dean, Tamara Underiner said, “If it weren’t for graduate students, ASU wouldn’t be a research university. And if it weren’t for you, graduate students couldn’t focus on their research, or do what they’re doing to make us the most innovative research university in the country. You notice before anybody else when a student is running into trouble. You may be the ones that throw them the safety line that keeps them here.”

The Graduate College has been putting on this luncheon since 2012. In previous years, the luncheon was held in the Old Main Ballroom. “We loved the old venue, but we outgrew it,” said Kim Naig, one of the organizers and executive director of graduate program services at the Graduate College. This year the luncheon attracted 125 people and was moved to the new Student Pavilion.

The appreciation the Graduate College has for the graduate support staff is apparent. Staff took time for a well-deserved break socializing with coworkers they do not regularly meet in person.

“I look forward to this event each year—it’s great that the Graduate College recognizes graduate support staff efforts, provides us with a delicious lunch and gives us the opportunity to see colleagues in similar roles we don’t see on a regular basis,” said Lisa Murphy, director of academic services in the School of Sustainability.

“We want to create a sense of community. This event allows the graduate support staff from all the colleges to see colleagues, network and share experiences and ideas they may not otherwise get a chance to,” said Underiner.

While everyone enjoyed their fajitas, representatives from the Graduate College’s graduate program services team entertained the crowd with a few giveaways, including tickets to various cultural institutions around the valley, such as the Heard Museum or the Phoenix Art Museum. One person at each table got to walk out with the centerpiece consisting of a cellophane-wrapped Graduate College coffee cup, journal, and a flash drive.

Another tradition at the luncheon is the calendar giveaway. Every year the Graduate College produces an academic year calendar highlighting dates important to graduate admission, progress and graduation. “I love the calendar! Advising students who are near defending are challenging. The calendar helps illustrate all the steps and deadlines they need to consider,” said Katie Ulmer, graduate academic success coordinator in the School of Sustainability. This year, the calendar is of special importance as it commemorates the Graduate College’s anniversary, celebrating 80 years of graduate education at ASU.

The luncheon has locked its place in ASU history as a recurring event of appreciation. Now, we can only anticipate next year’s chance to refresh, recharge and re-connect.