UCI Student Affairs Employees of the Month – Past
October 2021
Hector Limon
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
Hector has stepped in many ways this past month to support residents and staff. He truly has been an unsung Hero. In addition to his after hours support, Hector has stepped in to provide support to Verano Place resident support staff while the community is without an Associate Director and Student Housing goes through our re-organization. Additionally, Hector has worked with HAS to ensure waitlist offers got out quickly. This allowed Campus Village to serve students who started the academic year without stable housing.
Auxiliary Services
Hector has stepped in many ways this past month to support residents and staff. He truly has been an unsung Hero. In addition to his after hours support, Hector has stepped in to provide support to Verano Place resident support staff while the community is without an Associate Director and Student Housing goes through our re-organization. Additionally, Hector has worked with HAS to ensure waitlist offers got out quickly. This allowed Campus Village to serve students who started the academic year without stable housing.
Joshua Lien
Student Affairs IT
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Josh continues to be an example of someone who will go out of his way to help with any project thrown at him. Over the past year and a half, Josh has been working diligently behind the scenes on many campus projects supporting everything related to COVID policy, vaccination, and testing. He is never someone who questions why. He is always someone who questions how he can help. His easy and calm demeanor helps to reduce angst and anxiety.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Josh continues to be an example of someone who will go out of his way to help with any project thrown at him. Over the past year and a half, Josh has been working diligently behind the scenes on many campus projects supporting everything related to COVID policy, vaccination, and testing. He is never someone who questions why. He is always someone who questions how he can help. His easy and calm demeanor helps to reduce angst and anxiety.
Andrea Reyes
Center for Student Leadership
Student Life & Leadership
Andrea is gifted with the ability to make all committee meetings engaging and collaborative. Especially during our transition back to campus, it's been refreshing to take the time to check in with one another, and still get through all of our agenda items. Andrea has created a wonderful space for the committee to feel heard, validated, and recognized as a valuable member of the planning process. We don't always celebrate the behind the scene work and would love to see Andrea acknowledged for being an amazing individual and colleague.
Student Life & Leadership
Andrea is gifted with the ability to make all committee meetings engaging and collaborative. Especially during our transition back to campus, it's been refreshing to take the time to check in with one another, and still get through all of our agenda items. Andrea has created a wonderful space for the committee to feel heard, validated, and recognized as a valuable member of the planning process. We don't always celebrate the behind the scene work and would love to see Andrea acknowledged for being an amazing individual and colleague.
Nader Bigdeli
Student Health Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
The UCI Student Health Laboratory has been at the forefront of the most critical work and changes we have done on campus to test our symptomatic students for potential COVID infection. Nader has assigned himself to analyzing all the COVID lab collection and testing processes to ensure that we are practicing the highest quality service. In addition, he has been the technical lead in the surveillance testing of over 1,500 students daily. Nader Bigdeli is a true asset and value to us all.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
The UCI Student Health Laboratory has been at the forefront of the most critical work and changes we have done on campus to test our symptomatic students for potential COVID infection. Nader has assigned himself to analyzing all the COVID lab collection and testing processes to ensure that we are practicing the highest quality service. In addition, he has been the technical lead in the surveillance testing of over 1,500 students daily. Nader Bigdeli is a true asset and value to us all.
September 2021
Jose Sanchez
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
Jose Sanchez, Director for Arroyo Vista (AV) Housing, has been leading/chairing the 2021 undergraduate move-in committee. He has done a great job at leading the group and managing the constantly changing processes. As his work as the move-in committee chair had directly impacted thousands of students and their parents/guardians. At the end of it all, Jose provided appreciation and recognition for all of us involved. Move-in took place over roughly four days but was being planned for over four months. Jose did a spectacular job!
Auxiliary Services
Jose Sanchez, Director for Arroyo Vista (AV) Housing, has been leading/chairing the 2021 undergraduate move-in committee. He has done a great job at leading the group and managing the constantly changing processes. As his work as the move-in committee chair had directly impacted thousands of students and their parents/guardians. At the end of it all, Jose provided appreciation and recognition for all of us involved. Move-in took place over roughly four days but was being planned for over four months. Jose did a spectacular job!
Paulina Raygoza
Student Outreach and Retention (SOAR)
Student Life & Leadership
Paulina Raygoza has advocated for her staff needs, and always speaks up to vocalize any concerns with the student experience. She's always mindful of how to support students from marginalized backgrounds, and does her best to role model mentorship within her community. Her multiple roles on-campus has left a lasting impact for those around her and she's always been a great listener in offering ways to continue to grow in this role, and continue to be supported.
Student Life & Leadership
Paulina Raygoza has advocated for her staff needs, and always speaks up to vocalize any concerns with the student experience. She's always mindful of how to support students from marginalized backgrounds, and does her best to role model mentorship within her community. Her multiple roles on-campus has left a lasting impact for those around her and she's always been a great listener in offering ways to continue to grow in this role, and continue to be supported.
Victoria Tibbets
Counseling Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Victoria single-handedly, and always with a smile, steers the "ship" of our front office unit. She is leading, training and orienting a new administrative team of brand new staff members as we transition back to in person services. In her short time at the Counseling Center she has become the administrative staff we can always count on to navigate multiple layers of the Counseling Center front desk operations. She has recently stepped in to cross-train multiple new temps in our office. We literally could not function without her at the front desk right now. She is the glue that holds our administrative support together.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Victoria single-handedly, and always with a smile, steers the "ship" of our front office unit. She is leading, training and orienting a new administrative team of brand new staff members as we transition back to in person services. In her short time at the Counseling Center she has become the administrative staff we can always count on to navigate multiple layers of the Counseling Center front desk operations. She has recently stepped in to cross-train multiple new temps in our office. We literally could not function without her at the front desk right now. She is the glue that holds our administrative support together.
August 2021
Diana Garcia
Dining Services
Auxiliary Services
Diana has put in 1000% of her time to collaborating and partnering with other Student Affairs and DFA units (Housing, Child Care, Facilities Management) to reassign our dining staff all over campus to ensure they continue to work while we had to shut down for the past 18 months. While it is beyond her job requirements, she has always been willing to help and continue to be flexible with last minute changes with schedules or reassignments for our dining staff.
Auxiliary Services
Diana has put in 1000% of her time to collaborating and partnering with other Student Affairs and DFA units (Housing, Child Care, Facilities Management) to reassign our dining staff all over campus to ensure they continue to work while we had to shut down for the past 18 months. While it is beyond her job requirements, she has always been willing to help and continue to be flexible with last minute changes with schedules or reassignments for our dining staff.
Kelly Carland
Commencement Ceremonies & Special Events
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Kelly has been a rock star this month, scheduling various large and small events, running a number of meetings to plan for said events, providing support to the organization and development of all the little details that make the events happen, as well as having some really great ideas for making things more exciting and efficient. Personally, Kelly has been a major source of encouragement and a positive teammate this month, as well, and I so appreciate her.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Kelly has been a rock star this month, scheduling various large and small events, running a number of meetings to plan for said events, providing support to the organization and development of all the little details that make the events happen, as well as having some really great ideas for making things more exciting and efficient. Personally, Kelly has been a major source of encouragement and a positive teammate this month, as well, and I so appreciate her.
Dani Molina, Ph.D.
Veteran Services
Student Life & Leadership
In collaboration with OIT, Dr. Molina took a decade-old paper-based system and transitioned it into a highly secure digital platform. Dr. Molina's role has many components that go unnoticed but are nonetheless challenging. Being able to give bad news to a student in a graceful manner that is full of resources is an art form that comes naturally to him. Without Dr. Molina's contributions at UCI, the past two years would have been stifling for many students. His advocacy and dedication are in keeping with UCI's highest standards and overall mission.
Student Life & Leadership
In collaboration with OIT, Dr. Molina took a decade-old paper-based system and transitioned it into a highly secure digital platform. Dr. Molina's role has many components that go unnoticed but are nonetheless challenging. Being able to give bad news to a student in a graceful manner that is full of resources is an art form that comes naturally to him. Without Dr. Molina's contributions at UCI, the past two years would have been stifling for many students. His advocacy and dedication are in keeping with UCI's highest standards and overall mission.
Winnie Tse
Campus Assault Resources & Education (UCI CARE)
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Winnie Tse has been with the UCI CARE office for 10 years and over those years has supported a constantly growing and evolving team while providing compassionate, immediate, and responsive support to members of our community who have experienced extreme violence and abuse. Winnie's role has evolved over time and the way that she facilitates communications, anticipates department needs, and acts independently to communicate/train the team on new tools and workflows. She truly goes above and beyond, is reliable and hard-working and often doesn't get the recognition that she deserves.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Winnie Tse has been with the UCI CARE office for 10 years and over those years has supported a constantly growing and evolving team while providing compassionate, immediate, and responsive support to members of our community who have experienced extreme violence and abuse. Winnie's role has evolved over time and the way that she facilitates communications, anticipates department needs, and acts independently to communicate/train the team on new tools and workflows. She truly goes above and beyond, is reliable and hard-working and often doesn't get the recognition that she deserves.
July 2021
Robin Michaels
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
From the time the pandemic started, she has worked in the office everyday to ensure we had someone to provide lock out keys, move in keys to residents, and help vendors. This role could have been rotated among staff. Robin thought it would be better for one consistent person to reduce cross exposure so she volunteered to be the administrative person in the office. Robin goes above and beyond to make life for our students better.
Auxiliary Services
From the time the pandemic started, she has worked in the office everyday to ensure we had someone to provide lock out keys, move in keys to residents, and help vendors. This role could have been rotated among staff. Robin thought it would be better for one consistent person to reduce cross exposure so she volunteered to be the administrative person in the office. Robin goes above and beyond to make life for our students better.
Jess Leggett
Creative & Marketing Communications
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Jess has been the best help this past month while she has been given extra responsibilities. She is the best example of what OVCSA does and keeping our team on top of what needs to be done. I feel like we are ahead with our events for the remainder of the year because Jess has taken initiative and let us know what she needs from us. She is always bringing new ideas and finding ways to innovate Student Affairs.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Jess has been the best help this past month while she has been given extra responsibilities. She is the best example of what OVCSA does and keeping our team on top of what needs to be done. I feel like we are ahead with our events for the remainder of the year because Jess has taken initiative and let us know what she needs from us. She is always bringing new ideas and finding ways to innovate Student Affairs.
Nicole Inouye
Campus Organizations & Volunteer Programs
Student Life & Leadership
The registration process for campus organizations has drastically changed via the CampusGroups platform. Last year was the first year implementing the process, and summer served as the first transition from one academic term to another. With a lot of unknowns regarding the process, Nicole Inouye has served as a guiding light in making sure that our team was prepared in the best way possible. She has been our champion to ensure that we are thorough. Nicole focused on how she could best support the students and staff.
Student Life & Leadership
The registration process for campus organizations has drastically changed via the CampusGroups platform. Last year was the first year implementing the process, and summer served as the first transition from one academic term to another. With a lot of unknowns regarding the process, Nicole Inouye has served as a guiding light in making sure that our team was prepared in the best way possible. She has been our champion to ensure that we are thorough. Nicole focused on how she could best support the students and staff.
Herbert Chan
Student Health Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
As a contributing member of our OIT Management Committee, and overseeing some of the most critical systems in our department, Herbert is dedicated to working long hours and weekends to ensure that all processes have been approved and patient care is without compromise. Herbert has developed the talent of figuring out the processes necessary to get things done, works hard to organize people and activities, and has come to an understanding of how to best separate and combine tasks into a more efficient work flow. We are truly fortunate to have him on our team!
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
As a contributing member of our OIT Management Committee, and overseeing some of the most critical systems in our department, Herbert is dedicated to working long hours and weekends to ensure that all processes have been approved and patient care is without compromise. Herbert has developed the talent of figuring out the processes necessary to get things done, works hard to organize people and activities, and has come to an understanding of how to best separate and combine tasks into a more efficient work flow. We are truly fortunate to have him on our team!
June 2021
Melissa Falkenstein
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
Melissa has taken Student Housing’s task force on as an additional assignment/responsibility to an already large workload. I have seen the care, compassion, and diligences that Melissa has taken to support the LGBTQ+ community. As a co-chair, Melissa has utilized her strengths and position to advocate for changes that would help our residents while also pushing Student Housing's value of "inclusion" to the next level. I would like to extend a major "thank you" to Melissa and the entire Student Housing's LGBT task force!
Auxiliary Services
Melissa has taken Student Housing’s task force on as an additional assignment/responsibility to an already large workload. I have seen the care, compassion, and diligences that Melissa has taken to support the LGBTQ+ community. As a co-chair, Melissa has utilized her strengths and position to advocate for changes that would help our residents while also pushing Student Housing's value of "inclusion" to the next level. I would like to extend a major "thank you" to Melissa and the entire Student Housing's LGBT task force!
Ben Sumali
Student Affairs IT
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Ben worked tirelessly these last few months to create a Commencement registration system and check-in process that would assist us with our virtual Commencement registration AND our graduate stage moment registration. We heard many compliments from the volunteers on how easy the system was to work with and that many of the graduates' family members thoroughly loved seeing the first year photos attached to each graduates account. This registration system and check-in system was the back bone that helped us have successful Commencement events this year.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Ben worked tirelessly these last few months to create a Commencement registration system and check-in process that would assist us with our virtual Commencement registration AND our graduate stage moment registration. We heard many compliments from the volunteers on how easy the system was to work with and that many of the graduates' family members thoroughly loved seeing the first year photos attached to each graduates account. This registration system and check-in system was the back bone that helped us have successful Commencement events this year.
Ekpeju Ed E-Nunu
Sorority & Fraternity Life
Student Life & Leadership
Ed is the Director of Sorority & Fraternity Life - yet he took on a project OUTSIDE of his center to help Center for Student Leadership out! It has been an absolute pleasure working with Ed - he is dependable, timely, takes initiative, and is just an all-around joy to be with. It is truly thanks to his dedication and intentional work that we were able to produce such a meaningful resource last month for our incoming anteaters. Thank you, Ed!
Student Life & Leadership
Ed is the Director of Sorority & Fraternity Life - yet he took on a project OUTSIDE of his center to help Center for Student Leadership out! It has been an absolute pleasure working with Ed - he is dependable, timely, takes initiative, and is just an all-around joy to be with. It is truly thanks to his dedication and intentional work that we were able to produce such a meaningful resource last month for our incoming anteaters. Thank you, Ed!
Thien Vu
Student Health Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Thien initiated the Medication Delivery System starting April 2020 and has served more than 5,000 students. This enabled our UCI students to complete online requests for prescriptions that were delivered to their residence by mail. His strong skills in collaboration also became evident when he helped the nursing team manage the back-office medications. His team performed two mock surveys and guided us in making corrective measures. Because of this, the AAAHC accreditation survey on the specific standards were deemed fully compliant.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Thien initiated the Medication Delivery System starting April 2020 and has served more than 5,000 students. This enabled our UCI students to complete online requests for prescriptions that were delivered to their residence by mail. His strong skills in collaboration also became evident when he helped the nursing team manage the back-office medications. His team performed two mock surveys and guided us in making corrective measures. Because of this, the AAAHC accreditation survey on the specific standards were deemed fully compliant.
May 2021
Bruce Aquino
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
This year Bruce created a virtual SIMSOC to allow the residents the opportunity to experience a treasured Sierra tradition. This was a major undertaking that began with Bruce creating a proposal that transformed the overnight program into a 1-day virtual retreat. Bruce has demonstrated his dedication to provide an amazing opportunity for students to experience a treasured Sierra tradition by creating virtual SIMSOC. He has also demonstrated our Housing Cultural Beliefs of "Value People" and Courageous Dialogue, through his work with Student Affairs Assessment on the WASE accreditation creating and facilitating the Sierra Program Assessment.
Auxiliary Services
This year Bruce created a virtual SIMSOC to allow the residents the opportunity to experience a treasured Sierra tradition. This was a major undertaking that began with Bruce creating a proposal that transformed the overnight program into a 1-day virtual retreat. Bruce has demonstrated his dedication to provide an amazing opportunity for students to experience a treasured Sierra tradition by creating virtual SIMSOC. He has also demonstrated our Housing Cultural Beliefs of "Value People" and Courageous Dialogue, through his work with Student Affairs Assessment on the WASE accreditation creating and facilitating the Sierra Program Assessment.
Alexandra Murillo
Special Events & Commencement
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Alex is like an unsung hero within the office - she consistently takes on her duties with a quiet persistence while maintaining a positive, team player persona. This month in particular has been a challenge due to the hubbub around Commencement and Graduate Stage Moments. Alex has been managing the email correspondence, which has seen a major increase, as well as her daily duties assisting with Commencement and other events. In addition, Alex flawlessly executes the Employee of the Month program, making sure the program continues to flourish each month.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Alex is like an unsung hero within the office - she consistently takes on her duties with a quiet persistence while maintaining a positive, team player persona. This month in particular has been a challenge due to the hubbub around Commencement and Graduate Stage Moments. Alex has been managing the email correspondence, which has seen a major increase, as well as her daily duties assisting with Commencement and other events. In addition, Alex flawlessly executes the Employee of the Month program, making sure the program continues to flourish each month.
Joey Leon
Student Outreach and Retention (SOAR)
Student Life & Leadership
SOAR is truly lucky to have Joey as their Assistant Director supporting and advocating for student growth and development. He started his position at UCI virtually, but he quickly acclimated and made an intentional effort to make himself known across campus and various departments. He has gone above and beyond in his position to ensure that our students, especially those from diverse underrepresented backgrounds are supported when challenges arise. He is genuine, innovative, and an overall great human being. For those reasons, I highly recommend Joey as employee of the month.
Student Life & Leadership
SOAR is truly lucky to have Joey as their Assistant Director supporting and advocating for student growth and development. He started his position at UCI virtually, but he quickly acclimated and made an intentional effort to make himself known across campus and various departments. He has gone above and beyond in his position to ensure that our students, especially those from diverse underrepresented backgrounds are supported when challenges arise. He is genuine, innovative, and an overall great human being. For those reasons, I highly recommend Joey as employee of the month.
Trac Lam
Campus Recreation
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Trac is truly the guiding force for the safety culture of the ARC and Campus Recreation. As a CPR and first aid instructor he has trained thousands of students, faculty, and staff. Trac has also been a mentor to hundreds of ARC student members. his’s student staff and class participants universally sing his praises as a master instructor and trusted, respected, and unparalleled mentor. Recently, he led the ARC student operations team in responding to a medical emergency in the ARC. Their immediate response and flawless execution of safety skills were critical to supporting the patrons’ wellbeing.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Trac is truly the guiding force for the safety culture of the ARC and Campus Recreation. As a CPR and first aid instructor he has trained thousands of students, faculty, and staff. Trac has also been a mentor to hundreds of ARC student members. his’s student staff and class participants universally sing his praises as a master instructor and trusted, respected, and unparalleled mentor. Recently, he led the ARC student operations team in responding to a medical emergency in the ARC. Their immediate response and flawless execution of safety skills were critical to supporting the patrons’ wellbeing.
April 2021
Mariana Ortega
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
Mariana is one of those gems that shines behind the scenes. Once you get to know Mariana, you will see their brilliance and light. One of Mariana's strengths and talents is their knowledge and passion around diversity, equity, and inclusion. During meetings, Mariana frequently brings up the student perspective and voice. Mariana strives to make decisions that are student-centered. As a co-worker who works intimately with them, Mariana is a ROCK-STAR!!! I cannot express how grateful, honored, and privileged I am to work alongside Mariana.
Auxiliary Services
Mariana is one of those gems that shines behind the scenes. Once you get to know Mariana, you will see their brilliance and light. One of Mariana's strengths and talents is their knowledge and passion around diversity, equity, and inclusion. During meetings, Mariana frequently brings up the student perspective and voice. Mariana strives to make decisions that are student-centered. As a co-worker who works intimately with them, Mariana is a ROCK-STAR!!! I cannot express how grateful, honored, and privileged I am to work alongside Mariana.
Hillary Phan
UCI Esports
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Hillary is one of the driving forces behind the great team culture that we have cultivated within Esports. She continually collaborates with other departments and external organizations to bring in expert speakers to educate our staff and students, providing them with pertinent information and best practices. She helps them navigate student life, and mentors them in all aspects of personal and professional development. Her work has enabled our scholarship student athletes to become the best that they can be both, in game and out of game.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Hillary is one of the driving forces behind the great team culture that we have cultivated within Esports. She continually collaborates with other departments and external organizations to bring in expert speakers to educate our staff and students, providing them with pertinent information and best practices. She helps them navigate student life, and mentors them in all aspects of personal and professional development. Her work has enabled our scholarship student athletes to become the best that they can be both, in game and out of game.
Miguel Hernandez
Dean of Students Office
Student Life & Leadership
Miguel facilitated LEAD@UCI class, a leadership course hosted by CSL, during Winter 2020. His warm and welcoming energy is contagious to staff and students alike. I met with a few students taking the course for individual coaching sessions, and all of them had nothing but positive words for Miguel! From his caring and curious questions to helping each of his students feel seen and heard, I honestly wish I got to take this course myself with Miguel as the instructor.
Student Life & Leadership
Miguel facilitated LEAD@UCI class, a leadership course hosted by CSL, during Winter 2020. His warm and welcoming energy is contagious to staff and students alike. I met with a few students taking the course for individual coaching sessions, and all of them had nothing but positive words for Miguel! From his caring and curious questions to helping each of his students feel seen and heard, I honestly wish I got to take this course myself with Miguel as the instructor.
Courtney Burkes
Campus Recreation
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Courtney has been instrumental in the continued success of the Campus Recreation Department. Due to COVID-19, our transition to virtual online services and outdoor activities could not have been possible without her organizational and management experience. She has also created health and wellness initiatives that have allowed faculty/staff and students to continue working toward and achieving their physical activity goals remotely, during the pandemic. Courtney’s office door (virtual) is always open for whoever comes through, whether that be students or staff, ready to listen, provide feedback and expertise.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Courtney has been instrumental in the continued success of the Campus Recreation Department. Due to COVID-19, our transition to virtual online services and outdoor activities could not have been possible without her organizational and management experience. She has also created health and wellness initiatives that have allowed faculty/staff and students to continue working toward and achieving their physical activity goals remotely, during the pandemic. Courtney’s office door (virtual) is always open for whoever comes through, whether that be students or staff, ready to listen, provide feedback and expertise.
March 2021
Amaris Tang
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
Amaris is leading a team of 5 professional staff members in developing the RA selection process for Student Housing. Amaris is organized, ensures everyone’s voice is heard, has been innovative and supportive of new ideas and approaches to the selection process and is always inclusive in her decision making. Amaris did a great job at role-modeling flexibility by responding to the necessary changes required by COVID-19. I strongly believe she deserves recognition for the commitment she has invested into leading this selection process which ultimately impacts all the undergraduate students living in Arroyo Vista, Mesa Court and Middle Earth.
Auxiliary Services
Amaris is leading a team of 5 professional staff members in developing the RA selection process for Student Housing. Amaris is organized, ensures everyone’s voice is heard, has been innovative and supportive of new ideas and approaches to the selection process and is always inclusive in her decision making. Amaris did a great job at role-modeling flexibility by responding to the necessary changes required by COVID-19. I strongly believe she deserves recognition for the commitment she has invested into leading this selection process which ultimately impacts all the undergraduate students living in Arroyo Vista, Mesa Court and Middle Earth.
Cynthia Love
Creative & Marketing Communications
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Cindy Love has been invaluable to the Orange County Veterans & Military Families Collaborative (OCVMFC) with her hours and work in support of the Collaborative's county-wide "Ask the Questions" campaign. The campaign brings awareness to OC service providers to change their intake forms to ask clients if they have served in the military and if they have children. Cindy and her team put together multiple highly professional awareness/creative pieces that is changing the way OC connects services to our veterans and our underserved children of veterans.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Cindy Love has been invaluable to the Orange County Veterans & Military Families Collaborative (OCVMFC) with her hours and work in support of the Collaborative's county-wide "Ask the Questions" campaign. The campaign brings awareness to OC service providers to change their intake forms to ask clients if they have served in the military and if they have children. Cindy and her team put together multiple highly professional awareness/creative pieces that is changing the way OC connects services to our veterans and our underserved children of veterans.
Simón Londoño
Veteran Services
Student Life & Leadership
Over the past year, Simón has worked closely with UCI Accounting & Fiscal Services to help reconcile over $711,350 in past due receivables and overpayments to UCI dating back from 2009 to present. Simón has spearheaded efforts to develop a secure and efficient technology platform for all student certification records to be filed while further protecting privacy and ensuring departmental practices align with campus security measures. Simón has had a direct and positive impact on how we certify and serve UCI military-connected students.
Student Life & Leadership
Over the past year, Simón has worked closely with UCI Accounting & Fiscal Services to help reconcile over $711,350 in past due receivables and overpayments to UCI dating back from 2009 to present. Simón has spearheaded efforts to develop a secure and efficient technology platform for all student certification records to be filed while further protecting privacy and ensuring departmental practices align with campus security measures. Simón has had a direct and positive impact on how we certify and serve UCI military-connected students.
Chao Hsu
Student Health Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Chao Hsu is a great role model, very helpful, considerate and very caring nurse supervisor. Chao is a model employee who embodies collaboration and commitment to service. As a nurse who receives numerous phone calls from students on a day-to-day service, she ensures that their needs are answered regularly. The pandemic has not been easy for international students who stayed, or the general population on campus. Several times, she would come to me as the manager to look further on how we can help students who are in distress or needed resources or referrals. Chao's efforts and positive attitude are much appreciated!
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Chao Hsu is a great role model, very helpful, considerate and very caring nurse supervisor. Chao is a model employee who embodies collaboration and commitment to service. As a nurse who receives numerous phone calls from students on a day-to-day service, she ensures that their needs are answered regularly. The pandemic has not been easy for international students who stayed, or the general population on campus. Several times, she would come to me as the manager to look further on how we can help students who are in distress or needed resources or referrals. Chao's efforts and positive attitude are much appreciated!
February 2021
Amanda Lopez
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
Throughout this past year, and even more so this past month Amanda has led the team of student staff and volunteers with her continuous involvement, support and leadership. Integrity and inclusion are always at the forefront of Amanda’s leadership. She’s an excellent role model to the students of what inclusive leadership is by the decisions made and actions she takes. Amanda was available after-hours to meet with the student, came in most weekends in February to help prepare spirit packages that were mailed out to over 25 schools in the region participating in the RBC conference.
Auxiliary Services
Throughout this past year, and even more so this past month Amanda has led the team of student staff and volunteers with her continuous involvement, support and leadership. Integrity and inclusion are always at the forefront of Amanda’s leadership. She’s an excellent role model to the students of what inclusive leadership is by the decisions made and actions she takes. Amanda was available after-hours to meet with the student, came in most weekends in February to help prepare spirit packages that were mailed out to over 25 schools in the region participating in the RBC conference.
Selina Bustillos
Campus Organizations & Volunteer Programs
Student Life & Leadership
Selina coordinated a new program for RCOs, in collaboration with CARE, that focused on providing education, resources, and advocacy around the theme of power-based violence and intervention. In addition to the program's success, we wanted to acknowledge Selina's creativity, organization, collaborative spirit, and innovative thinking.
Together, she and Melissa Bader-Huesgen addressed three concerns:
1. staff capacity to reach 15 unique RCOs in one quarter
2. incidents that occur within RCOs regarding power-based violence
3. how to be creative in a zoom environment
Selina's resourcefulness is always appreciated. This program was an excellent example of her exemplary leadership.
Student Life & Leadership
Selina coordinated a new program for RCOs, in collaboration with CARE, that focused on providing education, resources, and advocacy around the theme of power-based violence and intervention. In addition to the program's success, we wanted to acknowledge Selina's creativity, organization, collaborative spirit, and innovative thinking.
Together, she and Melissa Bader-Huesgen addressed three concerns:
1. staff capacity to reach 15 unique RCOs in one quarter
2. incidents that occur within RCOs regarding power-based violence
3. how to be creative in a zoom environment
Selina's resourcefulness is always appreciated. This program was an excellent example of her exemplary leadership.
Melissa Bader-Huesgen
Campus Assault Resources and Education (CARE)
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Melissa coordinated a new program for RCOs, in collaboration with COVP, that focused on providing education, resources, and advocacy around the theme of power-based violence and intervention. Melissa helped lead this innovative program in collaboration with Selina Bustillos. In addition to the program's success, we wanted to acknowledge Melissa's ability to deliver this content in a manner that was digestible for students and for creating a welcoming environment during each session. It's a challenge to get students to participate via zoom, however, in each workshop, Melissa's presentation style and approachability opened the door for increased student engagement.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Melissa coordinated a new program for RCOs, in collaboration with COVP, that focused on providing education, resources, and advocacy around the theme of power-based violence and intervention. Melissa helped lead this innovative program in collaboration with Selina Bustillos. In addition to the program's success, we wanted to acknowledge Melissa's ability to deliver this content in a manner that was digestible for students and for creating a welcoming environment during each session. It's a challenge to get students to participate via zoom, however, in each workshop, Melissa's presentation style and approachability opened the door for increased student engagement.
January 2021
Lora Romo
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
Lora is a perfect example of an unsung hero! Her dedication to our students goes way past her 8-5 hours as a Housing Assignments Lead. Lora consistently goes above and beyond for our community, for instance, responding to a student's email after hours or even on the weekends and doing additional research on options for students. Lora also regularly offers suggestions to clarify and streamline processes. Verano's ability to maintain such a high occupancy rate is testimony to Lora's hard work and dedication to the University.
Auxiliary Services
Lora is a perfect example of an unsung hero! Her dedication to our students goes way past her 8-5 hours as a Housing Assignments Lead. Lora consistently goes above and beyond for our community, for instance, responding to a student's email after hours or even on the weekends and doing additional research on options for students. Lora also regularly offers suggestions to clarify and streamline processes. Verano's ability to maintain such a high occupancy rate is testimony to Lora's hard work and dedication to the University.
Daniel K. Park
Cross-Cultural Center
Student Life & Leadership
Daniel's ability to integrate two passions: advancing social justice and supporting our students' personal development are greatly admired by his peers, as well as his ability to have an honest conversation about how we, as individuals or as a community, have to do better in advancing social justice. Daniel continues to be a champion for engaging the UCI community in these critically important conversations and creating a more equitable, socially just campus, and this is only highlighted by the thoughtfulness and attention to detail he poured into MLK Jr. Symposium.
Student Life & Leadership
Daniel's ability to integrate two passions: advancing social justice and supporting our students' personal development are greatly admired by his peers, as well as his ability to have an honest conversation about how we, as individuals or as a community, have to do better in advancing social justice. Daniel continues to be a champion for engaging the UCI community in these critically important conversations and creating a more equitable, socially just campus, and this is only highlighted by the thoughtfulness and attention to detail he poured into MLK Jr. Symposium.
Nicole Leon
Campus Assault Resources and Education (CARE)
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
For over three months, Nicole served as the sole advocate for the entire campus community of over 50,000 students, staff and faculty, including the UCI Medical Center. She dedicated herself to serving her clients, demonstrating excellence in character - a dedication to the UCI survivor community and a thoughtful and ethical approach to her work. Nicole's colleagues are appreciative of her calm demeanor, supportive words and willingness to contribute to group efforts. She has provided resources and information specific to domestic violence that has transformed her clients’ lives.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
For over three months, Nicole served as the sole advocate for the entire campus community of over 50,000 students, staff and faculty, including the UCI Medical Center. She dedicated herself to serving her clients, demonstrating excellence in character - a dedication to the UCI survivor community and a thoughtful and ethical approach to her work. Nicole's colleagues are appreciative of her calm demeanor, supportive words and willingness to contribute to group efforts. She has provided resources and information specific to domestic violence that has transformed her clients’ lives.
December 2020
Yoo Mi Choi
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
Yoo Mi is an unsung hero on this campus. She is hardworking, committed, and dedicate about caring for our UCI residents and community. On a daily bases, even during weekends and holidays, Yoo Mi checks in and connect with any residents in Q/I. Not only is it about talking to the residents but also helping pick up supplies they need for school, delivering packages, advocating for other needs, etc. There are so many things that Yoo Mi does to express care and support to our residents!
Auxiliary Services
Yoo Mi is an unsung hero on this campus. She is hardworking, committed, and dedicate about caring for our UCI residents and community. On a daily bases, even during weekends and holidays, Yoo Mi checks in and connect with any residents in Q/I. Not only is it about talking to the residents but also helping pick up supplies they need for school, delivering packages, advocating for other needs, etc. There are so many things that Yoo Mi does to express care and support to our residents!
Erik Bleitz
UCI Esports
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Erik has been an invaluable contributor to our program as we've moved operations online. He leads our efforts around marketing, thought leadership, and was an important leader with the virtual UCI Esports Conference that happened last October.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Erik has been an invaluable contributor to our program as we've moved operations online. He leads our efforts around marketing, thought leadership, and was an important leader with the virtual UCI Esports Conference that happened last October.
Simonas Jarusauskas
International Center
Student Life & Leadership
Simonas often goes above and beyond the requirement of his job. He is dedicated to ensuring that UCI is compliant with immigration regulations in the hiring of international faculty and researchers. He is cooperative and has a positive attitude towards everyone, including his supervisor, co-workers and colleagues across the campus. Simonas often has to work with short turnaround times to prepare and file immigration applications that will ensure that UCI can hire an international employee. Many times this requires him to shift priorities and work beyond expectations to assist the hiring department.
Student Life & Leadership
Simonas often goes above and beyond the requirement of his job. He is dedicated to ensuring that UCI is compliant with immigration regulations in the hiring of international faculty and researchers. He is cooperative and has a positive attitude towards everyone, including his supervisor, co-workers and colleagues across the campus. Simonas often has to work with short turnaround times to prepare and file immigration applications that will ensure that UCI can hire an international employee. Many times this requires him to shift priorities and work beyond expectations to assist the hiring department.
Jeanie Deakyne
Student Health Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
When UCI decided to implement Asymptomatic Testing for students and staff, there is someone behind the scene who needed to help build the templates so that appointments are bookable online. That person is Jeanie. When leadership makes decisions about locations and schedules for COVID-19 testing, she translates it to bookable appointments, even if it takes hours of work to implement. Jeanie demonstrates a rare level of work ethics that makes her devote time and effort over and above the regular work hours including holidays.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
When UCI decided to implement Asymptomatic Testing for students and staff, there is someone behind the scene who needed to help build the templates so that appointments are bookable online. That person is Jeanie. When leadership makes decisions about locations and schedules for COVID-19 testing, she translates it to bookable appointments, even if it takes hours of work to implement. Jeanie demonstrates a rare level of work ethics that makes her devote time and effort over and above the regular work hours including holidays.
November 2020
Antonio Gonzalez
Student Center & Event Services
Auxiliary Services
Tony Gonzales has worked at UCI for twenty years. Tony is the glue that binds the student center. Without his knowledge and experience the heart of the campus would be out of step. In the four years I've worked here, I have not seen a situation he has not resolved and believe me we always have issues arising. We are a very large facility. We cater to hundreds if not thousands of people in a normal year. Tony's tact and understanding are truly a cut above.
Auxiliary Services
Tony Gonzales has worked at UCI for twenty years. Tony is the glue that binds the student center. Without his knowledge and experience the heart of the campus would be out of step. In the four years I've worked here, I have not seen a situation he has not resolved and believe me we always have issues arising. We are a very large facility. We cater to hundreds if not thousands of people in a normal year. Tony's tact and understanding are truly a cut above.
Jean Lee-Niroumand
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Working closely with Jean you will quickly notice her commitment, efficiency, productiveness and diligence for her work. Jean's support of the entire OVCSA operations can only describe her as the ROCK of the office. On campus and off campus Jean provides a calming effect to students' lives whether she is teaching them yoga and the power of meditation in person, or just providing advice to them over zoom. In summary, if there were staff who uphold the vision of UCI it is Jean.
Working closely with Jean you will quickly notice her commitment, efficiency, productiveness and diligence for her work. Jean's support of the entire OVCSA operations can only describe her as the ROCK of the office. On campus and off campus Jean provides a calming effect to students' lives whether she is teaching them yoga and the power of meditation in person, or just providing advice to them over zoom. In summary, if there were staff who uphold the vision of UCI it is Jean.
Steven K. Tajiri
Office of Information Technology
Student Life & Leadership
Steve is most deserving of this award. If he is involved in a project, I know it will be a success. He has been the technological backbone of SLL for many years, which on its own is significant, but he has also been the heart. Despite a heavy workload, Steve is attentive, present in the moment, and actively listens to understand. With every interaction, you walk away having learned something new that will ultimately help improve our work. Technology helps us advance, think creatively, and provides accessibility. Steve does all of that on a daily basis for students and staff.
Student Life & Leadership
Steve is most deserving of this award. If he is involved in a project, I know it will be a success. He has been the technological backbone of SLL for many years, which on its own is significant, but he has also been the heart. Despite a heavy workload, Steve is attentive, present in the moment, and actively listens to understand. With every interaction, you walk away having learned something new that will ultimately help improve our work. Technology helps us advance, think creatively, and provides accessibility. Steve does all of that on a daily basis for students and staff.
Megan Petersen
International Center
Student Life & Leadership
Megan has taken the initiative to collaborate with campus offices by reviewing, testing, and providing mindful feedback for both the impact to staff, and international students in navigating existing processes in a new way. She worked diligently on updating portions of our website, forms, and information for staff so that information provided to students would be consistent with communication with our campus partners. Megan continues to grow as she gains more and more experience in working with international students and has really made the extra efforts required during this unique and challenging time we are all working through.
Student Life & Leadership
Megan has taken the initiative to collaborate with campus offices by reviewing, testing, and providing mindful feedback for both the impact to staff, and international students in navigating existing processes in a new way. She worked diligently on updating portions of our website, forms, and information for staff so that information provided to students would be consistent with communication with our campus partners. Megan continues to grow as she gains more and more experience in working with international students and has really made the extra efforts required during this unique and challenging time we are all working through.
Joy Etcheberry
Student Health Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Joy is one of the nurses that serves the nurse clinic, providing services to hundreds of students needing immunization daily, assist with different roles such as triage nurse, as well as assisting the nursing department in streamlining the process for COVID testing which is essential for a more efficient process.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Joy is one of the nurses that serves the nurse clinic, providing services to hundreds of students needing immunization daily, assist with different roles such as triage nurse, as well as assisting the nursing department in streamlining the process for COVID testing which is essential for a more efficient process.
October 2020
Lin Tang
Dining Services
Auxiliary Services
Lin has made extraordinary efforts to oversee the delivery of meals to students in isolation and quarantine throughout this quarter. In fact, Lin has been extremely efficient in organizing meal delivery to dozens of students across the campus for the past several months. When students have forgotten to submit their meal order form and later complain of no delivery, she has scrambled to get a meal delivered promptly to the student. Bottom line: Lin has been available morning, noon and night (and on weekends) to make sure the students get what they need.
Auxiliary Services
Lin has made extraordinary efforts to oversee the delivery of meals to students in isolation and quarantine throughout this quarter. In fact, Lin has been extremely efficient in organizing meal delivery to dozens of students across the campus for the past several months. When students have forgotten to submit their meal order form and later complain of no delivery, she has scrambled to get a meal delivered promptly to the student. Bottom line: Lin has been available morning, noon and night (and on weekends) to make sure the students get what they need.
Angela Han
Student Affairs IT
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Angela has been incredibly flexible and helpful assisting the Student Center with getting a new device integrated with EMS. She has made herself available to assist with configuration changes as needed.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Angela has been incredibly flexible and helpful assisting the Student Center with getting a new device integrated with EMS. She has made herself available to assist with configuration changes as needed.
Sydney Torres
Womxn’s Hub
Student Life & Leadership
Sydney has done an exceptional job with respect to virtual events during Fall quarter, collaborations with campus departments, and her thoughtful letters on the Womxn's Hub newsletter. We are impressed by her drive and commitment to students during these challenging times. She has been a joy to work with and a phenomenal colleague in every aspect.
Student Life & Leadership
Sydney has done an exceptional job with respect to virtual events during Fall quarter, collaborations with campus departments, and her thoughtful letters on the Womxn's Hub newsletter. We are impressed by her drive and commitment to students during these challenging times. She has been a joy to work with and a phenomenal colleague in every aspect.
Jean Deakyne
Student Health Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Jeanie is a reliable presence at the Student Health Center. Clinical and non-clinical staff turn to her for answers to ensure operations at the center run smoothly. She has gone over and above the expectation of her position to accommodate the requirements of the university. Jeanie's organizational skills, professionalism and kindness create an office environment that is enjoyable to work in.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Jeanie is a reliable presence at the Student Health Center. Clinical and non-clinical staff turn to her for answers to ensure operations at the center run smoothly. She has gone over and above the expectation of her position to accommodate the requirements of the university. Jeanie's organizational skills, professionalism and kindness create an office environment that is enjoyable to work in.
September 2020
Connie Malone
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
Connie Malone has done a tremendous amount of heavy lifting in preparation for housing move-in. She authored numerous COVID-related protocols and messages to students and vetted them with multiple campus partners. Given that the interests of campus partners are many and varied, this consultation process was tricky, but Connie was undaunted in moving these pieces forward as quickly as possible. It's an understatement to say that we would not have had as successful of a start to the academic year without her support and efforts.
Auxiliary Services
Connie Malone has done a tremendous amount of heavy lifting in preparation for housing move-in. She authored numerous COVID-related protocols and messages to students and vetted them with multiple campus partners. Given that the interests of campus partners are many and varied, this consultation process was tricky, but Connie was undaunted in moving these pieces forward as quickly as possible. It's an understatement to say that we would not have had as successful of a start to the academic year without her support and efforts.
Kathy Chiang
UCI Esports
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Kathy Chiang is the backbone of the UCI Esports department. As the Assistant Director of the Esports program she has many responsibilities from esports arena operations, staffing, maintaining communication channels/software for our entire program, through to event organization and management. She is always at the forefront of projects, going above and beyond, making sure that they are a success. All the staff and students in our program greatly appreciate her leadership and expertise. Without Kathy, the UCI Esports department would not be what it is today.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Kathy Chiang is the backbone of the UCI Esports department. As the Assistant Director of the Esports program she has many responsibilities from esports arena operations, staffing, maintaining communication channels/software for our entire program, through to event organization and management. She is always at the forefront of projects, going above and beyond, making sure that they are a success. All the staff and students in our program greatly appreciate her leadership and expertise. Without Kathy, the UCI Esports department would not be what it is today.
Selina Bustillos
Campus Organization & Volunteer Programs
Student Life & Leadership
The past six months have required everyone to be nimble and flexible, adjusting to ever-changing factors and logistics. Throughout this time, Selina Bustillos has exhibited a positive outlook, taking each modification in stride and finding a solution. She is tech savvy, quick-thinking, communicative, and is always thinking about the experience of the students. Without her, the transition this summer for two of the most impactful components of the department would have been significantly different.
Student Life & Leadership
The past six months have required everyone to be nimble and flexible, adjusting to ever-changing factors and logistics. Throughout this time, Selina Bustillos has exhibited a positive outlook, taking each modification in stride and finding a solution. She is tech savvy, quick-thinking, communicative, and is always thinking about the experience of the students. Without her, the transition this summer for two of the most impactful components of the department would have been significantly different.
Heather Schmidt
Counseling Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Heather is our spine at the Counseling Center. She along with our Social Work team hold us up, carry us with incredible support, and she has brought compassion and warmth to her leadership role. As psychologists, it is essential to have social workers like Heather who is so in touch with community resources. She brings spirit and care to her interactions with all of us. In addition to her role as social worker, you will find her active in leading activities and lunches that inspire connection and building morale.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Heather is our spine at the Counseling Center. She along with our Social Work team hold us up, carry us with incredible support, and she has brought compassion and warmth to her leadership role. As psychologists, it is essential to have social workers like Heather who is so in touch with community resources. She brings spirit and care to her interactions with all of us. In addition to her role as social worker, you will find her active in leading activities and lunches that inspire connection and building morale.
August 2020
Ananda Van Boeyen
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
Ananda consistently provides excellent emotional support to our students. Her knowledge of resources beyond even the campus is a gift to our residents. Covid-19 has amplified the stress and worry of our residents. With our population working from home, the number of complaints and calls of concern has tripled. Ananda has continued to provide calm, practical solutions for our students and their families. She is a breath of fresh air during this uncertain time.
Auxiliary Services
Ananda consistently provides excellent emotional support to our students. Her knowledge of resources beyond even the campus is a gift to our residents. Covid-19 has amplified the stress and worry of our residents. With our population working from home, the number of complaints and calls of concern has tripled. Ananda has continued to provide calm, practical solutions for our students and their families. She is a breath of fresh air during this uncertain time.
Wayne Fields
Student Affairs IT
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Wayne has been crucial and responsive in transitioning our team to work remotely so that we can assist students from afar! Especially in this remote environment, he has been key in solving daily problems that arise. Wayne always has a positive attitude towards requests and a keen understanding that our staff have different levels of technology comfort and sophistication and meets them where they are in their need. Very appreciative of all his help!
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Wayne has been crucial and responsive in transitioning our team to work remotely so that we can assist students from afar! Especially in this remote environment, he has been key in solving daily problems that arise. Wayne always has a positive attitude towards requests and a keen understanding that our staff have different levels of technology comfort and sophistication and meets them where they are in their need. Very appreciative of all his help!
Janine Algabre
FRESH Basic Needs Hub
Student Life & Leadership
Janine has the most positive attitude out of anyone I know. During the pandemic, she has continued to serve students in person to ensure that their basic needs are met. Her coordination and organizational skills ensure smooth and safe outdoor distributions which allow us to serve over 250 students every week. She always make sure that students feel valued in their job and makes sure that students feel appreciated. Janine makes UC Irvine a better place!
Student Life & Leadership
Janine has the most positive attitude out of anyone I know. During the pandemic, she has continued to serve students in person to ensure that their basic needs are met. Her coordination and organizational skills ensure smooth and safe outdoor distributions which allow us to serve over 250 students every week. She always make sure that students feel valued in their job and makes sure that students feel appreciated. Janine makes UC Irvine a better place!
Jamie Jones
Counseling Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Jamie has been at the counseling center for more than a decade. While she has been an integral part of our operations as an administrative assistant, in her current role as assistant in the training program, she provides invaluable assistance to the training director, supervisors, and trainees at the center. She is involved in making sure the training program complies with board of psychology requirements, scheduling various intern activities and keeping track of important APA requirements.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Jamie has been at the counseling center for more than a decade. While she has been an integral part of our operations as an administrative assistant, in her current role as assistant in the training program, she provides invaluable assistance to the training director, supervisors, and trainees at the center. She is involved in making sure the training program complies with board of psychology requirements, scheduling various intern activities and keeping track of important APA requirements.
July 2020
Sarah Casseus
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
Sarah tirelessly helped get funding for the student housing department by collaboratively working with DFA. Last minute, she was told to provide additional and detailed information that takes time to collect. Due to the fast approaching deadline, Sarah accomplished the time-consuming task and met the federal government deadline. It's not too often that we recognize the staff that support us and I hope that we would consider the “behind the scenes” work that Sarah does for us as instrumental.
Auxiliary Services
Sarah tirelessly helped get funding for the student housing department by collaboratively working with DFA. Last minute, she was told to provide additional and detailed information that takes time to collect. Due to the fast approaching deadline, Sarah accomplished the time-consuming task and met the federal government deadline. It's not too often that we recognize the staff that support us and I hope that we would consider the “behind the scenes” work that Sarah does for us as instrumental.
Cynthia Love
Creative & Marketing Communications
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Cindy is the type of colleague who would rather shine the spotlight on someone else than herself but the work she does for Student Affairs division should be highlighted. Cindy is always willing to help out with a project when you need it the most. We can always count on her to pitch in and do her best to make our division shine and succeed. Cindy is a savvy problem solver, sees things differently, and her point of view is always appreciated. She introduces new and great ideas which strengthens our divisional mission and goals.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Cindy is the type of colleague who would rather shine the spotlight on someone else than herself but the work she does for Student Affairs division should be highlighted. Cindy is always willing to help out with a project when you need it the most. We can always count on her to pitch in and do her best to make our division shine and succeed. Cindy is a savvy problem solver, sees things differently, and her point of view is always appreciated. She introduces new and great ideas which strengthens our divisional mission and goals.
Anh Pham
Office of Academic Integrity & Student Conduct
Student Life & Leadership
When faced with the upcoming implementation deadline, Anh worked incredibly hard to ensure two cases could move forward under the current policy. In addition, when one of the parties could not participate from home and needed a location closer to their home to go to during the actual hearing, Anh worked with colleagues at UCSD to arrange a location and support for the student to ensure their fair participation in the process. This is just the latest example of one of the many times Anh’s work has been exemplary and student-focused in difficult circumstances.
Student Life & Leadership
When faced with the upcoming implementation deadline, Anh worked incredibly hard to ensure two cases could move forward under the current policy. In addition, when one of the parties could not participate from home and needed a location closer to their home to go to during the actual hearing, Anh worked with colleagues at UCSD to arrange a location and support for the student to ensure their fair participation in the process. This is just the latest example of one of the many times Anh’s work has been exemplary and student-focused in difficult circumstances.
Melissa Ramirez
Counseling Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Melissa is an invaluable part of the Counseling Center team, who embodies warmth and positivity. She always has a “can-do” attitude and is willing to go above and beyond to ensure the Administrative and Clinical teams are supported. She brings light, love and spirit to her role. I admire her tenacity and passion put into her role and provides consistent encouragement and warmth to us all. Melissa is a powerfully positive source of sunshine at the Counseling Center!
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Melissa is an invaluable part of the Counseling Center team, who embodies warmth and positivity. She always has a “can-do” attitude and is willing to go above and beyond to ensure the Administrative and Clinical teams are supported. She brings light, love and spirit to her role. I admire her tenacity and passion put into her role and provides consistent encouragement and warmth to us all. Melissa is a powerfully positive source of sunshine at the Counseling Center!
June 2020
John Whittle
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
John and Quamin worked every weekend from mid-March to the end of June, to ensure all high touch areas in Palo Verde received disinfection on Saturday and Sunday. They would rotate who worked Saturday and who worked Sunday to perform these responsibilities. Additionally, on weekends when Arroyo Vista had trouble finding staff to disinfect, they came in both days to assist in Arroyo Vista and Palo Verde. They performed the duty without complaint to help stop the spread.
Auxiliary Services
John and Quamin worked every weekend from mid-March to the end of June, to ensure all high touch areas in Palo Verde received disinfection on Saturday and Sunday. They would rotate who worked Saturday and who worked Sunday to perform these responsibilities. Additionally, on weekends when Arroyo Vista had trouble finding staff to disinfect, they came in both days to assist in Arroyo Vista and Palo Verde. They performed the duty without complaint to help stop the spread.
Quamin Garcia
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
John and Quamin worked every weekend from mid-March to the end of June, to ensure all high touch areas in Palo Verde received disinfection on Saturday and Sunday. They would rotate who worked Saturday and who worked Sunday to perform these responsibilities. Additionally, on weekends when Arroyo Vista had trouble finding staff to disinfect, they came in both days to assist in Arroyo Vista and Palo Verde. They performed the duty without complaint to help stop the spread.
Auxiliary Services
John and Quamin worked every weekend from mid-March to the end of June, to ensure all high touch areas in Palo Verde received disinfection on Saturday and Sunday. They would rotate who worked Saturday and who worked Sunday to perform these responsibilities. Additionally, on weekends when Arroyo Vista had trouble finding staff to disinfect, they came in both days to assist in Arroyo Vista and Palo Verde. They performed the duty without complaint to help stop the spread.
Joshua Lien
Student Affairs IT
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Josh always goes the extra mile for Student Affairs to ensure student success at UCI, and his work on this year’s Virtual Commencement Ceremonies is no exception. Over the past few months leading up to the Ceremonies on June 13, Josh worked quickly and tirelessly along with the Commencement team to create a robust Commencement Registration system with validation from the Registrar to ensure the registration of 7,400 eligible graduates for this year’s online ceremony.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Josh always goes the extra mile for Student Affairs to ensure student success at UCI, and his work on this year’s Virtual Commencement Ceremonies is no exception. Over the past few months leading up to the Ceremonies on June 13, Josh worked quickly and tirelessly along with the Commencement team to create a robust Commencement Registration system with validation from the Registrar to ensure the registration of 7,400 eligible graduates for this year’s online ceremony.
Andrea M. Reyes
Center for Student Leadership
Student Life & Leadership
Andrea has become a true cornerstone of the Center for Student Leadership. In the few short years since she has worked in our Center, our Leadership Programs and intern teams have taken on a new life and transformed to meet their true potential. While Andrea managed the day to day student engagement in the center, she was also planning a virtual resource fair for SPOP and spearheading our efforts to develop a virtual Spanish language orientation for new anteater parents and guardians.
Student Life & Leadership
Andrea has become a true cornerstone of the Center for Student Leadership. In the few short years since she has worked in our Center, our Leadership Programs and intern teams have taken on a new life and transformed to meet their true potential. While Andrea managed the day to day student engagement in the center, she was also planning a virtual resource fair for SPOP and spearheading our efforts to develop a virtual Spanish language orientation for new anteater parents and guardians.
Jonathan Flojo, Ph.D.
Counseling Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Jonathan has an amazing, encouraging, warm and inspiring spirit he shares with the CC team and the students he encounters. He has taken on a leadership role to help the campus personalize the Everfi program for incoming first-years to ensure access to MH resources and increase awareness about MH struggles that are common for incoming students. He is the voice in our Counseling Center and campus that speaks with integrity, advocacy, intentionality and REALNESS. When I think of this Employee of the Month recognition, Jonathan is this person always.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Jonathan has an amazing, encouraging, warm and inspiring spirit he shares with the CC team and the students he encounters. He has taken on a leadership role to help the campus personalize the Everfi program for incoming first-years to ensure access to MH resources and increase awareness about MH struggles that are common for incoming students. He is the voice in our Counseling Center and campus that speaks with integrity, advocacy, intentionality and REALNESS. When I think of this Employee of the Month recognition, Jonathan is this person always.
May 2020
Eduardo Magana
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
Eduardo holds Verano Place together. With so many people working offsite and the fact that he is missing almost half his staff, he still accomplishes miracles. Everyone, and I mean everyone, from the Director to his direct reports, realize that he can and will do it all. I have never been more humbled by a colleague in his quest for accountability and responsibility. He is one in a million and UCI is blessed to have him on staff. Eduardo is above and beyond what most of us aspire to be.
Auxiliary Services
Eduardo holds Verano Place together. With so many people working offsite and the fact that he is missing almost half his staff, he still accomplishes miracles. Everyone, and I mean everyone, from the Director to his direct reports, realize that he can and will do it all. I have never been more humbled by a colleague in his quest for accountability and responsibility. He is one in a million and UCI is blessed to have him on staff. Eduardo is above and beyond what most of us aspire to be.
Nahid Youssefi
Student Affairs IT
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Nahid goes above and beyond to ensure that the International Center is able to meet the immigration needs. In the past few months she has worked extra hard to provide tools that the International Center needs in order to be able to work remotely. Her main contribution during this time is to develop an online tool that allows international students, scholars and academic units to submit immigration-related request in a digital format that is safe and secure. Without her it would be almost impossible for us to do our job.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Nahid goes above and beyond to ensure that the International Center is able to meet the immigration needs. In the past few months she has worked extra hard to provide tools that the International Center needs in order to be able to work remotely. Her main contribution during this time is to develop an online tool that allows international students, scholars and academic units to submit immigration-related request in a digital format that is safe and secure. Without her it would be almost impossible for us to do our job.
Andrea Gutierrez
FRESH Basic Needs Hub
Student Life & Leadership
Andrea Gutierrez is a dedicated and passionate student affairs professional that works to support our most vulnerable populations. Not only is she the Director of the Basic Needs Hub she is a mentor, collaborator, and beacon of hope for students facing challenges surrounding food, housing, and financial insecurity. Especially during COVID she quickly re-evaluated and assessed the needs of students and put services into action to ensure students did not feel a barrier to addressing their food needs during uncertain times. Andrea is a student affairs warrior working on the front lines.
Student Life & Leadership
Andrea Gutierrez is a dedicated and passionate student affairs professional that works to support our most vulnerable populations. Not only is she the Director of the Basic Needs Hub she is a mentor, collaborator, and beacon of hope for students facing challenges surrounding food, housing, and financial insecurity. Especially during COVID she quickly re-evaluated and assessed the needs of students and put services into action to ensure students did not feel a barrier to addressing their food needs during uncertain times. Andrea is a student affairs warrior working on the front lines.
Patrick Haines
Student Health Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
With Patrick’s participation in many crucial ZOOM meetings during these COVID pandemic times, he has maintained a calm demeanor and has continued to move forward keeping the needs and concerns of the SHC staff in mind. He provided catered lunch for the essential employees on May 1, 2020 and again to recognize the SHC Nurses, medical and essential staff on May 12, 2020 during the National Nurses Week. He truly has a big heart, cares about his employees and makes an effort to remain engaged with his direct reports.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
With Patrick’s participation in many crucial ZOOM meetings during these COVID pandemic times, he has maintained a calm demeanor and has continued to move forward keeping the needs and concerns of the SHC staff in mind. He provided catered lunch for the essential employees on May 1, 2020 and again to recognize the SHC Nurses, medical and essential staff on May 12, 2020 during the National Nurses Week. He truly has a big heart, cares about his employees and makes an effort to remain engaged with his direct reports.
April 2020
Megan Morrison
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
Motivated to help students Megan spearheaded a working group comprised of housing colleagues who presented an alternative employment option and surveyed the students to determine who wish to maintain their employment. The working group under Megan’s direction identified new positions and coordinated placement of the students throughout Student Housing. Megan’s hard work and dedication in leading the group demonstrates her commitment to serving students and helping them to thrive as they pursued leadership opportunities in Student Housing.
Auxiliary Services
Motivated to help students Megan spearheaded a working group comprised of housing colleagues who presented an alternative employment option and surveyed the students to determine who wish to maintain their employment. The working group under Megan’s direction identified new positions and coordinated placement of the students throughout Student Housing. Megan’s hard work and dedication in leading the group demonstrates her commitment to serving students and helping them to thrive as they pursued leadership opportunities in Student Housing.
Michael Millis
Student Affairs IT
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Michael has always been very responsive to the needs of the DSC, but he has really gone above and beyond during the pandemic and over the transition to a remote work environment. Michael's responsiveness, creative problem solving, and willingness to help has been critical for our operations during these uniquely challenging times. On top of all that, I have never seen Michael in a bad mood! His positive attitude and outlook make it a real pleasure to work with him.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Michael has always been very responsive to the needs of the DSC, but he has really gone above and beyond during the pandemic and over the transition to a remote work environment. Michael's responsiveness, creative problem solving, and willingness to help has been critical for our operations during these uniquely challenging times. On top of all that, I have never seen Michael in a bad mood! His positive attitude and outlook make it a real pleasure to work with him.
Chelsea Faustino
Center for Student Leadership
Student Life & Leadership
Chelsea has been an exemplary employee every month she has been with us. She has a talent for naturally seeing what can be improved, and then can both easily and efficiently make it better. She goes above and beyond, making herself available for counseling, coaching and mentorship for our students and the students in other departments. To sum it up, Chelsea is hard working, brilliant, and the backbone of much of what we do in the Center for Student Leadership.
Student Life & Leadership
Chelsea has been an exemplary employee every month she has been with us. She has a talent for naturally seeing what can be improved, and then can both easily and efficiently make it better. She goes above and beyond, making herself available for counseling, coaching and mentorship for our students and the students in other departments. To sum it up, Chelsea is hard working, brilliant, and the backbone of much of what we do in the Center for Student Leadership.
Brigette Lao
Student Health Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Brigette has done extraordinary work by leading us through all of the adjustments needed to successfully take care of our patients and staff and is always on top of all CDC recommendations when dealing with the COVID19 virus. She is very knowledgeable regarding public health and a problem solver for other departments in SHC. Brigette was even available by phone when she was out sick with pneumonia. She is an inspiration and puts us at ease when we are worried.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Brigette has done extraordinary work by leading us through all of the adjustments needed to successfully take care of our patients and staff and is always on top of all CDC recommendations when dealing with the COVID19 virus. She is very knowledgeable regarding public health and a problem solver for other departments in SHC. Brigette was even available by phone when she was out sick with pneumonia. She is an inspiration and puts us at ease when we are worried.
March 2020
Mario Lao
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
Mario has been instrumental in his efforts to make sure our housing facilities are being well maintained and sanitized during the COVID-19 crisis. He has taken it upon himself to help lead a group of several custodians during the weekdays and even volunteered on the weekends to support cleaning while residents move from one housing location to another. Mario has been a non-stop force in maintaining his strong work ethic and attention to detail in the most difficult of times, while running and coordinating teams for consecutive weeks.
Auxiliary Services
Mario has been instrumental in his efforts to make sure our housing facilities are being well maintained and sanitized during the COVID-19 crisis. He has taken it upon himself to help lead a group of several custodians during the weekdays and even volunteered on the weekends to support cleaning while residents move from one housing location to another. Mario has been a non-stop force in maintaining his strong work ethic and attention to detail in the most difficult of times, while running and coordinating teams for consecutive weeks.
Patrick Tsuchihashi
Student Affairs IT
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
He has always and continues to go above and beyond to help with all our IT issues with a smile, with innovation, and ability. Especially now as we are all working remotely, it has become so clear on how much we depend on Patrick to keep us up and running. I can always reach him for a solution. Thank you Patrick!
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
He has always and continues to go above and beyond to help with all our IT issues with a smile, with innovation, and ability. Especially now as we are all working remotely, it has become so clear on how much we depend on Patrick to keep us up and running. I can always reach him for a solution. Thank you Patrick!
Marina Mantos
Sorority & Fraternity Life
Student Life & Leadership
Marina has been a pillar for the community through turmoil, crisis, and more. She has poured herself into campus affairs from involvement with professional development opportunities internally like Staff Assembly to those external like the MultiRacial Knowledge Community (MRKC) of National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. I believe that Marina should be recognized for positively representing the brand that is UCI, positively representing the division of Student Affairs, and collectively the department and office of Sorority & Fraternity Life within Student Life & Leadership. Very proud to have her in the office and have her contributions to the community.
Student Life & Leadership
Marina has been a pillar for the community through turmoil, crisis, and more. She has poured herself into campus affairs from involvement with professional development opportunities internally like Staff Assembly to those external like the MultiRacial Knowledge Community (MRKC) of National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. I believe that Marina should be recognized for positively representing the brand that is UCI, positively representing the division of Student Affairs, and collectively the department and office of Sorority & Fraternity Life within Student Life & Leadership. Very proud to have her in the office and have her contributions to the community.
Dr. Albert Chang
Student Health Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
With the COVID-19 crisis Dr. Chang has been working diligently to inform our campus community of the many ways we can flatten the curve and he makes himself available when people may have a question. Even when we had not faced this crisis and with road blocks, he maintains a steady calm and keeps pursuing the needed policies or implementations at the Student Health Center to better serve our student population as well as for the faculty and staff on campus. I respect and admire his perseverance and genuine concern.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
With the COVID-19 crisis Dr. Chang has been working diligently to inform our campus community of the many ways we can flatten the curve and he makes himself available when people may have a question. Even when we had not faced this crisis and with road blocks, he maintains a steady calm and keeps pursuing the needed policies or implementations at the Student Health Center to better serve our student population as well as for the faculty and staff on campus. I respect and admire his perseverance and genuine concern.
February 2020
January 2020
Sharon Stead
Student Housing
Auxiliary Services
Sharon’s tireless work and her willingness to dive deep into supporting not only the administrative functions of the unit, but the support of her team members is something that we depend on for stability and appreciate whole-heartedly.
Auxiliary Services
Sharon’s tireless work and her willingness to dive deep into supporting not only the administrative functions of the unit, but the support of her team members is something that we depend on for stability and appreciate whole-heartedly.
Jess Leggett
Creative & Marketing Communications
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Jess has always been the most helpful and what I believe to be a great example of what it means to work in Student Affairs. Her skills, knowledge, willingness to help others and dedication to Student Affairs and to UCI is why she deserves employee of the month.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Jess has always been the most helpful and what I believe to be a great example of what it means to work in Student Affairs. Her skills, knowledge, willingness to help others and dedication to Student Affairs and to UCI is why she deserves employee of the month.
Angelica Keam
2019-20 Student Affairs Employee of the Year
Campus Organizations & Volunteer Programs
Student Life & Leadership
Although Angie has only been with the COVP team for almost two years, she has played such a valuable role in helping to streamline processes and enhance our programs and services for students. This month Angie created multiple opportunities for students to engage on campus and in the community.
Campus Organizations & Volunteer Programs
Student Life & Leadership
Although Angie has only been with the COVP team for almost two years, she has played such a valuable role in helping to streamline processes and enhance our programs and services for students. This month Angie created multiple opportunities for students to engage on campus and in the community.
Deirdre O’Reilly
Disability Services Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Deirdre’s valuable contributions and input help not only the students that we serve, but also make our workflows and processes more efficient. Besides working extremely effectively with other DSC Team members, Deirdre also makes connections with the larger campus community.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Deirdre’s valuable contributions and input help not only the students that we serve, but also make our workflows and processes more efficient. Besides working extremely effectively with other DSC Team members, Deirdre also makes connections with the larger campus community.
December 2019
Jerome Chuang
Student Center & Event Services
Auxiliary Services
Regardless of workload and hours, Jerome always maintains a positive attitude and a commitment to quality service. …very recently a new employee joined the AV team and Jerome has taken on the role of coach & mentor to ensure the new team member knows everyone in the building and provides the same quality and client service that people expect from SC&ES.
Auxiliary Services
Regardless of workload and hours, Jerome always maintains a positive attitude and a commitment to quality service. …very recently a new employee joined the AV team and Jerome has taken on the role of coach & mentor to ensure the new team member knows everyone in the building and provides the same quality and client service that people expect from SC&ES.
Samantha Anton
Esports
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Sam raises the standards of our program and holds us all accountable to our mission, vision and values. She mentors everyone who comes across her way seeking help.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Sam raises the standards of our program and holds us all accountable to our mission, vision and values. She mentors everyone who comes across her way seeking help.
Amira Amaar
International Center
Student Life & Leadership
Amira is responsible for managing the detailed records of about 8,500 international students and communicating important information to the students. She values the impact and importance that her work will have on the immigration status of a student and their ability to remain in the U.S. She also knows that data integrity and best practices are critical to the successful function of the International Center. Most importantly, she is admired for her positive outlook, her can-do attitude and her ability to do her work with a smile.
Student Life & Leadership
Amira is responsible for managing the detailed records of about 8,500 international students and communicating important information to the students. She values the impact and importance that her work will have on the immigration status of a student and their ability to remain in the U.S. She also knows that data integrity and best practices are critical to the successful function of the International Center. Most importantly, she is admired for her positive outlook, her can-do attitude and her ability to do her work with a smile.
Brenda Lapinid
Campus Social Worker
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
As our campus social worker, Brenda deals with many challenging student issues. Much of this work goes unnoticed, but Brenda has been there for our students and families when they are experiencing the most difficult and heart-wrenching challenges. In working with these families and students, I have witnessed Brenda to be warm, compassionate, and understanding.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
As our campus social worker, Brenda deals with many challenging student issues. Much of this work goes unnoticed, but Brenda has been there for our students and families when they are experiencing the most difficult and heart-wrenching challenges. In working with these families and students, I have witnessed Brenda to be warm, compassionate, and understanding.
November 2019
Kabria Allen-Ziaee
Housing
Auxiliary Services
Kabria dealt with numerous overnight Student Housing emergencies and also came back to work each day and did her normal job and maintained a positive attitude. UCI is fortunate to have dedicated residence life professionals who provide this kind of service to our students when the rest of us get to go home and sleep.
Auxiliary Services
Kabria dealt with numerous overnight Student Housing emergencies and also came back to work each day and did her normal job and maintained a positive attitude. UCI is fortunate to have dedicated residence life professionals who provide this kind of service to our students when the rest of us get to go home and sleep.
Kelly Carland
Commencement Office
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Kelly has successfully managed UCI's Commencement program from year to year and day to day while also attending to other events as needed. She should be recognized for all that she does on an on-going basis to help our students and parents have a wonderful graduation experience and make Student Affairs the first and last positive touchpoint of the academic year.
Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Kelly has successfully managed UCI's Commencement program from year to year and day to day while also attending to other events as needed. She should be recognized for all that she does on an on-going basis to help our students and parents have a wonderful graduation experience and make Student Affairs the first and last positive touchpoint of the academic year.
Cristian Palomo
Cross-Cultural Center
Student Life & Leadership
Cristian goes above and beyond in his role as Office & Events Manager to support our team of professional and student staff. He is selfless, creative and willing to help others at a moment's notice.
Student Life & Leadership
Cristian goes above and beyond in his role as Office & Events Manager to support our team of professional and student staff. He is selfless, creative and willing to help others at a moment's notice.
Scott Serrantino
Disability Services Center
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Last academic year, Scott coordinated the administration of over 11,500 exams and over 7,300 rides for students with disabilities. He handles an extremely high volume of work each day--constantly communicating with students, staff, and professors--and he does so with confidence and success.
Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
Last academic year, Scott coordinated the administration of over 11,500 exams and over 7,300 rides for students with disabilities. He handles an extremely high volume of work each day--constantly communicating with students, staff, and professors--and he does so with confidence and success.
