The 2013 nomination packet and award information is now available.

The deadline for nominations is March 22, 2013

What is the purpose of this award?
To recognize staff who have provided outstanding service to students anywhere in the UA system. Each recipient receives an award plaque, $1,000 and two domestic airline vouchers. All nominees receive a certificate of nomination. The university president will present the awards at a Board of Regents meeting.

Who is eligible and how do I apply?
All regular full-time permanent and part-time permanent exempt and non-exempt staff employed by the University of Alaska are eligible to apply. Service to students may include service as part of the job or as volunteer service, either directly or indirectly to current or prospective students. Please complete the nomination form and submit it with a letter of nomination containing an explanation of the service provided to students and three letters of endorsement from those knowledgeable of the contribution made by the applicant/nominee.

How many awards will there be?
Up to four individuals can be awarded; one each for the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the University of Alaska Anchorage, the University of Alaska Southeast, and Statewide Programs and Services, provided there are nominations from each one, and the nominations meet the criteria and deadlines.

Applications for award must include:

• Letter of nomination and rationale for nomination
• Completed nomination form.
• At least three letters of endorsement from those knowledgeable of the contribution made by the applicant/nominee.
• Letters from students are encouraged.
   

Award Information Sheet DOWNLOAD
2013 Nomination Form DOWNLOAD

Help share the word: SMSC 2013 Poster DOWNLOAD

View past recipients.

Marsha Squires has worked with the University of Alaska Southeast for nine years where she has coordinated the domestic and international student exchange and study abroad programs. She has enthusiastically promoted the benefits of exchange study, facilitated placements, and advised students. Under Marsha’s guidance, the number of UAS students participating in exchange and study abroad has grown. Marsha assists international degree-seeking students in her role as the international student advisor. She also serves as advisor to Global Connections and plays a leadership role in New Student Orientation. She has brought other cultures to UAS by organizing the International Education week, a Global Gala, and many lunchtime travelogues. These events include international food, musical performances, foreign language practice, and slide shows about student and faculty exchanges. A colleague who witnessed UAS students before and after participating in exchange programs says, “I have seen amazing transformations toward empowerment. Marsha is playing an instrumental role in these transformations.” A student says, “She has a way of instilling confidence in her students while keeping us grounded. She encourages us to stretch beyond our comfort zones and broaden our educational experiences. Joy is her strength, and she shares it every chance she gets.”

Joe Hayes, the Executive Director of the UAF Alumni Association, has advocated for students since he was a UAF student serving as ASUAF President and Student Regent. He advocated for the University of Alaska while serving as Representative for District 30. As Alumni Director, Joe makes himself a valuable resource to both alumni and students alike. In addition to his many community volunteer commitments, Joe serves on the Sigma Phi Epsilon alumni board, as a member of the Greek Council, as advisor for Circle K International, Alpha Phi Omega, and the Black Awareness Student Union. Many student-related projects have started with Joe’s initiative. They include the Annual Grad Bash, the Job Shadow Program with Career Services, Knowledge Industry Network, and leadership lunches through the LIVE program. Many students have said that Joe has made a huge difference in their lives sharing examples of mentorship and personal support. Joe makes sure students feel at home within the UA system. His kindness, compassion, and hard work show that he is exactly the kind of person that this award was made to honor.

Kathy Smith has served the University of Alaska Anchorage for eight years. She is a Program Assistant for the UAA School of Nursing and Health Science Building Manager. She worked with the Student Nurses Association to obtain items that helped the Health Science Building better serve students including more seating and tables and increased access to classrooms and to conference rooms. A colleague describes Kathy as having a special place in her heart for nursing students. Students speak of Kathy’s compassion, enthusiasm, and dedication. Students relate individual assistance with paperwork and deadlines, speedy resolution of building issues, and personal support. These contributions have made students feel like they really matter and that they are an important part of the university.

Kate Wattum has served the University of Alaska for over 20 years. Recently being named Interim Director of Public Affairs, she has created inspiring campaigns such as nurturing the idea in high school freshman that college is possible for them. Kate created Freddie the FAFSA fish, an iconic cartoon figure plastered on campuses through the UA System that is now symbolic of the University of Alaska’s annual push for students to fill out their FAFSA form by mid-February. This campaign helped the university increase incoming FAFSA forms by 41 percent in its first year, with further increases every year since. Kate is the creative lead on the Stay on TRACK program that encourages students to graduate in a timely fashion. A colleague says of Kate, “She challenges our thinking so that everyone involved can create a campaign that will resonate with students at all levels and educate them so they can enjoy the best possible college experience.”