Awards

This award is given to a staff member who has generated novel and valuable ideas and used these ideas to develop new or improved processes, methods, systems, programs, or services. The award recognizes creative ideas that have improved the university and have made the University of Chicago a better place to live and work.

Criteria: Nominees for this award should:

• Work to improve any area of the university’s operations (from academics to athletics, campus life to systems).
• Identify creative solutions, large or small in scope, that have made a significant and positive difference.
• Suggest new ways to improve the quality of services or programming.
• Identify novel approaches for completing work more effectively or efficiently.
• Identify new ideas, solutions, or directions.
• Work to develop new approaches when problem solving; sought ideas or suggestions from others as appropriate.
• Plan effectively for the successful implementation and long-term success of new services, systems, or programming.

This award is presented to the staff member who has provided outstanding service to individual students or student groups on a consistent basis, whether through personal advising, development of programs, or improvements to university systems and policies that affect students. Eligible only to staff members who have worked at least six months but no more than three years in their current office/department in the CSL division (from initial date of hire).

Criteria: Nominees for this award should:

• Demonstrate excellence in overall job performance.
• Provide outstanding service to their specific department or division.
• Make significant contributions to department or division in presentations, committee work, or projects.
• Show willingness to assist beyond normal expectations.
• Demonstrate dedication to the profession.
• Show initiative and/or creativity in his or her work.
• Promote an atmosphere of collaboration and cooperation.

This award is presented to the staff member who has provided outstanding service to individual students or student groups on a consistent basis, whether through personal advising, development of programs, or improvements to university systems and policies that affect students.

Criteria: Nominees for this award should:

• Demonstrate commitment to identifying students’ needs or expectations and reacting appropriately to ensure student satisfaction.
• Consider the impact on the student when taking action, setting policies, or carrying out tasks.
• Be familiar with university policies and procedures that define or influence students’ needs and a commitment to educating students about these policies.
• Involve students in decision-making or problem-solving processes as early as possible.
• Be creative in seeking ways to provide or improve services that may increase efficiency and decrease cost.
• Be willing to refer students to an appropriate department or employee to solve specific challenges; and to perform appropriate follow-up as needed with students to ensure that their issue/concern has been resolved.
• Continuously work to improve student satisfaction and remove barriers to outstanding student service.

This award is named in honor of Rosalie (Rosy) M. Resch, who served the University community for 48 years as a dedicated administrator and coach within Athletics & Recreation. Although now retired, Rosy left a lasting impact on campus, beginning with her arrival in 1969 as an undergraduate student. In 2022, her significant contributions were recognized by UChicago as she was inducted into the UChicago Athletics Hall of Fame.

This award is given to a staff member who has demonstrated concern and commitment to fulfill needs and ensure satisfaction when providing services to members of the University community. University community members can be defined as the university's many constituents, including co-workers, peers, and managers, as well as students, parents, faculty, alumni, and community members.

Criteria: Nominees for this award should:

• Identify and react appropriately to the needs and expectations of members of the University community to ensure satisfactory service

• Consider the impact on the University community when taking action, setting policies, or carrying out tasks.

• Be familiar with University policies and procedures and their impact on the University community, and be committed to educating the community about these policies.

• Involve constituents (as applicable) in the decision-making or problem-solving process as early as possible.

• Look for creative approaches to provide or improve services that may increase efficiency and decrease cost.

• Refer members of the University community to appropriate departments or employees to solve specific challenges and perform appropriate follow-up as needed.

• Seek ways to continuously improve satisfaction and remove barriers when providing services to members of the University community.

This award was established in honor of Stephen P. Klass, who served as Vice President and Dean of Students from 2002-2006, and is given to the staff member who has consistently excelled in their position; has made outstanding contributions in the area of service and dedication to the University of Chicago; has promoted teamwork and collaboration across CSL and the University; has worked quietly behind the scenes to improve their division or department; and who has consistently done so with a positive and forward-thinking attitude.

Criteria: When nominating individuals for this award, please cite examples of exceptional performance from all four categories:

• Service: The nominee provides outstanding customer service, whether to students, faculty, parents, co-workers, or community members.

• Teamwork: The nominee develops and encourages cooperation and collaboration, while displaying outstanding group effort. The nominee also consistently offers support, assistance, and encouragement to co-workers, often without being asked to do so.

• Attitude: The nominee consistently demonstrates patience, good humor, and enthusiasm while on the job. The nominee also demonstrates excellence in resolving conflicts and/or facing challenges.

• Reliability: The nominee provides prompt, efficient, and reliable service. The nominee is both dependable and trustworthy, and instills in his or her co-workers a sense of responsibility and dedication to the University.

This award was created in honor of Marlene F. Richman, who served students with extraordinary commitment and care during a career that spanned four decades. Marlene was a revered career counselor for 36 years and the Resident Master of Burton-Judson during her career at the University of Chicago.

Sadly, Marlene Richman passed away on January 7, 2014. We continue to honor her legacy by annually bestowing this award to an individual who deserves recognition for their excellence and dedication to students. 

Each year the recipient will have his or her name inscribed on a plaque that hangs in the second floor of the Reynolds Club and will receive an award and extra service payment. Awards are given out at a luncheon in the Autumn Quarter.

Nominations

Only students may submit nominations. Nominations for 2025-2026 have closed. Check back in Spring 2027 for 2026-2027 nominations.

Evaluation

Nominees will be evaluated by four major criteria: communication, time, responsiveness, and respect.

All nominees will receive a certificate recognizing their service. 

Eligibility

All full-time staff members of the University are eligible. This award excludes senior management (i.e. deans, directors, and officers of the University) and faculty members. Nominations are invited from all students in the University. Previous winners of the Richman Award are not eligible.

Selection Committee

The selection committee is comprised of:

• Student representatives

• Two Deans of Students

• Two staff members from Campus and Student Life

• The previous year's Richman Award recipient

Thank you to all the staff and students who nominated deserving individuals for the 2025-2026 Campus and Student Life Staff Awards! This year's winners in each of the five categories are named in the descriptions below.

Innovation Award
This award is given to a staff member who has generated novel and valuable ideas and has used these ideas to develop new or improved processes, methods, systems, programs, or services. The award recognizes creative ideas that have made UChicago a better place to live and work.

2025-2026 Recipient: Amber Dicosola, Associate Director of Student Disability Services, Student Disability Services

Since joining Student Disability Services in 2020, Amber has been a steadfast advocate for inclusion, access, and equity in the learning environment. This year, she spearheaded a new internship program that expanded the department's capacity to engage with students, bringing in two hardworking interns from the Crown School of Social Work to support one-on-one coaching sessions, regular study groups, accessible social events, and a full slate of Disability Awareness Week programming. 

A colleague shared, "In SDS, there is a shared sentiment of wanting to support our students more holistically, outside the scope of accommodations, but lacking the staff and resources to take our services to the next level. By offering regular study groups, craft nights, guest speaker events, movie nights, and book clubs throughout this year, Amber and her team have created new spaces where students can find and build community and show up as themselves."


Outstanding Newcomer Award
This award is given to an outstanding staff member who has worked at least six months but no more than three years in their current department. Nominees must demonstrate excellence in overall job performance; show willingness to assist beyond normal expectations; and show initiative and creativity in his or her work.

2025-2026 Recipient: Angelica Cazares, International Student Adviser, Office of International Affairs

Since joining the Office of International Student Affairs as an International Student Adviser, Angelica has quickly established herself as a dedicated, student-centered advocate with a remarkable ability to learn quickly and adapt to the constantly shifting immigration regulations. She has built strong relationships with the international student community in the MS in Applied Data Science program through responsive advising, tailored training webinars, student events, and onboarding resources. Her collaborative spirit, initiative, and positive contributions make her not only a standout newcomer, but an essential member of our campus community. 

A colleague shared, "Angelica consistently brings fresh ideas and thoughtful solutions that improve our processes and enhance our work. In her short time as International Student Adviser at OIA, Angelica quickly built a professional foundation rooted in collaboration, communication, and student-centered advocacy. Her positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond have already made a meaningful impact on our team." 


Rosalie Resch Outstanding Service to the University Community
This award is given to a staff member who has demonstrated concern and commitment to fulfill needs and ensure satisfaction when providing services to members of the University community, including faculty, staff, and students.

2025-2026 Recipient: Brian Ratleph, Lead Athletic Aide, Athletics and Recreation

For nearly 15 years, Brian has established himself as a trusted and dependable presence within Athletics and Recreation, supporting the student-athlete, recreation, and event experience through his strong work ethic, unwavering professionalism, and commitment to operational excellence. Working quietly behind the scenes as Lead Athletic Aide, he ensures facilities, equipment, and competition and practice venues are safe, functional, and prepared to the highest standards, contributing to some of the best playing surfaces in the UAA. Known as a go-to resource across the department, Brian's consistent willingness to help colleagues and calm approach to problem-solving have earned him the respect of countless peers and supervisors over the course of his tenure. His humility, institutional knowledge, and steady leadership make him an invaluable member of the Athletics and Recreation team. 

A colleague shared, "Brian takes tremendous pride in supporting Athletics & Recreation facilities through upkeep, preparation, and presentation. Whether maintaining recreation equipment, preparing competition and practice venues, assisting with event operations, or ensuring spaces are safe and functional, Brian approaches every task with care and attention to detail. His work directly contributes to creating a positive environment for students, coaches, staff, officials, and visitors throughout the year." 


Outstanding Service to Students Award
This award is presented to the staff member who has provided outstanding service to individual students or student groups on a consistent basis, whether through personal advising, development of programs, or improvements to university systems and policies that affect students.

2025-2026 Recipient: Cynthia Leggett, Lead Desk Clerk, Housing & Residence Life

Over more than 35 years of dedicated service, spanning her foundational work at UChicago Medicine and her continued commitment within Housing & Residence Life (HRL), Cynthia has quietly built a legacy of care. As a cornerstone of HRL's operations, she is the go-to person for a wide range of student needs, from parcel assistance and room lockouts to SCAV coordination and everything in between. Her dedication is perhaps most visible each fall, when HRL processes over 50,000 parcels in the opening weeks of the academic year. Cynthia picks up weekend shifts and works doubles without complaint, because she knows how crucial a smooth start to the year is for the student experience, and for Cynthia, the student experience always comes first. 

A colleague shared, "What Cynthia does that so few people master is the art of making small gestures feel monumental. A gentle inquiry about how a student’s day went. A word of encouragement after a disappointing exam or a heartbreak. The steadiness of her presence when a student returns from a long day and just needs a familiar, warm face at the door. These are not incidental acts of kindness; they are the architecture of belonging, and Cynthia builds that architecture every single day."

Stephen P. Klass STAR Award (for Service, Teamwork, Attitude, Reliability)

In honor of Stephen P. Klass, who served as Vice President and Dean of Students from 2002–2006, this award is given to the staff member who has, with a positive and forward-thinking attitude, consistently excelled, made outstanding contributions in the area of service, promoted teamwork and collaboration, and worked quietly behind the scenes to improve the unit or their department.

2025-2026: Kimberly Balkcom, Assistant Director, Operations, Center for Identity + Inclusion

For the past 10 years, Kimberly has been an integral part of the CI+I team. She keeps the Center running smoothly for hundreds of weekly visitors through meticulous facilities management, ordering supplies, scheduling, and oversight of the reservation system, all while creating a warm and welcoming environment with thoughtful touches like stocking tea and chocolate and hosting quarterly student-employee appreciation events. Her proactive approach has led to impactful initiatives, including developing a comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and laying the groundwork for facility upgrades that improve the daily experience for students and staff alike. With deep institutional knowledge, strong campus relationships, and an unwavering commitment to her team, Kimberly is one of the reasons CI+I feels like a true home away from home for students. 

A colleague shared, "As a newer staff member, I have valued Kim’s positive attitude and reliability. Kim brings seasons of experience to our space and shares institutional knowledge to better onboard our more junior staff members. She is patient and tenacious, always working through the appropriate campus systems and never giving up when she hits a roadblock to her goals. She values her colleagues and her relationships with campus partners, keeping in touch well beyond their time at UChicago."