Campus and Student Life Staff Award Winners

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.

2023-2024 Recipient: Emily Ho, Associate University Registrar for Enrollment Services

Emily’s many contributions to the Office of the Registrar include launching a new registration process in MyPlanner based on the data she generated in her College Registration Report, which detailed positive and negative aspects of the current advising and registration model for students. Prior to her tenure in the Office of the University Registrar, Emily worked in the College and was responsible for implementing the Academic Advising Module in the Academic Information System and the implementation of MyPlanner software. Both programs are critical to ensuring smooth student academic experiences and highlight her continued dedication to innovating in ways that enhance student service and processes.

A colleague shared, “Emily has significantly impacted our student population through her innovation around curriculum and enrollment planning and has constantly improved the student experience for each one. Her careful consideration of how to make these enhancements, whether big or small, continues to advance the student experience for all.”

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.

2023-2024 Recipient: Jacob Longaker, Director of LGBTQ Student Life in the Center for Identity + Inclusion

When describing Jacob’s accomplishments over the last year, several nominators highlighted his commitment to revitalizing LGTBQ student life on-campus and providing a robust set of experiences for students including celebratory events, partnering with Student Wellness to deliver collaborative programming around queer wellness, connecting students with the greater LGBTQ community in Chicago, and developing workshops and trainings for faculty and staff such as Safer Spaces, Exploring LGBTQ Diversity, Standing up for LGBTQ Communities, and All About Pronouns.

“Jacob is the one who made me feel safe enough to publicly come out on campus, and not to just come out, but to BE out - Loud, proud, and queer,” one nominator wrote.

“Jacob had some really big shoes to fill when he stepped into this position in September, and not only do I think he successfully filled them, but he went the extra mile as a leader, advocate, and friend,” another nominator shared.

Outstanding Service to the University Community Award

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.

2023-2024 Recipient: Tania Boisson Sainvilier, Assistant Dean of Students & Assistant Director, Student Case Management

Tania has been an instrumental partner to students, faculty, and staff alike since joining UChicagoHELP. Tania’s advocacy and support of students relies on her ability to be knowledgeable of UChicago’s many different policies, services, and standard operating procedures. Tania is a tireless problem-solver in her work and is an excellent partner in finding solutions within University systems.

One nominator wrote, “Tania is a tireless advocate for every student she interacts with. She treats every students with respect and makes it immensely clear that she is in their corner.”  

Another nominator shared, “Tania’s knowledge of UChicago policies, services, and staff were key in finding a solution. When we hit roadblocks, Tania always had an idea.”

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.

2023-2024 Recipient: Christian Sanchez, Assistant Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs in the Center for Identity + Inclusion

Nominators praised Christian for her availability and thought partnership with students. From engaging with students 1:1 about their ideas and mentorship and of RSOs, to helping students make campus connections, Christian’s commitment to the student experience and being a bridge builder is embraced and appreciated by the many students she works with. Christian was particularly noted for her ability to manage challenges and to find ways to ensure students were centered in the solutions.

“Her student-centered approach puts them at the forefront of her decisions and she works tirelessly to ensure they are receiving equitable and fair treatment across campus. Christian is truly the student services professional that our students deserve, and I am so happy to know that they have her in their corner,” one nominator wrote.

Another wrote, “She is one of the most important resources for so many students looking for guidance and assistance, and as she brings in her own knowledge as an alumna of the College, she has a unique understanding of what it takes to thrive at the University. Christian works tirelessly to ensure that every student she meets has the necessary tools to succeed.”

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 form 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.

2023-2024: Mischa Kasperan, Data Reporting and Compliance Manager in the Office of International Affairs

Mischa’s colleagues and nominators highlighted the many ways that her commitment to the team is critical to the collective work of the Office of International Affairs. Mischa’s dedication to finding efficiencies and lending her expertise wherever it is needed speak to her service and teamwork, and she has been a reliable presence in her work as the inaugural Data Reporting and Compliance Manager. Mischa works incredibly hard behind the scenes to make sure the team has everything they need to support international students and does so with positivity and ethic of care that are invaluable.

“Mischa consistently goes above and beyond to train and support her colleagues at the Office of International Affairs, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. Her dedication to empowering others and her willingness to share her expertise have had a lasting impact on our team dynamics and productivity,”wrote one colleague.

Another nominator said, “Mischa is my first go to when there’s an issue with a student and I don’t want to bounce them around trying to find solutions. She created half of our instruction manuals so even when I’m not asking her, she’s guiding our team.”