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.

2024-2025 Recipient: Francesca Schroeder, Curriculum Management Coordinator in the Office of the University Registrar

Since joining CSL in May 2023, Francesca has quickly distinguished herself through creativity, initiative, and a collaborative spirit. She has spearheaded multiple process improvements, including launching a new classroom event request system, creating clear visual tools for course seat counts, and consolidating academic dates and deadlines into a single, accessible Live Whale repository. These innovations have increased accuracy, streamlined workflows, and enhanced communication across departments and divisions. 

Francesca approaches each challenge with enthusiasm, problem-solving skill, and a willingness to take on complex projects, often volunteering for tasks others might shy away from. She collaborates seamlessly across teams, shares expertise in tools like Google Suite and Canva, and consistently contributes to a positive and productive office culture.

A colleague shared, "Since Francesca started just before Convocation in 2023, she's jumped right in with a great attitude and a willingness to learn, and has been enthusiastic about starting new projects that will improve processes on her team and for the office as a whole."

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.

2024-2025 Recipient: Matt Loving, Community Director for the Renee Granville-Grossman Residential Commons

Since joining Residence Life in August 2024 as the first professional in this role, Matt has set the standard for future Community Directors by fostering belonging across four residential communities, strengthening collaboration among staff and student leaders, and guiding the Inter-House Council through a period of transition and growth. He has also stepped into departmental leadership during staff transitions, offering strategic insight, mentoring colleagues, and contributing to assessment initiatives. 

A colleague shared, “Matt brings a rare blend of thoughtfulness, compassion, and clarity to his work. His commitment to student well-being and his respect for the work of those around him radiate in all that he does."  

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.

2024-2025 Recipient: Nick Seamons, Executive Director and Assistant Dean of Students in the Office of International Affairs

A trusted ally to students, staff, and faculty across campus, Nick has played a vital role in supporting international students, scholars, and employees through an extraordinarily complex and challenging time. He leads a team of 14 who collectively serve more than 10,000 international community members and their dependents, all while personally making himself available to answer questions, resolve concerns, and guide colleagues through urgent issues. 

Nick’s leadership is defined by responsiveness, clarity, and care. He has partnered closely with academic divisions to address student visa challenges, presented at department meetings, and fielded countless questions from faculty, staff, and students with patience and professionalism. Colleagues describe him as a calming and steady voice in moments of crisis and a collaborative partner whose expertise has been invaluable to the University.

A colleague shared, “Nick approaches each case with patience, clarity, and care. His ability to humanize a bureaucratic process is a hallmark of his leadership.”

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.

2024-2025 Recipient: Claire Sangster, Mandel Hall Manager-Student Centers

Behind the scenes at Mandel Hall—the 1,000-seat concert venue that hosts student performances nearly every weekend from January through Convocation—Claire ensures events run seamlessly by managing lighting and sound, maintaining the space and equipment, and supporting some of the campus’s largest and most active RSOs.

Claire is equally dedicated to the students she supervises. She treats her team of student technicians as learners first, creating opportunities to experiment, build skills, and grow in confidence. For student organizations, she goes out of her way to prioritize their needs, adjusting her schedule to accommodate extra rehearsals and honoring last-minute requests to bring their visions to life.

A colleague shared, “Claire's selfless dedication to our students goes above and beyond. In addition to teaching student staff what they need to know in order to execute on their job duties, she also encourages her students to identify an area of interest where she can help them gain further mastery.”

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.

2024-2025: Aliya Syed, Assistant Director of Residence Life-Housing & Residence Life

Aliya exemplifies Service, Teamwork, Attitude, and Reliability in every aspect of her work. Since stepping into her role, she has transformed professional and student staff training, developing a comprehensive and innovative program for Resident Heads, Resident Assistants, and Senior Resident Assistants that blends online modules, peer mentorship, and inclusive, feedback-driven practices. 

Aliya’s reliability and leadership have been especially evident during times of transition, where she has stepped in to support staff, create space for reflection, and ensure her colleagues and student leaders feel valued and equipped to succeed. Beyond Residence Life, she has been an instrumental collaborator across Campus and Student Life—most notably co-creating the first CSL Connect Conference, which brought staff together for a day of training and connection.

A colleague shared, “Aliya brings her whole self to this work—with humility, thoughtfulness, and a deep belief in the potential of others. She is truly a ray of light, and I always look forward to joining her in a meeting, meal, or crossing paths across campus because she brightens my day."