Thank you to all the staff and students who nominated deserving individuals for the 2024-2025 Campus and Student Life Staff Awards! This year's winners in each of the five categories are named in the descriptions below.
Innovation Award
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
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
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
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)
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."