»Chapman Family Honors

Staff Appreciation and Years of Service Celebration
The ceremony took place on June 17, 2026, in Musco Center for the Arts. Following the ceremony, guests attended a luncheon on Aitken Arts Plaza.

President’s Award
The President’s Award honors a staff member or administrator whose work has made a
significant and lasting contribution to the university. Recipients demonstrate exceptional leadership, initiative, and innovation that advance institutional priorities
and enhance the effectiveness of programs, services, or operations.
2026 Recipient: Rachael Samimi, Special Events

The Spirit of Chapman Award
The Spirit of Chapman Award recognizes a staff member or administrator who exemplifies the values, culture, and collaborative spirit of the university. Recipients help foster a positive campus environment and demonstrate dedication to supporting students, colleagues, and the broader university community.
Selection criteria include:
- Demonstrating extraordinary pride and commitment to the university community
- Supporting and enhancing the student experience
- Fostering collaboration and strong relationships across campus
- Promoting a positive and supportive workplace culture

Excellence in Service Award
Selection criteria include:
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Longstanding record of exceptional service and dedication to the university
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Significant contributions that advance the university’s mission, values, and strategic priorities
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Positive and lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the broader campus community
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Consistent demonstration of professionalism, integrity, collaboration, and institutional pride
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Meaningful involvement and contributions across multiple areas, initiatives, or campus efforts over time

Emerging Leader Award
Selection criteria include:
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Demonstrated success in a leadership role within the first several years of leadership service
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Ability to motivate and inspire teams toward shared goals and collaborative success
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Meaningful contributions that positively impact students, colleagues, and the university community
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Initiative and leadership in advancing projects, programs, or cross-functional efforts
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Commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and mission-driven work environment

Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award honors a staff member or administrator early in their career at the university who has shown exceptional promise and impact in advancing the institution’s mission. This recognition is typically awarded to individuals within their first 2-5 years at the university.
Selection criteria include:
- Strong performance and initiative in their role
- Creative problem-solving and contributions to improving programs or services
- Demonstrated leadership potential
- Commitment to supporting students and colleagues

Excellence in Divisions
Four Divisional Awards will honor staff in each of the university’s divisions who
havedemonstrated exemplary service. Recipients consistently contribute to the success of their division
through excellence in their work, strong collaboration, and meaningful impact aligned
with university priorities.
2026 Recipients:
- Division of the EVP and Chief Operating Officer: Allison Kelley, Facilities Management
- Division of the EVP and Chief Advancement Officer: Sarah Buckley, Alumni Engagement
- Division of the EVP, Provost, and Chief Academic Officer: Robert Pankey, Institutional Research and Decision Support
- Division of the EVP and Chief of Staff: Cathy Greenberg, Admissions
Years-of-Service Honorees
Celebrating 5 Years of Service
- Miguel Calderon | Dean of Students Office
- Veronica Clanton-Higgins | Student Psychological Counseling Services
- Tomas Dominik | Psychology
- Gabrielle Leveratto | Athletics
- Kimberly Muth | Office of Research
- Jill Perez | Attallah College of Educational Studies
- Diana Rios | Wellness Center
- Albert Su | Office of General Counsel
- Albert Vasquez | Risk Management
- Andrew Weinberg | Event Operations
- Catherine Woodward | Admission
Celebrating 10 Years of Service
- Emily Belote | Residence Life
- Erin Berthon | Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- Gabriela Castaneda | First-Generation and Promising Futures
- Kimlan Choi | Budget Office
- Arturo Covert-Ortiz | Student Financial Aid Office
- Justin Cruz | Fowler School of Law Admission
- Alex Hart | Residence Life
- David Hernandez | Information Systems & Programming
- Kendra Leak | Psychology
- Bryan Mateik | University Services
- Karla Monterrey | Student Engagement
- Kayla Richardson | Fowler School of Engineering
- Helen Sahli | School of Pharmacy
- Fiona Lindsay Shen | Art Collections
- Sabrina Simmons | Fowler School of Law Library
- Phillip Stella | Information Systems & Programming
- Seiyua Tang | Musco Center Central Production
- Dominic Trinh | Attallah College of Educational Studies
- Kimberly Whitlock | Information Systems and Technology
- Barron Williams | Client Services
- Nashaunda Williams | Human Resources
Celebrating 15 Years of Service
- Yesenia Castillo | Human Resources
- Allison DeVries | Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- Bao Ngo | Human Resources
- Philip Oliva | Client Services
- Justin Ringor | Faculty Affairs Administration
- Richard Turner | Facilities Management
- John Van Buren | Finance
- James Wayne | Facilities Management
- James Whitaker | Student Financial Aid Office
Celebrating 20 Years of Service
- Ponh King | Networking
- Justin Koppelman | Student Engagement
- Christina Marshall | President's Office
- Vincent Medina | Facilities Management
- Susilo Nugroho | Client Services
- Michelle Sypinero | Information Security
Celebrating 25 Years of Service
- Crystal Barney | Budget Office
- Gregory Fisher | Computing Services
- Daniel Hoyte | Leatherby Libraries
- Kevin Ross | Leatherby Libraries
- Andrew Valbuena | Leatherby Libraries
Celebrating 30 Years of Service
- Briana Bohn | Leatherby Libraries
- Kathleen Clark | Graduate Financial Aid
- Suk Bae Kim | University Services
- Patrick Rausch | Purchasing
- Jennifer Swindell | Student Financial Aid Office
Celebrating 35 Years of Service
- Gloria Orozco | Admission
