The Student Life Awards Selection Committee is proud to present the annual Student Life Leadership Awards, which celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of staff across the Division of Student Life. These awards recognize PAT and OS employees who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to enhancing the student experience. These awards began in 2024.
The nomination period opens each spring, inviting colleagues to recognize staff members who exemplify excellence in their work. Eligibility details and award descriptions can be found below. Staff in Student Life Senior Leadership, members of the Selection Committee, and previous year’s award recipients are not eligible.
Award winners are announced and recognized at the Student Life Division Gathering in the fall, where we celebrate the individuals who help shape a vibrant and supportive environment for our students.
Student Life Award Recipients
Campus Collaborator
Jamie Silverstein, F&SL, Off-Campus Engagement
Unsung Hero
Karen Henry, Campus Recreation
Laura Hancock, Health & Wellness
Outstanding Newcomer (*New 2025)
Karen Fernandez, MUB
El Beringer, Residential Life
Wildcat Spirit
Rick Aubin, Housing
Beth Stark, Health & Wellness
Outstanding Customer Service
Cas Kelleher, SHARPP Center
SL Achievement
Sarah Kiley, Community Standards
Innovative Initiative (*New 2025)
Recreational Sports Clubs
ABORC
Campus Collaborator
Alexis Piñero-Benson, Community Standards
Unsung Hero
Julia Lihziz, SHARPP Center
Carol Troy, Housing
Wildcat Spirit
Halie Laviolette, New Student and Family Programs
Outstanding Customer Service
Christa Ricker, New Student and Family Programs
SL Achievement
Kathleen Grace-Bishop, Health & Wellness
Award Descriptions
Awarded to someone who brings their best effort to collaborate with departments within the Student Life Division and/or the UNH community.
Award Criteria:
- Solicits diverse views in division-wide initiatives
- Establishes effective campus-wide partnerships
- Enhances student experiences through cooperative problem solving and consensus decision making
Awarded to someone who has influenced their department and division from behind the scenes.
Award Criteria:
- Exemplifies the Division's mission through their dedication and hard work
- Demonstrates willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary and commitment to excellence
- Increases efficiencies in their department and the Division
Awarded to an employee who has demonstrated substantial professional growth during their brief time in the Division. (New Award 2025)
Award Criteria:
- Must be in first or second year of their position
- Made significant contributions to their department and the division
- Goes above and beyond expectations
Awarded to someone who embodies enthusiastic Wildcat Spirit Award Criteria.
Award Criteria:
- Consistently improves work culture within their department and the division.
- Effectively motivates those they support and interact with.
- Enhances student experience through their positive attitude.
Awarded to someone who has made significant contributions to the Division of Student Life and the UNH Community
Award Criteria:
- Must have served the institution for a minimum of 10 years
- Displays wisdom, depth of service and leadership to the University
- Upholds Student Life mission and values
Awarded to a program or initiative that has made significant contributions to the Division of Student Life and the UNH Community. (New Award 2025)
Award Criteria:
- Demonstrates innovation, impact, and alignment with the mission and values of Student Life
- Upholds Student Life missions and Values
- Enhances student experience and fosters positive change within the University
Awarded to someone who has influenced their department and division from behind the scenes.
Award Criteria:
- Maintains professionalism through customer service interactions.
- Positively impacting experiences for students, parents & families, staff, and broader community
- Exceeds expectations and duties
2025 Award Winners
2024 Award Winners
