The University of New Mexico Division of Student Affairs honored its best and brightest at the annual Louie awards ceremony recently. The theme this year was Carnival de Lobo Louie, complete with masks, beads and carnival-inspired food. Each Louie winner was given a coveted golden Louie statue along with a monetary award.
Louie winners for 2015 include: Cristyn Elder, UNM English Department; and Connie Terry, Extended University/Independent Study Through Correspondence department; who were each awarded with the Outstanding Student Service Provider award; Rob Burford, UNM Dean of Students Office, who won the Employee of the Year award; Sara Collins, UNM Residence Life and Student Housing, who was awarded the Student Affairs Student Employee of the Year award; Andrew Gonzalez, UNM College Enrichment and Outreach Program who was awarded the Fellow of the Year award, and Kyle Stepp, UNM Dean of Students Office, who was awarded the Student Community Service award.
A selection committee made up of faculty, previous fellows, past Louie winners, Student Affairs staff and Dr. Eliseo “Cheo” Torres, vice president for Student Affairs, chooses the award winners based on their service within the division and their contributions to improving the lives of students at the University of New Mexico. The Outstanding Student Service Provider is a university-wide award open to anyone working at UNM.
“This is a great way to honor our employees, which includes students, faculty and staff, for their work and dedication to our division and the University throughout the year,” Torres said.
The Student Affairs Fellows, who are responsible for coordinating the annual recognition ceremony, are a group of mid-level managers from the Division of Student Affairs who participate in a 15-month-long program that provides opportunities to gain leadership and professional development skills while assisting Torres, on specific projects.
“Every year, the Student Affairs Fellows work very hard to make sure this ceremony is a memorable experience for everyone involved.” Over the past 15 years more than 100 UNM employees and students have participated in the Fellows program.