UR Student Employee of the Year Award

What is your favorite student employment memory? 

My favorite student employment memory has been working with orientation for the first time my sophomore year. I made so many incredible friends and memories by getting to move in early, and getting to work with the new first-year students was extremely rewarding after having a very different orientation experience during my first year.

In the demo kitchen, my favorite part has been getting to see all of the guest chefs over the years and learn more about cooking from them. From a sushi chef to a cheese monger, I've gotten to learn so much about all different areas of food and cooking, and have also gotten to watch other students learn along as well.

What has student employment given you?   

Beyond just giving me skills in leadership, critical thinking, and attention to detail, my jobs have connected me with incredible mentors and friends. I am so lucky to have the kindest and most supportive supervisors that are always there for me when I need it. My jobs have been a huge support for my mental health as well, providing me an outlet and a break from academic work by getting to do what I love (either cooking or connecting with others). I have gained incredible experience and mentorship throughout my time working on campus.

“In Bailey’s role as Orientation Leader she led our team of 60 Orientation Advisors to accomplish a common goal of welcoming our incoming first year and transfer students, making them feel like they belong and helping them find their place at UR. She directly supervised a team of 10 OA’s and indirectly, the entirety of the group. She was an integral part of planning our Fall Festival and continues to be a student leader we can count on.” Sage Ober

Cheryl Chan

Leadership

Nominated by Susan Wolski, Department of Political Science

“The Career Pathways event brings 10 UR Alumni back to campus to share their career journeys with students. Cheryl led our other student workers and planned the event from the start. She has played a pivotal role in the life of the Department of Political Science. Her innovative designs for publicity for the department’s events have set the bar very high. She is reliable, professional and talented at everything we have asked of her.” Susan Wolski

Zach Duray

Technology and Innovation

Nominated by Abdullah Kumas, Robins School of Business, Department of Accounting

“Zach created a very high-quality data analytics case study which he presented at the Society of North American Scholars Conference, bringing attention to UR’s accounting program, and bringing back shared knowledge from the conference. He was the only undergraduate student who presented at the conference.” Abdullah Kumas

Tolya Evdokimov

Technology and Innovation

Nominated by Arryn Robbins, Lab Coordinator, Department of Psychology

“Tolya embodies the lab’s values of curiosity and inclusivity in his work. As my lab coordinator, he is tasked with training new researchers, maintaining the data collection schedule and overseeing data management…he has taken it upon himself to introduce new technology in the lab to streamline processes for myself, changing the way I manage my lab and conduct research.” Arryn Robbins

Matteo Gonzalez

Technology and Innovation

Nominated by Kyle Redican, Spatial Analysis Lab, Department of Geography, Environment and Sustainability

“Matteo spearheaded a pioneering research project at the forefront of technology, exploring the utilization of Language Learning Models, particularly Chat GPT, to develop GIS technical assignments for instructors.This groundbreaking research has been crafted into an academic article undergoing review by a prestigious Geography journal, with an anticipated publication date in April, 2024. His work not only elevated the lab’s profile but also intersected with its GIS consulting services, assisting faculty from various departments in integrating GIS into their curriculum effectively.” Kyle Redican

Luiz Marquez

Diversity and Inclusion

Nominated by Libby Germer, Bonner Center for Civic Engagement

“Luis is especially exemplary in his care for all students who walk through the Center For Civic Engagement’s doors. He shows no judgementalism, is patient with younger students, kind to strangers, and models the kind of inclusivity that makes him a wonderful spokesperson for the Bonner Scholar Program at UR.”  Libby Germer

Brian Pescatore

Leadership

Nominated by Nora Kostyk, Robins School of Business and

Technology and Innovation

Nominated by Hillary Kuhn, Office of Undergraduate Admission

“Brian’s responsibilities as video intern include filming video content that highlights academics and student life at UR, recruiting and collaborating with fellow students to create Day in the Life vlogs, video editing, and management of the YouTube channel. His video work is energetic, approachable, incredibly funny, and most importantly, authentic to the true Richmond experience without the veneer of an overly-polished production that does not always resonate with younger audiences.” Hillary Kuhn

Anna Phillips

Critical Thinking

Nominated by Laura Knouse, Department of Psychology

“Anna is an indispensable part of my research lab. We simply could not do our work without her…she is truly my partner in designing systems and strategies that will smooth our operations, minimize errors and create a positive experience for our participants. She focuses on continuous improvement, taking our abstract research questions and helping to translate them into effective research design and error-minimizing procedures.” Laura Knouse

Michelle Pogrebetskaya

Leadership

Nominated by Samantha Salters, Modlin Center for the Arts

“Michelle has demonstrated a deep passion for the performing arts while gracefully stepping into her role as Student Manager. In supervising other students she demonstrates compassion and professionalism, serving as a strong role model for rising employees.” Samantha Salters

Caitlin Sales

Community Service

Nominated by Yucong Jiang, Department of Computer Science and Kathy Rothert, Department of Mathematics and Statistics

“Caitlin has fostered a collaborative spirit in two separate departments on campus. She often reaches out to other students, as she has a generous and caring nature. She is often seen in the student lounge helping other students, completely unrelated to her job. Caitlin has the heart of a teacher and we feel lucky that she is one of our majors.” Kathy Rothert

Miranda Smith

Leadership

Nominated by Michael Onorato, University of Richmond Dining Services

“As the senior student employee, Miranda trains and mentors her coworkers in an approachable and supportive manner. She is the template of what you want a student employee to be. She is consistently accurate and reliable. Miranda has brought a lot of value to our team and we are truly thankful for all she does to support our department.” Michael Onorato

Eva VanAtta

Leadership

Nominated by Haley Herrmann, Office for Sustainability

“Eva has been a positive force on our Office of Sustainability team this year. I was immediately impressed by her outgoing nature and positive attitude. She makes our time together better because of her engagement and excitement for all things sustainability. As a senior she is a great model for the younger interns and reminds us that the work is just as important as the time we spend together as a team.” Haley Herrmann

Jamie Wills

Critical Thinking

Nominated by Joanna Love, Office of the Provost

"Jamie’s work is key to determining the metrics for and success of the implementation of UR’s new General Education curriculum. Her work deals with data that has implications for the entire future undergraduate population. She is responsible for working with student registration and course enrollment data across the University over multiple years to construct a report that analyzes and projects needs for the new curriculum. Her work will be presented to every school, administrator, department and instructor at the University.” Joanna Love

Gareth Woo

Leadership

Nominated by Shawanna Hall, Modlin Center for the Arts

“Gareth has taken on a leadership role in which he trains students and staff on how to prepare for an event and assist in demanding situations. He is quick to think on his feet. He exercises sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions and overcome problems. He takes verbal and written information and formulates strategic plans to get the best results.” Shawanna Hall