'Salute to Student Affairs' Recognizes College of Charleston Staff

Faculty Staff News

At the 15th annual Salute to Student Affairs awards program, the staff in the Division of Student Affairs recognized one another, focusing on gratitude and support.

Salute to Student Affairs

The hardworking and dedicated staff members of the College of Charleston Division of Student Affairs were celebrated and recognized at the 15th annual Salute to Student Affairs division awards program on Aug. 1, 2024.

“Salute is such an important tradition in our division,” says Alicia Caudill, executive vice president of student affairs. “It is the opportunity to recognize and celebrate all of the ways our amazing team members support students and each other. The energy of our team is palpable. This year, we focused our celebration on gratitude – for all that we have accomplished and for each other. We hope to keep the spirit of gratitude running through our division for this coming year (and beyond).”

Student Advisors, Leaders and guides celebrate their achievements
Student Advisors, Leaders and guides celebrate their achievements

Congratulations to everyone recognized at the 2024 Salute to Student Affairs awards program!

Nicole Lenez
Susana Sharpley

Silver Pillar Award

Nicole Lenez, Director of Residence Life

and

Susana Sharpley, Clinical Director of the Counseling Center

This award recognizes an individual who has been with the division for less than three years and has given exemplary service to the division and to the students, making a positive impact on their department, the division and/or the College of Charleston community.

Gold Pillar Award

Molly Callahan, Student Support Coordinator/Office Manager

This award is given to an individual who has been with the Division of Student Affairs for three to six years and has exceeded the responsibilities of their position and excelled in service to the division, the College and/or the student affairs profession.

Ashley Daniels

Maroon Pillar Award

Ashley Daniels, Assistant Dean of Students

This award recognizes an individual who has been with the Division of Student Affairs for more than six years and who has consistently gone beyond expectations. This person has been a role model for other staff members and their department. The recipient of this award is dedicated to service, support and collaboration.

Unsung Hero Award

Hannah Finley, Assistant Director of Student Involvement for Programming

and

Alexis Simpson, Assistant Director for Student Life Facilities and Operations

This award recognizes behind-the-scenes individuals who consistently and effectively perform their duties in a manner that enhances the work environment for others. They go above and beyond their job responsibilities to support the mission of their department and the division, yet they seem to never openly seek recognition or credit.

Hannah Finley
Hannah Finley
Alexis Simpson
Alexis Simpson

Outstanding Campus Collaboration Award

Ruben Joseph, Residence Hall Director

This award is given to an individual or department that has worked collaboratively with other departments on campus within or outside the Division. This individual or department is constantly finding new and innovative ways to work with others outside their department with the goals of providing students with quality service and fostering positive relationships on campus.  

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Justice Award

Rachel Williams, Associate Director of Multicultural Student Center

This award recognizes an individual who has helped to cultivate an inclusive campus environment by celebrating, supporting or enhancing diversity on campus and beyond. Their efforts directly uphold the College of Charleston’s initiatives to recruit, retain and advance the experiences of underrepresented communities on campus.

Alicia Caudill presents award to Rachel Williams.
ann almasi-bush

Jeri O. Cabot Award for Challenge and SupportAward

Ann Almasi-Bush, Dean of Students

The award – named in honor of longtime Dean of Students Jeri Cabot – is presented to an employee who engages with students through programs and/or individual interactions which show deep respect for students, an ability to navigate difficult conversations and a deep commitment to matching challenge with support needed for student learning and development.

George Haborak Award for Professional Development

Jabari Robinson, Area Residence Hall Director

Named in honor of the work of the late George Haborak, former executive vice president for student affairs, this award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond in their own personal professional development.

Jabari Robinson
Katie Drees
Katie Drees
Stephanie Visser

Denny Ciganovic Putting Happiness to Work Award

Katie Drees, Therapist in the Counseling Center

and

Stephanie Visser, Director of the Center for Civic Engagement

Named in honor of the late Denny Ciganovic, who served as the director of the Career Center for 23 years, this award recognizes those who exemplify Ciganovic’s qualities of infectious joy and genuine connection; empathy and making others feel seen and valued; supportive and enthusiastic mentoring; and commitment to inclusion, good governance and leading by example.

Executive Vice President for Student Affairs Outstanding Service Award

Chris Bond, Associate Director of Student Life for Events and Operations

This recognition is presented to a higher performer who consistently goes above and beyond both in the division and in the greater campus community. 

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