Student Life Awards

Each academic year, a number of students and student organizations are recognized with a range of awards, including Utica University's Dean Robert Woods Student Life Award.

Student Life Award Nominations

Recognizing Our Students' Accomplishments

Since 1988, the Student Recognition Ceremony has taken place every spring to recognize our students’ accomplishments in the classroom, outside of the classroom, through their involvement in clubs and organizations, and the contributions they have made both to Utica University and the broader community.

Criteria for Selection of Winners

The criteria for selection are stringent. Recipients will have demonstrated accomplishments in more than one of the following areas:

Academic achievement
Excellence in and/or significant contribution to at least one area of campus life and/or the local community
Extensive involvement over the course of their Utica experience
Diversity and/or depth of leadership experience
Ability to serve as a role model and institutional ambassador

2022 Student Awards

Dean Robert Woods Student Life Award

The first Student Recognition Ceremony took place on April 24, 1988. It was at that ceremony that the framed picture of Strebel Student Center was first awarded. Seven students and one faculty member received this coveted Student Life Award that year.

The Student Life Award is now known as the Dean Robert Woods Student Life Award and is supported by an endowment. The namesake for the Dean Robert Woods Student Life Award is Robert “Rob” Woods, who served as Utica University’s vice president for student affairs and dean of students from 1987 until 2002. There is a large plaque in the Dean of Students’ office with the names of all of the recipients since 1987.

The winners of the 2022 Dean Robert Woods Student Life Award are:

Suror Al Awasj
Aaron C. Barsham
Matthew M. Breault
Siobhan M. Brennan
Jordyn Bucci-Mooney
Katelyn A. Calkins
Katherine R. Hawley
Jaydy C. Hernandez
Sara A. Kuiken
Kimberly L. Morton
Emily N. Mullinax

Student Life Staff Award

The Student Life Staff Award recognizes the recipient's extensive involvement on campus, dedication, willingness to always assist and their contribution to our students as well as fulfilling the mission of Utica University.

The 2022 Student Life Staff Award is presented to:

Staff of the Center for Student Success

Student Affairs Leadership and Special Recognition Awards

Crystal Santiago Cora - Commuter Award
Tabo Bo - Community Service Award
Colby Kusinitz - Excellence in Student Governance Award

Most Effort and Creative Engagement During the COVID Pandemic Awards

This special staff award recognizes the hard work, diligence and commitment to the Utica University Community consistently fulfilling the mission of Utica. This recipient has consistently gone above and beyond in their efforts to assist our students during these unprecedented times and provide outstanding customer service to all.

The 2022 Winners are:

Shad Crowe
Marissa Finch Hall
Diane Pudney
The Staff of the Health and Wellness Center

Student Government Awards

The Student Government Awards recognize student organizations and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, service and leadership on the Utica University campus.