Fall 2022 Golden Griffin Award Recipients

Joy Badalis - Counseling Center 

Core Value: Belonging 

Just like her namesake, Joy brings "Joy" wherever she goes. Working in the counseling center can be rewarding and challenging. As new trainees and students arrived Joy reminds us all that life should be full of "JOY!” With a well stocked candy jar, and a well thought out "counseling center duck hunt," Joy brings a sense of togetherness after years of pandemic and social isolation.

She is welcoming to her colleagues and the students who walk through her door. An experience with Joy is one full of love, acceptance, and knowing that she will always remind you that you belong right where you are.

Hayden Cochran, Trici Rudalf, Jenna Venable - Student Unions & Engagement 

Core Value: Service 

These three tirelessly brought the vision of the Sadler Block Party (Zip Slice Explore) to life. Having been tasked with bringing this event to life in just one month, Trici formed the planning committee which focused on gathering others' thoughts and ideas, making sure to incorporate something for everything- students and staff alike. Trici, Jenna, & Hayden were a dream team who did the heavy lifting to make the event such a huge success for all of Student Affairs!

The students loved it, and it was such a huge success that we want to do it again next year. Thanks to the entire planning committee for all of your contributions, and to Hayden, Trici, and Jenna for leading the way!

Michael Embry - Residence Life 

Core Values: Belonging, Excellence 

This summer, Michael established the inaugural Pride committee and invited everyone to celebrate in Pride month to celebrate LGBTQ+ identities and history. The Campus Living Center Pride Celebration included an office parade where everyone could participate or cheer from their offices. Michael and the committee decorated the front entryway and conference room and participants decorated their chairs and office doors. The day of the celebration include a full day of programming including: Pride Trivia, Dessert Party, and 2 lecture series (LGBT & the high seas: Gender & Sexuality in the Golden Age of Piracy; and Queer Coding Villains- A discussion of hidden Queer references in Disney movies). While it was a celebratory time for professional staff, when student staff came for a meeting - it meant so much to them to see their identities represented in our office and feel a sense of belonging.

Taylor Locks, Eric Margiotta - Student Unions & Engagement 

Core Value: Service 

Eric and Taylor were exceptional in opening the Sadler expansion and should be recognized both for their teamwork and for their individual skills and talents. The undertaking was massive with behind-the-scenes challenges during the weeks and days leading to opening. The duo (and the rest of the SUE team) handled the unexpected hurdles with poise and grace.

Taylor's talents include, but are not exhaustive of, a remarkable presentation and speaking skillset, and fantastic communication of policies and procedures. Among many things, Taylor kept us all updated on changes, shepherded the student organization storage moves, and modeled a wonderful way to be welcoming and inclusive.

Eric's dedication to creating a Union where all are welcome, where students visit to "see and be seen," where an atrium is full of life and where staff can do their best work, is now a vision come to fruition. The entire SUE staff deserves accolades and I know Eric and Taylor will share their stuffed prizes with the team. Today, for their exemplary work, we are pleased to recognize Taylor and Eric!

Wilmarie Rodriguez - Dean of Students 

Core Values: Belonging, Excellence, Flourishing, Integrity 

Wilmarie is an exceptional colleague and leader. She goes above each and every day to make sure her staff and students have everything they need to feel heard, seen, and thrive.

Over the past several months, Wilmarie's workload has increased. She has taken over formal supervision of the Center for Student Diversity, took the helm of the newly reorganized office of Academic Wellbeing, and was promoted to Senior Associate Dean. During this time, she researched other Academic Wellbeing offices (finding only one other), looked at best practices, re-envisioned workflows, and came up with an amazing new logo and branding.

Students are flowing seamlessly into both departments, getting what they need and coming back because they want to. She goes above and beyond every day. On the Leadership team, she offers clear and consistent advice, collaboration and counsel. We are thankful to have Wilmarie on our team!