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USU Students and staff recognized for professional accomplishments

This past year, the University Student Union (USU) received various honors and awards for the professional and creative abilities of the staff, student assistants, and volunteers. These abilities, in combination with the unique leadership opportunities available within the USU, often translate into opportunities for professional and personal growth. Whether attending professional conferences or serving on a planning committee, the USU strives to enhance the student's college experience while serving the campus community.

The USU joined 29 other schools for the ACUI Region 15 Conference in Hilo, Hawaii from Nov. 16 to 18. CSUN was well-represented by 20 members and presented 11 of the 31 educational sessions. CSUN solidified their strong role at the conference by taking home three of the six awards and scholarships designated to students and staff and four awards for exceptional design.

"I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication that these staff and student assistants bring everyday," said Debra L. Hammond, USU executive director. "These individuals continually strive to improve the quality of student life on campus."

Carmen Carlisle, USU Commercial Services Assistant, received the Carol Burke Memorial Scholarship for her outstanding service to ACUI and the USU. Jonathan Martinez, Union Program Council Sports and Recreation Chair, was awarded the Dick Scott Student Development Scholarship for his leadership and service to the CSUN campus. This award is particularly meaningful since it is in memory of Dick Scott, who once served as the Director of Operations for the USU.

In addition to the student awards, Carole Desgroppes-Brown, former USU Program Coordinator for major events, received the New Professional Staff Recognition Award for exemplary employee services and volunteer involvement within the USU and Student Affairs.

The Design Factory also brought home four awards from the "Steal This Idea" graphics competition. Daniel Echeverri, alumni Web Designer, received first place for the USU Web site; James Matzen, Graphic Designer, was awarded another first place prize for the BOD Finance Committee recruitment flier; James and Chris Nwani, Graphic Artist II, received third place for the USU brochure; and Sean Ruge, Graphic Artist III, was awarded fourth place for the lauded Fall 2006 Calendar of Events.

In addition to the recognition across the Pacific, the USU renovation team and architectural design firm Harley Ellis Deveraeux were awarded for the planning and execution of the new Sol Center building. The honor came in combination with the Best Client award bestowed upon CSUN for its work with the Harley Ellis Devereaux to rebuild the campus after the 1994 earthquake.

The hard work of this team of students and professionals has not gone unnoticed – with visitors to the USU increasing approximately 34% since before the renovation began. This likely has to do with the array of new services, including a new 70-station computer lab, the Matador Involvement Center, study and lounge spaces, meeting spaces, retail shops, and a Freudian Sip with outdoor seating.

The USU continues to recruit bright and motivated individuals to join our team of staff, student assistants, and volunteers. The various awards and honors that the team brought home last year are a testament to this.