Very Inspirational Professional Awards

The Student Affairs Very Inspirational Professional (VIP) Awards recognize significant staff contributions to the Division of Student Affairs and Baruch College. Selection of candidates is based on their commitment to the Division’s Standards of Service, which include: Academic Excellence, Inclusion, Integrity, Leadership, and Safety.

The three awards categories are:

VIP Award for a Key Player

This award recognizes the significant contributions of support and operational staff members across the Division. Nominations received in this category may include those who perform technical, budgetary, or other administrative functions – those who help promote collaboration and produce work above and beyond expectations. Nominees must have worked within the department for at least one year.

VIP Award for an Emerging Leader

Presented to a new member of the Baruch community (who has worked a minimum of a year at Baruch College and less than 5 years in higher education). The recipient of this award must have contributed the most and/or had the biggest positive impact on the Division of Student Affairs. This award considers the recipient’s contribution to his/her department as well as the division as a whole.

VIP Award for a Distinguished Leader

Named for Dr. Ronald Aaron, former Associate Dean of Students, who worked within and contributed significantly to our Division for over 41 years, this award recognizes a staff member who has been on staff for at least one year and in the field of higher education for more than 5 years. The Ronald Aaron Distinguish Leader award is presented to a recipient based on his or her sustained commitment, dedication, and impact within Student Affairs.

VIP Award Recipients

2016
Key Player:  Elizabeth Ruggieri, Counseling Center
Emerging Leader:  Chris Diggs, Office of the Dean of Students
Distinguished Leader: Ellen Stein, Starr Career Development Center

2017
Key Player: Evelyn Morales, Student Disability Services
Emerging Leader: Ricki Weitzen, Starr Career Development Center
Distinguished Leader : Justyna Socha, Office of the Dean of Students

2018
Key Player: Traci Espinet-Marquez, Office of Student Life
Emerging Leader: Savanna Ramsey, Office of Student Life
Distinguished Leader : Damali Smith Tolson, Office of Student Life

2019
Key Player: Ronald Bissessar, Student Disability Services
Emerging Leader: Joy Allison, Office of Health & Wellness
Distinguished Leader: Patricia Flemming, Student Disability Services

2020
Key Player: Consuelo Gomez, Early Learning Center
Emerging Leader: Crystal Tejada, Office of Student Life
Distinguished Leader: Heather MacCulloch, Athletics and Recreation

2021
Emerging Leader: Erin Pomykala, Athletics and Recreation
Distinguished Leader: Teresa Hurst, Counseling Center

2023
Key Player: Jan Martinez, Office of Student Life
Emerging Leader: Dr. Lynn Kaplan, Counseling Center
Distinguished Leader: Carrie Thomas, Athletics and Recreation

2024
Key Player: Traci Espinet-Marquez, Office of Student Life
Emerging Leader: Clemente Diaz, Starr Career Development Center
Distinguished Leader: Jael Amador, Counseling Center