University Recreation hosted its annual Honors and Awards reception recognizing the academic and occupational successes of student employees. Students were acknowledged for their placement on the dean's and chancellor's lists, scholarships and grants received, academic college recognitions, and graduation.

Sean Foley, Christin Rogers, and Chris Maxwell, spring 2019 graduates, were selected by their supervisors to serve as the keynote speakers at the event. They shared stories about their employment experiences at UREC and how their job responsibilities helped them gain confidence in themselves as employees and prepared them for their post-graduation experiences.

Rogers shared that she arrived to campus "with hardly any friends and no extracurricular activities. I struggled to talk to anyone and didn't have the courage to branch out."  Wanting to remain connected to a sport she loved in high school, she applied to serve as an Intramural Official for basketball. "Nothing or no one has since impacted my life as greatly as UREC," said Rogers.  "I am incredibly grateful to have been offered so many opportunities for personal and professional development." 

Maxwell went on a staff leadership retreat shortly after being hired with UREC Outdoors and quickly realized he had found his niche. "I belong here," he said. As he gets ready to graduate and hike the Pacific Crest Trail, he told stories about how his UREC experience has prepared him for what's next. "I've experienced crazy adventures, intense loss, and personal growth at the highest degree," said Maxwell.

 Foley shared how applying to UREC and advancing within both the Intramural & Club Sports and Facilities areas of the department pushed him out of his comfort zone. "I have grown in confidence and I have learned what it takes to meet uncomfortable situations head on. By seeking out more opportunities in campus rec, I have prepared myself to take the next step," said Foley. After graduation, Foley will serve as a graduate assistant within the collegiate recreation department at the University of Central Florida while pursuing his master's degree in educational leadership.

The average cumulative GPA for all UREC employees at the end of Fall 2018 was 3.37. Twenty-two students were recognized as "UREC Aces," meaning they are the employees with the highest cumulative GPA. Each UREC program area identified individuals who excelled in their job responsibilities, served as role models to their peers, and showed a strong work ethic.

The department's Craig Edmonston award was also given at the event. This award is named after a former UREC director who served the department for 30 years and is presented to the most outstanding student employee at UREC. This award is conferred upon the individual who provides the best service, dedication, and commitment to students, employees, and the university community as a whole. The winner of the Craig Edmonston award was Jillian Holmes, who serves as a Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Small Group Trainer, and Program Assistant for UREC's Fitness/Wellness program area.

University Recreation student employees at the awards ceremony.

All award recipients are listed below.

UREC Aces: Lucie Blake, Jim Brown, Enmanuel De La Gala Gomez, Emma Dillon, Thierry Doda, Katie Gerth, Kayley Guy, Cody Jarvis, Lauren Kirk, Kyle Lawson, Erin Lorenzen, Tiffany Marcantonio, Kaitlyn McCracken, Carolyn Murad, Kelsey Nagel , Amy Schexnayder, Grant Spicer, Tanner Weber, Andie White, Emily White, Bailey Wingard, and Susan Yeager.

Intramural Sports Official of the Year: Nathan Quimbo

Intramural & Club Sports Supervisor of the Year: Mae Larrea

Outstanding Office Assistant: Kay Tate

Lifeguard of the Year: Marissa Penning

Facility Assistants of the Year: Hadley Hanna & Kylie Lawson

Fitness Center Attendants of the Year: Alec Brand & Jose Serrano Calderon

Service Center Attendant of the Year: Tori Weiss

Facility Supervisor of the Year: Murielle Eggers

Student Manager of the Year: Andrew O'Neil

Outstanding Student Staff for Group Fitness: Caylie Funk 

Outstanding Student Staff for Personal Training: Jillian Holmes

Above & Beyond in Marketing: Sherill Choong

UREC Outdoors Staff Pick: Sydney Bowman

Craig Edmonston Award Recipient: Jillian Holmes