University Recreation virtually 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, academic college recognitions and graduation. 

"Leadership at UREC is different journey for each person. However, it always entails learning, implementing and eventually teaching new processes and policies," Keturah Bethel said. "As a leader at UREC, you learn to adapt quickly and use your intuition while keeping a customer-friendly attitude. You learn the importance of teamwork and communication on all levels. These lessons are extremely valuable in the professional world, and I am very grateful for them." 

The virtual program celebrated the successes of the more than 300 students currently employed with University Recreation, of which the average cumulative GPA is 3.46. Twenty-four students were recognized as "UREC Aces," meaning they have the highest cumulative GPA among employees. Sixty-three student employees were recognized for being named to the Dean's List, and each UREC program identified student staff who represent excellence in their job responsibilities and serve as a role model to their peers.

The department's Craig A. Edmonston Outstanding Student Leader award was also announced in conjunction with the virtual 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. The winner of the Craig Edmonston award is Keturah Bethel, who served as a Student Manager, Facility Supervisor, Office Assistant and Fitness Center attendant while pursuing her Bachelor of Architecture from the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. 

All award recipients are listed below. 

UREC Aces:  Damilola Abe, Justin Boyce, Aryn Chambliss, Stephanie Dale, Samantha Doehring, Emma Fortner, Varun Gazzala, Wynne Grafton, Nikki Gross, Austin Heinisch, Emily Herrmann, Jenova Kempkes, Alexandra Krska, Gweneth Kuhns, Hannah Miller, Louise Moore, Logan Nelson, Zane Pitman, Elizabeth Price, Jacqueline Ruffeno, Amy Schexnayder, Ashley Stanek, Rachel Watson and Alejandra Luo Qiu 

UREC Sports Official of the Year:  Justin Hopper 

UREC Supervisor of the Year:  Brandon Lawson 

Aquatics Employee of the Year:  Madison Hopkins 

Facility Assistant of the Year:  Alexandra Krska 

Fitness Center Attendants of the Year:  Nastajae Alderson & Sam Doehring 

Service Center Attendant of the Year:  Alexander Hashitmoto 

Fitness Monitor of the Year: Amelia Reynolds 

Facility Supervisor of the Year:  Amanda Corley 

Student Manager of the Year:  Wendy Stewart 

Outstanding Instructor for Group Fitness:  Toby Klein  

Outstanding Student Staff for Personal Training:  Katie Felkins 

Above & Beyond in Marketing:  Addison Sherman 

UREC Outdoors Staff Pick:  Will Cody 

Craig Edmonston Award Recipient:  Keturah Bethel