University Recreation Hosts Staff Honors and Awards Celebration

University Recreation hosted its annual Honors and Awards Celebration on Thursday, May 2. The celebration recognizes the academic and occupational success of UREC's student employees, acknowledging staff for university honors, awards and graduation. 

"I felt as though I was a part of something, a place that brought happiness to students, a place that cared about its participants, a place where thoughts and opinions were valued," said Matthew Hollenbeck. 

The program, hosted in the HPER building, celebrated the accomplishments of the over 280 students employed with University Recreation, of which the average cumulative GPA is 3.4. Forty-one students were recognized as "UREC Aces," meaning they have the highest cumulative GPA among employees. Additionally, each UREC program area recognized student staff who embody excellence in their job responsibilities and serve as a role model and connection to their peers.  

The department's Craig A. Edmonston Outstanding Student Leader award was also recognized at the celebration. 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 Matthew Hollenbeck, who served most prominently as a UREC Sports Supervisor, and has completed his degree in Environmental, Soil, and Water Science.  

All award recipients are listed below.  

UREC Aces: 

UREC Sports Official of the Year: EJ Williams 

UREC Supervisor of the Year: Nathan Hollien 

Outstanding Student Staff for Group Fitness: Olivia Ouimette 

Outstanding Student Staff for Personal Training and Small Group Training: Morgan Mos 

Lifeguard of the Year: Kate Gryder 

Swim Lesson Instructor of the Year: Claire Ryscavage 

Above & Beyond in Marketing:  Gabby Woodie 

UREC Outdoors Staff Pick: Laney Hansen 

Outstanding Peer Educator: Benjamin Bury 

UREC SEAB Member of the Year: Kenny Lewis 

UREC Crew of the Year: Joe Fiorenza 

Facility Assistant of the Year: Lexy Vann 

Donna Axum Fitness Center Attendant of the Year: Nolan Lipe 

UREC Fitness Center Attendant of the Year: Jorge Rodriguez 

Service Center Attendant of the Year: Kailah Rathell 

Facility Supervisor of the Year:  Rovin Caballero Sanjur 

Student Manager of the Year: Logan Nelson 

Craig Edmonston Award Recipient: Matthew Hollenbeck 

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success. We prioritize student access, well-being, and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.