University Recreation and Wellness hosted its annual Honors and Awards Celebration on Thursday, May 1, to recognize the academic and occupational success of UREC’s student employees. The event acknowledged staff for university honors, leadership, academic achievement and graduation milestones.

"We have all these people right now that will support us and care for us, but we are an active part in making sure we are successful, and we get to practice now," said Jackson Jessup, chair of the UREC Student Employee Advisory Board, during his remarks at the event. "This time is not about perfection but about growth. Through these four years at UREC, I have learned to be more prepared, to be thoughtful with decisions, to take care of myself and to strive to be the best person I can be."

Held at the UREC Sports Complex, the program celebrated the accomplishments of more than 300 student employees. The group holds an average cumulative GPA of 3.5. Fifty students were recognized as UREC Aces, an honor awarded to employees with the highest cumulative GPAs. In addition, each UREC program area recognized student employees who demonstrate excellence in their job responsibilities and serve as role models and connectors among their peers. 

Also presented at the celebration was the Craig A. Edmonston Outstanding Student Leader Award, named for a former UREC director who served the department for over 30 years. The award is given to student employees who exemplify exceptional service, dedication and commitment to fellow students, staff and the university community. This year’s recipients were Kenady Humphers, a peer wellness educator, and Sarah Carl, a student manager. 

All award recipients are listed below.

UREC Aces

Nandini Arunachalam Ella Baker Fritz Balbinot Emma Beard Blaine Becker Elisabeth Bennett Jackie Beres Arial Bloshinsky Jacques Breaux Brooks Castleberry Raeghan Clark Kate Dempsey Cierra Denton Maci Edwards Shane Franzen Carley Fuchs Narcedalia Fuentes

Constanza Garcia Munoz Rachel Griffith JD Grimes Lauren Hocamp Cailin Irby Mercy Irungu Cody Jensen Allee Johnson Simeon Kyle Lacy Long Xinglan Luo Alex McEachern Ryan Miller Breanna Morris Ava Neumayer Amber Petersen Trent Powell

Regina Ramirez Emily Reams Kelsey Renth Susan Richey Ashley Rivera Kallyn Rogers Wesley Royon Noble Speer Carson Stear Sydney Stewart Zach Tucker James Tyndal Emily Waller Anna Wentworth Drew Whatcott Elizabeth Wuebker

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Outstanding Student Staff for Personal Training: Triton Davey

Above & Beyond in Marketing: Bell Farace

UREC Outdoors Staff Pick: Jalen Cole

Outstanding Wellness Peer Educator: Jaya Nair

Outstanding Peer Wellness Coach: Isabel Taylor

UREC SEAB Member of the Year: Gabby Woodie

Office Assistant of the Year: Fritz Balbinot

Facility Assistant of the Year:Olivia Wilson

Gym 1 Fitness Center Attendant of the Year: Wendy Hernandez Troya

UREC Fitness Center Attendant of the Year: Hellen Vejerano

Lifeguard of the Year: Katy Long

Swim Lesson Instructor of the Year: Ella Baker

Service Center Attendant of the Year: Skylar Hames

Facility Supervisor of the Year:Lexy Vann

Student Manager of the Year: Jill Nunley

Craig Edmonston Award Recipients: Kenady Humphers & Sarah Carl

For more information about getting involved with University Recreation and Wellness, please visit urec.uark.edu or follow us on Instagram @urecarkansas.  

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.