The Office of Student Life hosted its 38th Annual Student Life Staff Excellence Awards on Monday, May 12. Not only does the ceremony recognize the outstanding contributions of our award winners, it’s a time for the team to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible people who make up the heartbeat of Student Life.
Nominations were made earlier in the semester by members of our Student Life staff and then reviewed by our awards committee. Thank you to Bo Haugestad, Nicholas Hunter-Shields, Sherene Ing, Jamartae Jackson, Brian Richardson, Jr., Bruce Smail, Maegan Wallaker, and Kodee Walls for their contributions to our selection of awardees this year.
Undergraduate Student Staff Award Winner: Michael Claycamp, Student Life Marketing
This award is given to an undergraduate student for contributing to the Office of Student Life’s mission, vision, and values while serving Student Life as a student employee or student leader. In just one year, Michael made an extraordinary impact on the Student Life Marketing photography team, stepping up as a leader only two months into his employment when the full-time staff photographer departed IU. Michael immediately took initiative—leading weekly assignment meetings, creating an equipment check-out system, and covering more events than any other student photographer.
Beyond his technical skills, Michael became a consistent and collaborative presence in the office, editing photos, maintaining equipment, and mentoring peers. He even coordinated with University Communications and Marketing to bring in outside expertise for team development. Michael’s dedication, leadership, and talent have left a lasting legacy that will continue to shine through the countless university materials his work will appear in for years to come.
Graduate Student Staff Award Winner: Destini Mink, Residence Life
This award is given to a graduate student for contributing to the Office of Student Life’s mission, vision, and values while serving Student Life as a student employee. As an Assistant Coordinator for Center Management at Willkie/Mason, Destini supervises 12 student staff while supporting the leadership team. She is heavily involved with her program, assisting with events and intaking graduate students. Destini has committed a great deal of her time in her assistantship role to build up student leaders through their professional endeavors and equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to be self-sufficient in their own scope of involvement.
She is often seen meeting with students and staff while planning events behind the scenes to ensure residents at Willkie benefit from the many programs that are implemented. Destini has been an instrumental part of the team and has greatly contributed towards our students’ sense of community on campus.
McKaig Student Leader Award Winner: Cooper Tinsley, IU Student Government
This award is given to one undergraduate or graduate student for contributing to the Office of Student Life’s mission, vision, and values and for demonstrating outstanding student leadership. Cooper embodies what it means to champion student success at IU Bloomington. As the former Student Body President, he has redefined student leadership by leading with empathy, staying grounded in the voices of students, and being driven by the belief that every student deserves to belong and thrive. Under his leadership, IU Student Government has introduced some of its most impactful programs in recent history.
From the Student Organization Maker Space and Calculator Loaner Program to the EmpowerED Scholarship and a partnership with the Princeton Review, Cooper has worked to remove barriers to academic success and financial accessibility. These programs reflect his understanding of students’ real challenges and his ability to deliver sustainable, student-driven solutions. Cooper exemplifies a true student leader’s dedication, vision, and passion. He truly has a talent for bringing people together and elevating student advocacy, which has left a lasting impact on our campus.
Gordon Faculty Award Winner: Chase McCoy, Senior Lecturer, Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
This award is given to one faculty member on the IU Bloomington campus for contributing to the Office of Student Life’s mission, vision, and values through interacting with and attending to students in both the curricular and co-curricular areas. Since joining the Luddy School, Dr. McCoy has become a foundational presence in the lives of countless students, particularly first-years who take his courses in Introduction to Informatics, Social Informatics, and Data Visualization. But his reach extends far beyond the classroom.
Through powerful, personal storytelling and a deep understanding of what it means to feel out of place in a university setting, Dr. McCoy fosters belonging, builds trust, and shows students that their stories matter. He is a bridge between faculty and students, between past experiences and future aspirations, and between informatics and human impact.
Campus Partner Award Winner: Jeanine Hall, Fleet Service
This award is given to one university staff member outside of the Office of Student Life in recognition of their efforts in promoting Student Life’s mission. Jeanine’s job requires a great deal of organization and the ability to play mental Tetris as she schedules van rides for both permanent riders and for people with temporary lower limb impairments.
Getting our students from Point A to Point B in the quickest, safest, and most efficient way can be very challenging. Jeanine is kind and patient with our riders, and if there are ever issues, she always consults with us about the best and most professional way to address them. She has done a lot to make Van Services very efficient, and if the students are paying attention, they are kept well-informed of their ride status every weekday. Jeanine has many other responsibilities with Fleet Services, and yet she makes us all feel that the AES Van Service is her major focus.
Goldsmith Support Staff Award Winner: Judy Downey, Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life
This award is given to a member of the Office of Student Life support staff who has done the most to foster Student Life’s mission during the preceding year. Judy is a life-long Hoosier whose deep love for Indiana University has shaped decades of impactful service across campus. Judy has had unwavering commitment through her roles with the IU Student Foundation, Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, and as a dedicated advisor to Alpha Chi Omega and the Student Athletic Board.
Hired in 2010 as a part-time professional in the Student Activities Office, Judy went far beyond her alumni engagement role—mentoring staff, coaching chapters, organizing awards and assessments, supporting housing staff, and even hosting our annual Christmas party for 14 years. She played a pivotal role in the development of the NPHC Plots Project, offering instrumental guidance to students whose vision now lives on near the Neal-Marshall Courtyard. Though she retired in 2023, her passion brought her back just months later to continue serving as Housing Coordinator. Judy’s enduring dedication, generosity, and leadership have left an indelible mark on Student Life.
Service Maintenance Staff Award Winner: Fatos Rrashi, Residence Life
This award is given to the member of the Office of Student Life support staff who has done the most to foster Student Life’s mission during the preceding year. Fatos is the only member of maintenance staff at Willkie Quadrangle, responding to the needs of over 800 students that reside there. Maintenance requests range from toilet issues and furniture replacement to elevator and door access, in which Fatos’ expertise in the area has greatly supported the needs of our students. His contributions to students’ sense of community and his positive attitude toward meeting the requests of students are a reflection of Fatos’ willingness to serve.
Fatos’ commitment to his work is admirable, as he never complains about the work or the issue that arises. Instead, he works proactively to ensure the issues can be addressed before they become an even bigger problem. The Willkie team is pleased to have Fatos and lucky to hvae an experienced individual that supports the needs of students.
Shaffer Professional Staff Award Winner: Karmin Mazzocchi, Residence Life
This award is given to the member of the Office of Student Life’s full-time professional staff who has done the most to foster Student Life’s mission during the preceding year. Karmin is a remarkable leader and mentor whose unwavering support, thoughtful guidance, and commitment to community have made a profound impact on both individual development and the broader Residence Life team. Over the past two years, she has modeled the importance of boundaries, self-care, and professional growth while fostering an environment of trust and collaboration.
Karmin’s strong relationships with student staff, building managers, and Living-Learning Center colleagues reflect her dedication to building inclusive, supportive communities. She goes above and beyond in her role, developing training materials, participating in conduct processes, and contributing to departmental growth, all while demonstrating a passion for the work and an investment in the success of others. Karmin’s mentorship has been instrumental and continues to inspire those around her.
Schreck Community Award Winner: Tial Lang, Owner of Sushi King
This award is given to a non-university employee or organization that, through their interactions with our students, has fostered the mission, vision, and values of the Office of Student Life. Tial Lang and Ron Bawier, owners of the family-run Sushi King in Hodge Hall Café, exemplify the spirit of community through their warm, welcoming presence and dedication to student success. More than just serving fresh sushi, poke bowls, and boba tea, they create a family-like atmosphere where student employees feel valued, supported, and excited to come to work—a rare and meaningful achievement in campus dining.
Their commitment extends beyond their business, as seen in their generous involvement in the Residence Hall Association’s sushi-making event, where they taught 200+ students not only culinary skills, but also the importance of caring for others. Their passion, care, and connection with the IU community have left a lasting impact, earning student admiration and even national recognition. As they prepare to expand operations to Read Hall, their influence and warmth will reach even more of our students.
Campus Program Award Winner: Late Nite Cream & Crimson Carnival, Student Involvement and Leadership Center
This award is given to a program in recognition of its efforts in promoting Student Life’s mission. The Late Nite Cream & Crimson Carnival, led by Hayley Griffith through the Late Nite program, is a dynamic annual event that has quickly become a signature IU tradition celebrating community, Hoosier pride, and the end of the academic year.
Launched in 2023 to foster connection and create a shared student experience, this year’s carnival expanded significantly, featuring fire performers, aerial acrobats, stilt walkers, a live band from Nashville, larger rides, local food trucks, and interactive entertainment. Its scale and creativity make it a stand-out event that promotes belonging, well-being, and lasting memories.
Robel Deans and Directors Excellence Award Winner: Stacee Williams, Student Legal Services
This award is given to a Student Life dean or director who demonstrated excellence in their commitment to the mission of the Office of Student Life during the preceding year. Stacee has dedicated nearly her entire career to supporting students through her work at Student Legal Services, beginning as a student intern at Maurer School of Law and rising to serve as director for over a decade. She leads with heart, compassion, and a deep commitment to educating and empowering students while fostering a department culture rooted in care, collaboration, and excellence.
Under her leadership, Student Legal Services provides critical support to students navigating off-campus housing, legal crises, and immigration concerns, while also offering valuable experiential learning to law student interns. Stacee’s work exemplifies the mission of Student Life with her collaborative leadership, data-informed advocacy, and tireless dedication to student well-being.
Congratulations to all of this year’s award winners! The Office of Student Life is very proud to have such dedicated, hard-working, and inspiring team members like you.
Check out our photo gallery for more moments from the event.
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