The University of Delaware Division of Student Life recently recognized Cynthia Carroll, Cara White, Christina King, Meaghan Davidson and Shirley Becker for their outstanding service to the division and to the University of Delaware community.

Awardees received a gift and custom plaque at the inaugural Student Life Outstanding Service Award Luncheon with their nominators, co-chairs of the Student Life staff development committee and Vice President for Student Life Dawn Thompson.

The Student Life outstanding service award was created to recognize staff who best contribute to the advancement of the division’s vision and mission:

• Student Life’s vision is to inspire students to become thriving individuals, able to enrich their communities and make meaningful contributions to society as engaged citizens, inclusive leaders and lifelong learners.

• The mission of Student Life is to contribute and facilitate critical learning and development within healthy, inclusive and supportive communities so that all students may thrive at UD and beyond. The division provides innovative, challenging and engaging student-centered programs and superior services that are essential to students’ educational success.

Inaugural awardees

Two awardees, Cynthia Carroll and Shirley Becker, recently retired from the University with more than 40 years of service in their respective units, the Center for Counseling and Student Development and the University Student Centers. Both in organizational roles, Carroll and Becker were praised by nominators for their endless commitment to enhancing the UD student experience, consummate professionalism managing complex budgets and procedures, and boundless dedication to the success of their teams.

Of Carroll, nominators wrote that “she is a delightful, genuine and grounded human being“ and “it is because of her exceptional work that the rest of the CCSD staff is able to engage with students as much as we do.”

Becker’s nominators hit similar notes, describing her as a “wonderful person, colleague and friend,” as well as an endless advocate for the unique financial needs of student organizations.

Going above and beyond the call of duty was a theme repeated throughout all of the nominations. On the front lines of student engagement, Cara White, Meaghan Davidson and Christina King each received nominations for their instrumental roles in spearheading new, high-visibility initiatives in addition to their regular work loads. White and Davidson, of the University Student Centers, were credited with conceptualizing Perkins Live and Trabant Now long before the late night programs became a highly anticipated reality for UD students, while Residence Life and Housing’s King was praised for her collaboration on Perkins Live as well as her leadership of efforts, such as fall semester move-in, International Education Week and the new Christiana and Kent Engagement Centers.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have so many outstanding colleagues who live by our commitment to helping students thrive, and we are pleased to recognize the efforts of Cindy, Cara, Christina, Meaghan and Shirley with these inaugural service awards”, said José-Luis Riera, dean of students and co-chair of the Student Life staff development committee.

About the Division of Student Life

The Division of Student Life includes the Career Services Center, Center for Black Culture, Center for Counseling and Student Development, New Student Orientation, Office of the Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, Residence Life and Housing, Student Health Services, Student Services for Athletes, Student Wellness and Health Promotion, and the University Student Centers.