CSU’s Division of Student Affairs Recognized with Regional, National NASPA Awards
Colorado State University’s Division of Student Affairs recently was recognized for its outstanding people and programs by the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education professional association, or NASPA.
David McKelfresh, executive director of Research and Assessment and program chair for the Student Affairs in Higher Education graduate program at CSU, was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award/Fred Turner Award for Outstanding Service to NASPA. McKelfresh’s dedication to CSU students, their success and the student affairs profession all played integral roles in his receiving the award.
“Dave McKelfresh played a significant role in NASPA’s Student Affairs Competency Initiative,” said Jody Donovan, assistant vice president/dean of students for the Division of Student Affairs. “Over the course of several years, Dave and other NASPA National Board members identified a set of competencies for entry, mid-level and senior student affairs professionals. Serving as the Research Division Chair, Dave worked with student affairs leaders around the world to establish a comprehensive research agenda for our profession. His incredible work is honored by the Distinguished Service Award."
Campus Recreation Department’s “Risk Management in Campus Recreation – The David Karspeck Memorial Video” received national recognition in the annual NASPA Excellence Awards. The video, developed as a student employee training tool, was a Silver Award Winner for its touching and realistic portrayal of a tragic situation that transformed how students learn about and practice safety and preventive risk management at the Student Recreation Center. The video also received the NASPA Region IV-West regional publication award in the video/computer software category in fall semester 2013, as well as the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association’s Creative Award in spring semester 2012.
“The David Karspeck Memorial video delivers an emotional and impactful message that exemplifies Campus Recreation’s commitment to developing effective, creative training tools for student learning that results in providing a safe environment for the University community to recreate,” said Judy Muenchow, executive director of Campus Recreation.
In addition to these awards, six other individuals and programs from CSU were recognized by NASPA:
Emily Ambrose, program coordinator in Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement (SLiCE), received NASPA’s Outstanding New Professional Award. Ambrose received the award for her dedicated work toward student success, her mentorship and her overall contributions to the university, including facilitating trainings and advocating for social justice.
Jason Foster, facility scheduling and event coordinator with the Campus Recreation Center, was recognized with the Colorado New Professional Rising Star Award. Foster was recognized for his work in Campus Recreation, managing all reservations and events, coordinating staffing efforts and creating collaborative relationships with campus departments; his involvement in the Student Affairs in Higher Education graduate program; and his contribution to the Division of Student Affairs, the university and the profession through organizations like NASPA and NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation. The award recognizes the achievements of someone who has been in the profession less than three years.
Seth Butler, a student-athlete majoring in Human Development and Family Studies, received the Colorado Undergraduate Rising Star Award. Butler joined an on-campus internship program between the Student Athlete Support Services and the Division of Student Affairs in its inaugural year, where he was placed in Orientation and Transition Programs. While in his internship, Butler helped make the orientation experience more inclusive and celebrative of diversity. Upon completion, Butler found a new passion in student affairs and applied to be an orientation leader for the following summer, all while continuing his studies and participation in track and cross country. This award recognizes achievement, involvement and potential in emerging and future student affairs professionals.
The Supporting Student Success brochure highlights services and programs available to students through the Division of Student Affairs. It received the Publication Award for a campus-based publication.
The Fostering Success Program, supporting former foster youth at CSU, received an honorable mention for NASPA’s Innovative Program Award. The program, which now serves orphaned, independent and homeless students in addition to foster youth, offers a variety of services and support programs centered on admissions, academics, financial aid, service learning and events. The Fostering Success Program received an honorable mention for the Innovative Program award.
The Rams Engaging in Active Leadership (REAL) Experience is a co-curricular program that has been serving CSU students for five years. More than 3,200 students participate in the program, and are given the opportunity to attend various workshops, partake in community service and maintain a leadership role in a student organization, department or with a job on or off campus. A collaboration of many offices across the Division of Student Affairs and academic partners, the REAL Experience received an honorable mention for the Innovative Program award.
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