Winner of the First Annual Graduate School Distinguished Graduate Program Assistant AwardRory Murphy - GPA, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
Two of the many people who manage the myriad details of graduate programs—Graduate Program Assistants (GPAs)—have received annual awards recognizing their first-rate service and the critical, often behind-the-scenes work they do. As GPAs, they assist current and prospective students, as well as faculty and many other colleagues, in navigating the complexities and requirements of graduate education in their fields. The two award winners featured here received their awards at the 2009 Graduate School All Hands Meeting in June. Excerpts from their nomination letters (below) help tell their stories and explain why they received these prestigious awards.
Winner of the First Annual Graduate School Distinguished Graduate Program Assistant Award
Rory Murphy - GPA, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
This is a new award created by the Graduate School to showcase the importance of GPAs and to award excellence in this role.
“Rory is the glue that holds our graduate program together…”
“…she has an extensive base of experience… and a comprehensive recall of precedent cases.”
“Rory is universally highly regarded by students in the department” and the “department champion of the Student Advisory Committee”
Winner of the Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) Graduate Program Assistant of the Year Award, 2009
Catherine Zeigler – GPA, Anthropology
“…her responsibilities are particularly challenging because anthropology graduate students tend to be dispersed around the world.”
“With such a diverse group of graduate students, Catherine has always been respectful of the values and perspectives everyone brings to the department.”
“Catherine is able to negotiate diverse interests and ensure that graduate student needs are addressed.”