It is springtime and that means it is award season! The Division of Student Affairs is very proud of our staff's accomplishments and congratulates them on their nominations.

The following individuals in the Division of Student Affairs have been nominated by their peers for Georgia Tech's Outstanding Staff Performance Awards. This year, the Division has nominees in five categories.

• The Staff LEADERSHIP Award - Sarah Perkins, Leadership & Civic Engagement
• The INNOVATION Award - Nelson Binggeli, Ph.D., Counseling Center
• The PROCESS IMPROVEMENT Award - Kevin Stacia, Career Services
• The ENTREPRENEURSHIP Award - Kari White, LEAD
• The SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY Award - Richard South, Career Services

In addition, the following individuals have been nominated for awards intended to recognize the core values and critical behaviors that help carry out the Georgia Tech Strategic Business Operations Framework, as well as to celebrate specific outcomes and accomplishments.

• Administrative Excellence Award - David Knobbe and Matt Marcus, Campus Recreation
• Management in Action Award - Michael Edwards, Campus Recreation 

Also in the spotlight, Cara Appel-Silbaugh, Ph.D., associate dean of students, was recently initiated into the Women Out Front Class of 2013. This special designation honors women who have made a significant impact in their individual fields in the Atlanta area or in Women’s Basketball. The Wreckin’ Crew in conjunction with Georgia Tech Women’s Basketball Team and Staff started this important event so that the young women who will lead our country tomorrow can show appreciation for those who have paved the way today.

Lastly, let's give a big round of applause to Stephanie Ray, associate dean and director of Student Diversity Progams, who will be honored on March 8 by the GTBAO (Georgia Tech Black Alumni Organization) Leaders and Legends Awards Ceremony at the Academy of Medicine. Stephanie is being honored for her contributions to the GTBAO's mission of assisting in the preservation of Black history on the Georgia Tech campus. In addition, S. Gordon Moore, executive director of Student Diversity and Inclusion for the Office of the Vice President for Institute Diversity and Congressman John Lewis are also being honored at this event.