By Valerie Smith, Class of 2016
A student team and five Student Affairs staff members were honored at the division’s annual Employee Holiday Social. Hosted by the Student Affairs Appreciation and Recognition Committee and Professional Development Committees, the event featured the presentation of awards for the Division of Student Affairs Employees of the Year as well as the Team of the Year for 2015.
The Team of the Year award went to the Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) Student Patrol Housing Security Workers, while the Employee of the Year awards went to Sean Stapleton, Gary Wiser, Chloe Greene, Zachary Owen and David Bishop.
Team of the Year award
CUPD’s Student Patrol Housing Security Workers team works directly with CUPD to help make campus a safe environment at night. The combination of undergraduate and graduate students has shown a solid work ethic and a good-quality level of responsibility all year long. The team worked together by communicating any issues with police and other emergency agents when necessary, developing leadership and supervision skills.
Employee of the Year awards
Sean Stapleton, a valuable resource of eight years for University Housing & Dining. He has set an example to his peers through his commitment, reliability and consistent hard work. His works shows his dedication to help maintain outstanding living and learning conditions for all Clemson students. In his position as a trade specialist, Stapleton also portrayed guidance and executive skills in creating cost savings on preventative maintenance projects.
Gary Wiser, director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, has shown extraordinary leadership in his few short years with the university. Wiser also works as a mentor and role model to students and other new professionals, while working as an internship instructor in the Student Affairs Masters program. He has constantly led students towards positive change, while challenging and supporting them as leaders and Tiger Ambassadors.
Chloe Greene, program coordinator of Healthy Campus, has demonstrated commitment to excellence in management, mentoring students and working within a team environment. Her work has contributed to student-learning outcomes in her department that aligned with national data, producing measures that show significant improvements in assessments.
Zachary Owen has one of the toughest occupations on campus. In his role as an officer for the Clemson University Police Department, and the only canine handler in the department, Owen completes extra monthly training and responsibilities that last 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Although he describes the job as very rewarding, it requires a great amount of organization and attention that must be completed with accuracy. Owen has consistently carried his duties out professionally and with the greatest amount of dedication.
David Bishop, Student Affairs Publications’ senior graphic designer, has brought an astounding amount of creative talent, innovation and positivity not only to his own department, but also other departments he works with across the division. In 2015, Bishop mentored student interns and managed projects that led to many regional and national awards and recognition for his department, the division and the university. Bishop works with many colleagues outside of his actual department, forming relationships that invite individual and collaborative innovation.
The Holiday Social, which included breakfast and holiday music, was held Dec. 9.
