At FIU, we embrace every opportunity to express our gratitude to the exceptional faculty, staff, and retirees who make a remarkable difference. Their commitment to serving our students and community with excellence is what truly makes FIU a great place to work. Our people are everything and for that, we extend our heartfelt appreciation.
To learn more about our culture of recognition and appreciation, make sure to check out Panther-tastic programs!
Questions? Contact the HR Relations Team at (305) 348-6099 or hrrel@fiu.edu.
FIU Recognition Awards and Annual Service Milestones Award Ceremony
Each year, the FIU community comes together for the annual FIU Recognition Awards and Annual Service Milestones Award Ceremony, the university’s premier recognition program and event. Consistent with our values and the pursuit of excellence, we believe in recognizing the extraordinary efforts and contributions of our unstoppable staff and faculty. This event is the premier recognition event that honors faculty and staff.
Nominations for the FIU Recognition Awards open each Fall semester. Stay tuned for information shared on HR News & Updates and be sure to review below for program highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When do nominations open for the FIU Recognition Awards?
Nominations open during the Fall semester each year.
When do nominations close?
Nominations close the following January 31st at 11:59 p.m. EST.
When will the award recipients be announced?
Award recipients will be announced at the annual FIU Recognition Awards and Annual Service Milestones Award Ceremony.
Who is invited to attend the annual FIU Recognition Awards and Annual Service Milestones Award Ceremony?
Service milestone recipients, recognition award nominees and their nominators will be invited to the event.
Which years of service are recognized at the FIU Recognition Awards and Annual Service Milestones Award Ceremony?
Service milestone recipients celebrating their 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 year service anniversary.
Why Nominate?
Boost Morale: Our people are everything. Your nomination can uplift someone’s spirits and validate their stellar contributions.
Foster a Culture of Appreciation: Recognizing excellence makes all the difference in fostering a culture of appreciation.
Inspire Others: Highlighting someone’s or a team’s contributions inspires our people to continue to strive for excellence.
Award Categories
Review the award categories and criteria below and determine which award category is most appropriate for your nominee(s). You may submit nominations for multiple categories and for as many deserving peers or direct reports.
Please note, self-nominations and anonymous nominations will not be considered. Eligibility is not open to the following leadership classifications: university president, provost, deans, and vice presidents.
- Presidential Excellence Award
Supported institutional, strategic, and operational excellence by restructuring processes to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality; and/or implementing critical programs; receiving recognition from peers in the academic community for excellence in research, scholastic, or creative activities.
(Full-time faculty, administrative and staff members hired prior to 7/1/2023 are eligible for this award category.)
- FIU Community Award
Supported the university’s mission by promoting high quality teaching, state-of-the-art research and creative activity, or collaborative engagement with our local and global communities during the past year.
(Full-time faculty, administrative and staff members hired prior to 7/1/2023 are eligible for this award category.)
- FIU Opportunity Award
Promoted FIU’s vision of being a leading urban public research university by contributing outstanding service with a focus on student learning, innovation, and collaboration.
(Only full-time administrative and staff members hired prior to 7/1/2023 are eligible for this award category.)
- FIU Torch Award
Exemplified FIU’s institutional values of truth, freedom, respect, responsibility, and excellence by exhibiting the highest standards of character and ethical behavior.
- FIU Sustainability Award
Promoted FIU’s respect for the environment by providing knowledge, education, and modeling ways to achieve climate preservation as well as capitalize on the economic opportunities of the solutions developed.
- Service Excellence Award (Staff)
This individual possesses the job knowledge, people skills, motivation, and drive for continuous improvement that provide a level of service excellence that exceeds the expectations of FIU customers and colleagues. They are known for service excellence beyond their mandated job responsibilities. Consistently seeks opportunities for collaboration and cross-functional improvements to better serve the University community.
(Full-time staff members hired prior to 7/1/2023 are eligible for this award. Cross-department nominations are highly encouraged.)
- Service Excellence Award (Administrative)
This individual possesses the job knowledge, people skills, motivation, and drive for continuous improvement that provide a level of service excellence that exceeds the expectations of FIU customers and colleagues. They are known for service excellence beyond their mandated job responsibilities. Consistently seeks opportunities for collaboration and cross-functional improvements to better serve the University community.
(Full-time administrative employees hired prior to 7/1/2023 are eligible for this award. Cross-department nominations are highly encouraged.)
- Service Excellence Award (Team)
These individuals possess the job knowledge, people skills, motivation, and drive for continuous improvement that provide a level of service excellence that exceeds the expectations of FIU customers and colleagues. They are known for service excellence beyond their mandated job responsibilities. Consistently seek opportunities for collaboration and cross-functional improvements to better serve the University community.
(Full-time faculty, administrative, and staff members hired prior to 7/1/2023 are eligible for this award. Cross-department nominations are highly encouraged.)
- FIU Safety and Loss Prevention
Promoted safety by demonstrating proactive efforts to reduce accidents and promote safety-related initiatives. This individual has reported unsafe work conditions, promoted safe behaviors, a safe environment and a stronger safety culture. They have been instrumental in resolving unsafe work conditions and/or safety deficiencies.
(Full-time faculty, staff and administrative employees hired prior to 7/1/2023 are eligible for this award. Cross-departmental nominations are highly encouraged.)
Our service recipients say it best, watch the video below to check out what makes our FIU an employer of choice!
Questions? Contact Trudy Fernandez, Director, HR Relations and Director FIU Retiree Association at (305) 348-0101 or at Trudy.Fernandez@fiu.edu.
Service & Recognition Awards Highlights
Service & Recognition Awards Programs
2025 Service & Recognition Awards
2024 Service & Recognition Awards
Archive of Service & Recognition Awards
2023 Service & Recognition Awards
- 2023 Recognition Awards Recipients
- 2023 Recognition Awards Recipient Highlights
- 2023 Service and Recognition Awards Ceremony Video
- 2023 Service and Recognition Awards Ceremony Images
2022 Service & Recognition Awards
- 2022 Recognition Awards Recipients
- 2022 Recognition Awards Ceremony – Recipient Highlights
- 2022 Virtual Recognition Awards Ceremony
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 5 Year Service Recipients
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 10 & 15 Year Service Recipients
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 20-50 Year Service Recipients
- Service and Recognition Awards Celebration Images
2021 Service & Recognition Awards
- 2021 Recognition Awards Ceremony – Recipient Highlights
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 5 Year Service Recipients
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 10 Year Service Recipients
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 15 Year Service Recipients
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 20 & 25 Year Service Recipients
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 30-45 Year Service Recipients
- 2021 Virtual Recognition Awards Ceremony
2020 Service & Recognition Awards
- 2020 Recognition Award Recipients
- 2020 Recognition Awards – Recipient Highlights
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 5-15 Year Service Recipients
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 20 & 25 Year Service Recipients
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 30-45 Year Service Recipients
- 2020 Virtual Recognition Award Ceremony – Highlight
- 2020 Virtual Recognition Awards Ceremony
2019 Service & Recognition Awards
2018 Service & Recognition Awards
2017 Service & Recognition Awards
2016 Service & Recognition Awards
2014 Service & Recognition Awards
Student Employee of the Year (SEOTY)
Each year, FIU proudly recognizes the invaluable contributions of our student employees at the Student Employee of the Year (SEOTY) Awards. As an integral part of our Panther family, student employees exemplify Service Excellence, leadership, and commitment to FIU’s mission.
This university-wide celebration honors the dedication, talent, and impact of our student employees who go above and beyond in their roles, driving innovation and success across the university.
Nominations open each Fall semester! Stay connected through HR News & Updates for details on how to recognize an outstanding student employee. Let’s celebrate the excellence that makes FIU unstoppable!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I nominate a student employee?
A university wide communication will be sent out about three months prior to the event that contains a link that will allow supervisors to nominate student employees in their department.
Who can I nominate?
The students must meet the following criteria:
- Degree-seeking part-time/full-time student enrolled and employed in a student-level position on/off campus.
- Undergraduate/Graduate students employed as Student Assistants or Federal Work Study.
- Employed by the department for a minimum of 3 months.
Who is not eligible for nominations?
- Graduate, Teaching or Research Assistants with a UGS contract are not eligible.
- Temporary or benefit earning employees.
When will winners be announced?
Winners will be announced and celebrated during National Student Employment week, the second week of April.
National Student Employment Week
Each year, FIU joins colleges and universities nation-wide to celebrate “National Student Employment Week”. The university takes great pride in preparing our nation‘s workforce by providing quality education and the opportunity for students to apply classroom learning on the job. Nearly two-thirds of today‘s college students hold part- or full-time jobs while in school and it is for this reason that FIU recognizes and awards these students. The National Student Employment Association (NSEA) has declared that the second week in April will serve to celebrate those students who work with enthusiasm, dedication, and initiative to support their campus with a spectacular workforce.
The purpose of this week is threefold:
- To enhance awareness of student employment and its important role in higher education experience.
- To recognize students who perform outstanding work while attending college.
- To thank YOU, the supervisors, who hire students for part-time positions and make the student employment program such a success.
Check out our recap of the 2025 National Student Employment Week (NSEW)!
Also, don’t miss the flyer for 2025 National Student Employment Week events here!
Supervisors have an opportunity to nominate their students for Student Employee of the Year (SEOTY). The SEOTY winner will be entered for the National Student of the Year nomination process.
SEOTY 2025
Explore the photos from our 2025 Student Employee of the Year Awards!
Award Recipients
Student Employee of the Year
Hannah Marie Shrigley – Housing & Residential Experience
Graduate Student Employee of the Year
Lauren Samantha Gray – COB Dean’s Office
Community Service
Samantha Isoleth Galiano Guevara – Parking & Transportation
Critical Thinking
Leyssa Desir – Engineering Dean’s Office
Technology & Innovation
Cydni Ayon – Frost Art Museum
Leadership
Hannah Marie Shrigley – Housing & Residential Experience
Top 20 Nominees
Amane Shuman – FIU at I-75
Ariyaan Whittaker – Student Access and Success
Ashley Warner – Parking & Transportation
Daniel Chavez Salgado – Campaign Planning & Communication
Eduardo Doliveria – Advancement Administration & Operations
Gabrielle Grant – Wolfe University Center
Keylin Abascal Alfonso – Financial Systems Support Services
Katherine Nykolaiszyn – Governmental Relations
John Santana Zorrilla – FIU Online Web Based Courses
Jayda Cabrera – Honors College
Isabella Diaz-Genova – COB Office of Finance and Administration
Lana Barko – Parking & Transportation
Marco Dan Samuely Lund Hansen – COB Pino Global Entrepreneurship Center
Nicole Cleves Pinto – Office of Admissions
Stephanie Louis – Parking & Transportation
SEOTY 2024
Explore the photos and recap video from our 2024 Student Employee of the Year Brunch!
Award Recipients
Student Employee of the Year
Hannan Shabaan – College of Arts, Sciences & Education
Graduate Student Employee of the Year
Neeraj Kumar Kondaparthi – FIU Online Support Services
Community Service
Hannan Shabaan – College of Arts, Sciences & Education
Diversity & Inclusion
Jeremy Taylor – Parking Sustainability & Transportation
Critical Thinking
Danielle Azachi – Housing and Residential Experience
Innovation & Technology
Salomon Carcamo – Housing & Residential Experience
Leadership
Emma Brewer – Parking & Transportation
Top 20 Nominees
Abigail Hernandez – Emergency Management
Bidalis Sanchez – Donor Relations
Cameron Demery – Student Affairs-Vice Pres. Office
Dashleyne Valliere – Talent Acquisition and Management
Gabriela Leal – Liberary Operations
Julian Hernandez – Office of Financial Aid
Krystal Noguera – Financial Aid Office
Margaret Othwolo – Parking, Sustainability & Transportation
Maritsa Jean Pierre – Student Affairs-Vice Pres. Office
Mason Mut – Parking, Sustainability & Transportation
Matthew Ferrer – Parking & Transportation
Rosualdo Ferrer – Parking & Transportation
Shivanna Birbal – Student Access and Success
Trent Krejci – School of Music
SEOTY 2023
SEOTY 2019
Award Recipients
Student Employee of The Year
Erykah Jackson – Exploratory Advising Center
Chartwells Student Employee of the Year
Dejourae Williams – Chartwells
Best Decorated Office
FIU Foundation
First Runner Up
Luisana Zambrano – Office of Research and Economic Development
Second Runner Up
Chavelys Hernandez – Financial Aid/America Reads
Third Runner Up
Lacey Simpson – STEM Transformation Institute
Fourth Runner Up
Isaac Ghobrial – Honors College
Honorable Mentions
Amanda Dahl – Library Operations
Cari Graybill – College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Cristina Gonzalez – Office of Research and Economic Development
Estefany Cabrera – Recreation Services
Gabrielle Harripersad – FIU Embrace
Ilan Timmerman – StartUp FIU
Jorge Loo – College of Engineering and Computing
Katherine de Jesus – Division of External Relations
Laura Sbabo – Children’s Creative Learning Center
Natalie Alonso – Honors College
Nathaly Guervara – Library Operations
Nicole Valle – StartUp FIU
Quenteria Warren – Office of the Registrar
Sabrina Bocaranda Soto – Center for Academic Success
Safia Natalya Boodoosingh – Office of the Registrar
SEOTY 2017
Award Recipients
Student Employee of The Year
Michael DesRosiers – College of Medicine
Social Media Contest Winner
Kamoy Marston – Human Resources
Best Decorated Office
Children’s Creative Learning Center
First Runner Up
Alexis Lopez – Women’s Center
Second Runner Up
Itzel Basualdo – Human Resources
Third Runner Up
Jessica McRee-Krim – Center for Academic Success
Honorable Mentions
Olivia Tercero – America Reads Program
Rodrigo Fonseca – Green Library
Gabriela Ruiz – Advancement
Jackson Fadely – Honors College
FIU Bring Your Child to Work Day
Each year faculty and staff are invited to participate in FIU Bring Your Child to Work Day with their children, ages 8 to 18. Through a full day of enriching activities, this event exposes our future Panthers to a broad range of educational opportunities at FIU, as well as an opportunity to provide children with insights on how your important role contributes to the overall success of our outstanding university. This event takes place every spring. Stay tuned to our HR News & Updates biweekly newsletter for more info!
FIU’s Bring Your Child to Work Day has proven to be an impactful event, sparking curiosity and igniting passions in many young participants, guiding them towards discovering their interests and potential career paths.
Vanessa Berrios (left) at the 2014 FIU Bring Your Child to Work Day, where she was inspired to pursue nursing. Nine years later, she earned her pin from the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences (right).
During FIU’s 2023 Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony, nursing program graduate Vanessa Berrios reminisced about her time at FIU. Among her cherished memories, she highlighted the 2014 FIU Bring Your Child to Work Day event, which ignited her academic journey and led to her exciting career as a registered nurse at Baptist Health South Florida.
Vanessa’s mother, Mabel Berrios, Senior Library Specialist, Library Operations at FIU’s Modesto A. Maidique campus shares with us that in addition to the FIU health insurance plan, “Another amazing benefit we have at the university is our tuition waiver, which provides the opportunity for employees or their dependents to study with the university. Both of my daughters have taken advantage of this opportunity. I am so thankful for this to be one of our benefits because it plays a big role in financial stress relief.
The recognition and appreciation programs that FIU offers keeps its employees engaged. FIU Bring Your Child to Work Day is the most memorable event for me and my family and gives us the opportunity to show all the different programs FIU has to offer. It brings us together, motivating and inspiring the next generation of professionals to come receive their education from our FIU.”
Thanks to FIU’s tuition waiver for faculty, staff, and their dependents, Vanessa was able to pursue her education with the support of this valuable benefit. Congratulations to Vanessa, and a heartfelt thank you to her mother, Mabel, for introducing her to the endless possibilities of Panther nation.
Check Out Vanessa Berrios’ FIU Journey and How Bring Your Child to Work Day Ignited Inspiration
Watch the video below to hear Vanessa’s inspiring journey and discover how a single event sparked the beginning of her passion for healthcare.
Event Photo Gallery
Homecoming
Homecoming has been a long-standing tradition embraced by our FIU workforce and community. The weeklong event gives alumni an opportunity to reconnect with their alma mater and for students, faculty, staff and retirees to showcase their Panther spirit and pride.
Explore below to learn about our faculty, staff, and retiree traditions:
Spirit Decorating Competition
For the 2024 Spirit Decorating Competition, the university community was encouraged to celebrate in 305 style by decorating their work areas to show off their Panther pride.
There are three (3) categories that are judged and recognized separately:
1) Gold Spirit – Entries comprised of more than one department, such as an entire college or division. (e.g. College of Arts, Sciences & Education, Division of Human Resources, etc.)
2) Blue Spirit – Individual departments or offices (e.g. Payroll, Custodial Services, etc.)
3) Panther Spirit– This category will focus entirely on the best decorated door around our campuses.
2024 Winning Teams
Gold Spirit: College of Arts, Sciences & Education
Blue Spirit: Student Success Operations and Strategy
Panther Spirit: Patient Client Access
Check out all of the 2024 entries
Former Winning Teams
2023 Winning Teams
- Gold Spirit : College of Arts, Sciences & Education
- Blue Spirit: Student Health & Wellness Department
- Panther Spirit: Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences Student Services
2022 Winning Teams
- Gold Spirit: College of Arts, Sciences & Education
- Blue Spirit: Student Health & Wellness
- Panther Spirit: Center for Academic Success
2021 Winning Teams
- Gold Spirit: College of Arts, Sciences & Education
- Blue Spirit: Student Health & Wellness Department
- Blue Spirit Runner Up: FIU at I-75
Check out all of the 2021 entries
2020 Winning Teams
- Gold: Facilities Management Department Custodial Services
- Blue: Athletic Training Services
- Home Workspace: Ximena Cuadra, Program Specialist, Human Resources
Check out all of the 2020 entries.
2019 Winning Teams
- Gold: College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts
- Blue: College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts , Office of the Dean
- Door: HR Relations
Check out all of the 2019 entries.
2018 Winning Teams
- Gold: College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts
- Blue: FIU at I-75
- Door: Office of the Provost, Planning & Finance
Check out all of the 2018 entries.
2017 Winning Teams
- Gold: College of Communication, Architecture + the Arts
- Blue: Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs – Dean’s Office
- Door: Office of Auxiliary and Enterprise Development
Check out all of the 2017 entries.
2016 Winning Teams
- Gold: College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts
- Blue: Office of Residential Life
- Door: Office of Regional Academic Locations & Institutional Development
Watch a video of all the 2016 entries.
2015 Winning Teams
- Gold: College of Education
- Blue: Children’s Creative Learning Center and Student Health Services
- Door: Office of Financial Planning
Watch a video of all the 2015 entries.
2014 Winning Teams
- First: College of Education
- Second: Student Health Services
- Third: External Relations & Housing
Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
To earn the title of Homecoming Faculty Royal and Homecoming Staff Royal, candidates who are nominated in the fun-spirited peer recognition competition, must exhibit the highest caliber of good citizenship as an ambassador of FIU. Our royal highnesses participate in special community events throughout the year
2024 Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Staff Royal: Joaklin Raphael, Director, University Foundation and Advancement
Faculty Royal: Mariana Viera-Navarro, Assistant Professor and Assistant Director, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Former Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
2023 Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Staff Royal: Natalia R. Cordero | Admissions Recruiter I, Office of Admissions, Enrollment Services
Faculty Royal: James M. Sutton | Associate Professor, Department of English, College of Arts, Sciences and Education and Faculty Fellow, Honors College
2022 Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Faculty Royal: Anjana Mishra | Assistant Teaching Professor, Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs
Staff Royal: Jaime A. Weiser | Residential Life Coordinator, Department of Housing and Residential Life
2021 Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Staff Royal: Felisha N. McKnight | Officer, University Police
Faculty Royal: Michael Cheng | Dean, Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
2020 Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Melanie M. Rodriguez, Special Events Manager, Event Protocol & Community Relations, External Relations, Strategic Communications & Marketing
Luis A. Garibaldi, Academic Advisor for Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing
2019 Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Margi Rentis, Multimedia Producer, Marketing and New Media, External Relations, Strategic Communications & Marketing
David Drucker, Staff Writer, Marketing and New Media, External Relations, Strategic Communications & Marketing
2018 Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Valeria P. Espina, Executive Administrator and Associate Facilitator for the Strategic Plan, Office of the President
Jose M. Toscano, Director of Campus Life, Division of Student Affairs
2017 Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Juliette S. Saint-Louis, Academic Advisor II, College of Communication, Architecture + the Arts
Brocdyl J. Porta, Director of Student Services, Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences.
2016 Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Cindy Lopez, Enrollment Processing Associate, Transfer and Transition Services
William Perez, Police Service Technician, Library Operations
2015 Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Eva Frank, Instructor, College of Education
Charlie Blackwell, HVAC Refrigeration Mechanic, Facilities Management
2014 Homecoming Founding Faculty & Staff Royalty
Brenezza DaParre Garcia, Assistant Vice President, Institutional Relations
Tim D. Birrittella, Senior Instructor, COB Department of Marketing and Logistics
Panthers Got Talent
FIU students, faculty, staff and retirees are invited to share their talents center-stage at our traditional Panther’s Got Talent. Check out images from last year’s show!
Roaring Spirit Bake-off
As a new Homecoming tradition, the Roaring Spirit Bake-off encourages our faculty and staff to get creative in the kitchen by whipping up something sweet.
With each passing year, we will add your tasty entries to our Roaring Spirit Bake-off Recipe Book. Check back each year for new additions!
2022 Roaring Spirit Bake-off Champion
Sandra Duran, Director of Finance and Human Resources, FIU Athletics
2021 Roaring Spirit Bake-off Champion
Bridget Cram, Assistant Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs
FIU Retiree Reunion
During this reunion, guests have an opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues, participate in many of the exciting Homecoming festivities and enjoy a delectable lunch hosted by our president.
Event Photo Gallery
President’s Holiday Celebration & President’s Holiday Toy Drive
During the holiday season, our president brings the university together to thank and celebrate our outstanding workforce for their many accomplishments and contributions. In conjunction with this event, the President’s Holiday Toy Drive generates a bountiful collection of toys to bring joy and good cheer to children in our local and neighboring communities.
Event Photo Gallery
Empower
At FIU our people are everything! Our faculty and staff go above and beyond to provide service excellence for our community – this is what makes us stand out as a Great College to Work For®.
As ambassadors of service excellence, we embrace “Empower” as our e-platform to exchange peer-to-peer recognition and appreciation for one another. This tool will provide our faculty and staff an opportunity to send FIU branded congratulatory messages to their co-workers for a job well done, personal and career milestones, and other custom messages. This is your chance to share gratitude and words of encouragement in real FIU style!
Log in to empower.fiu.edu and get started today.
To submit an Empower recognition or submit a Worlds Ahead idea log into the Empower site.