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Award Winners

2024-2025 WINNERS

  • Janine Janine Myers, Assistant Director for New Student Advising - winner of The Provost's Excellence Award, Innovation: "Janine reformatted the LAS New Student Advising and Registration program, built the student aide initiative from the ground up, and developed a welcome video that normalizes nervousness and empowers students to take ownership of their academic journey. Her collaborative spirit, strategic thinking, and student-centered approach have made a lasting impact on UIC."

  • Elizabeth Elizabeth Herrera, Director of Career Development and Internships in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences - winner of Outstanding Administrator: "Liz has reimagined how students explore majors and prepare for their futures. Students consistently praise Liz’s mentorship, organization, and care. One student shared, she gives great career advice, praising her podcast. Another student reflected, 'Liz’s guidance and mentorship have transformed the career readiness landscape at UIC.'”

  • Ahyen Ahyen Labanan, Academic Advisor, Student Academic Affairs, LAS - winner of Outstanding New Advisor: "Ahyen's journey as an advisor has been marked by rapid growth and maturity. She works with a high volume of students facing complex challenges, and she guides them with patience, creativity, and care. One student wrote, 'She kept everything at an understanding level for me… All the confusion I had initially dissolved when she thoroughly explained my questions.'"

  • Patrick Patrick Falk, Senior Academic Advisor, Biological Sciences and Neuroscience in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences - winner of Outstanding Advisor: "Patrick guides students through course selection, career exploration, or personal struggles, Patrick is a trusted mentor who meets students where they are and helps them grow. His transparency, care, and encouragement make him a go-to resource and a steady presence in their lives. A student says, 'Patrick has influenced not only my academic career, but my entire UIC experience… Without Pat, I would not be graduating as the person I am today.'"

  • Lahney Lahney Vilayhong, Lead Academic Advisor for Computer Science in the College of Engineering - winner of Outstanding Advisor: "Lahney’s leadership is rooted in a holistic, culturally responsive advising model. She champions personalized support that helps students build confidence, take ownership of their academic journeys, and thrive both personally and professionally. Her colleagues praise her for aligning departmental goals with student needs and for constantly reminding the team of UIC’s mission to serve a diverse and dynamic student population."

  • Bianca Bianca Rosa Pérez, Senior Academic Advisor in LAS Student Academic Affairs - winner of Outstanding Advisor: "Bianca is a 'bright spot on our team,' someone who holds herself to high standards and consistently delivers thorough, timely, and mistake-free work. Her advising is not just transactional, it’s transformational. Bianca places student well-being and growth at the heart of everything she does. She proactively reaches out before challenges arise, building strong, trusting relationships that students return to again and again."

  • Felix Felix Castillo, Senior Transition Coach in the Academic Center for Excellence - winner of Outstanding Advisor: "Felix’s approach to advising is deeply personal and profoundly impactful. He creates customized experiences for each student, helping them navigate not only academic requirements but also build the self-advocacy skills essential for long-term success. He is someone who makes complex university systems accessible and less intimidating, especially for first-generation students."

  • Lisa Lisa Lyons, Academic Advisor: Student Academic Affairs, LAS - winner of Outstanding Advisor: "Lisa is a 'rock star,' and someone who combines deep expertise with warmth, empathy, and a genuine commitment to helping students thrive. She’s a trusted mentor, especially for underrepresented students, and a consistent presence at cultural centers and student events. One student shared, 'I felt safe and welcomed to discuss my thoughts… She encouraged me to do what is best for me and my journey.'"

Previous Winners

2024 ADVISOR AWARD WINNERS : 

Provost’s Excellence Award/Access to Success:

  • James Alford, College of Business Administration

Administrator Outstanding Practitioner:

  • April Long, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

New Advisor Outstanding Practitioner:

  • Trisha Garcia, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Advisor Outstanding Practitioner:

  • Mirtza Campbell, College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs
  • Yazmin Rodriguez, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Rachel Schaffnit, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Simona Stankevicius, College of Applied Health Sciences
  • Natalie Vesga, College of Education

2023 ADVISOR AWARD WINNERS : 

Provost’s Excellence Award/Access to Success:

  • Daisy Lemus, Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services

Administrator Outstanding Practitioner:

  • Rachel Najdzin, College of Applied Health Sciences

New Advisor Outstanding Practitioner:

  • Brandon Ishikata, Honors College

Advisor Outstanding Practitioner:

  • Margarita Bautista, Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services
  • Brandi France, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Meg LaLonde, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Tim Nemec, College of Business Administration
  • Jo Wagner, College of Applied Health Sciences

2022 ADVISOR AWARD WINNERS : 

New Advisor:

  • Joseph Garcia, Academic Center for Excellence

Excellence in Undergraduate Advising Award:

  • Whitney Harris, Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition
  • Deborah Molasky, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Joshua Taylor, Department of Computer Science

2021 ADVISOR AWARD WINNERS : 

New Advisor:

  • Gonzalo Trejo, LARES

Excellence in Undergraduate Advising Award:

  •  Lauren DeJulio Bell, Honors College
  • Marilyn Diaz, LARES
  • Susan Lee, Department of Bioengineering

2020 ADVISOR AWARD WINNERS : 

  • Kevin Price, School of Public Health
  • Elena Diaz, College of Engineering
  • Maris Fujiura, AHS Department of Disability and Human Development

2019 ADVISOR AWARD WINNERS : 

  • Bradley Mueller, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Massiel de los Santos, Honors College
  • Rachel Najdzin, AHS Department of Kinesiology

2018 ADVISOR AWARD WINNERS: 

  • Sharon Hayes, Department of Public Administration
  • Stephanie O’Leary, Honors College
  • Omare Villagrana, Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services (LARES)

2017 ADVISOR AWARD WINNERS: 

  • Tula Georgopoulos, College of Nursing
  • Iliana Miranda, Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services (LARES)
  • Alicia Rodriguez, Hispanic Center of Excellence, College of Medicine

2016 ADVISOR AWARD WINNERS: 

  • Allison James, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Sara Mehta, Honors College
  • Jo Wagner, College of Business Administration