Award Recipients

An excerpt from his nomination:

Roberto Aragon, Assistant Director of Student Programs for Fraternity & Sorority Life at Augusta University, has consistently gone above and beyond to promote student success in ways that are both meaningful and measurable. Over the past year, his tireless dedication, positive demeanor, and student-centered approach have left a lasting impact on the personal, academic, and professional development of numerous students involved in Greek life and beyond.

Roberto's commitment to student success is best illustrated by his holistic approach to leadership development within Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL). This past year, he launched and facilitated a new leadership development workshop series focused on values-based decision-making, conflict resolution, and inclusive leadership. Over 120 students participated in the series, and post-session evaluations revealed a 92% satisfaction rate, with students citing improved confidence in managing their chapters and resolving interpersonal issues. One student commented, “Roberto helped me grow as a chapter leader by challenging me to think beyond my title and serve with integrity.”

Roberto also played a crucial role in revitalizing academic support structures within the FSL community. Recognizing a drop in GPA among several chapters, he collaborated with chapter scholarship chairs to implement academic coaching plans, peer study groups, and monthly progress tracking. As a result, the average GPA across Greek organizations rose by 0.18 points, with two chapters achieving their highest GPA in five years. His positive and supportive attitude made students feel comfortable seeking help early, and one student shared, “He made me believe I could succeed academically without sacrificing my chapter involvement.”

Beyond programming, Roberto consistently provides individualized support that makes a tangible difference in students’ lives. During the spring semester, he supported a student navigating both academic probation and a difficult chapter leadership transition. Through weekly one-on-one check-ins, Roberto helped the student develop a personal accountability plan and rebuild peer relationships within the chapter. The student not only regained good academic standing but was later elected president, citing Roberto’s mentorship as the “turning point” in his collegiate experience.

Roberto's influence also extends to his collaboration with campus partners. He led efforts to integrate FSL programming with Augusta University’s larger wellness and career initiatives. Notably, he coordinated a “Career Readiness for Greeks” event in partnership with the Career Services office, which drew over 80 students and resulted in 14 internship placements by semester’s end.

Supervisor evaluations consistently highlight Roberto’s strengths in communication, initiative, and student rapport. His evaluations note his “remarkable ability to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where students feel heard, supported, and empowered.”

Roberto Aragon exemplifies what it means to be a student-focused professional. His leadership has not only strengthened the Fraternity & Sorority Life community, but also helped countless students realize their potential, both in and out of the classroom. His genuine care, strategic approach, and tireless advocacy for student development make him an outstanding candidate for this recognition.

An excerpt from their nomination:

Over the past fiscal year, the First and Second Year Experience team—known on campus as The Tree House—worked collaboratively to transform the undergraduate student experience at Augusta University. Through their unified efforts, Dr. Elizabeth Huggins, Ms. Angelica Hill, and Ms. Morgan Hillman created a vibrant hub for student engagement, faculty collaboration, and community connection.

One of the team’s most significant accomplishments was expanding the reach of high-impact practices (HIPs) across the campus. Under Dr. Huggins’ leadership, the team coordinated more than 60 sections of INQR 1000, providing innovative, project-based learning opportunities for first- and second-year students. They redesigned and grew the Certificate of Leadership program, increasing participation to over 40 students, embedding community engagement, and adding a capstone course that prepares students for professional life.

At the same time, Ms. Hill and Ms. Hillman worked hand-in-hand to ensure these initiatives reached and supported students effectively. They coordinated more than 15 campus-wide engagement events, strengthened support for transfer students and upperclassmen, and served as approachable, dependable partners for faculty and staff. Ms. Hill’s expertise in event coordination and mentorship and Ms. Hillman’s exceptional organization, communication, and creative outreach (serving over 2,300 students in her first year alone) ensured that every student who entered The Tree House felt a sense of belonging.

Together, this team has created a culture of care and excellence that has had a tangible impact on Augusta University:

• Increased student participation and engagement across multiple programs and events.
• National recognition for Augusta University when Dr. Huggins was named a National Student Advocate at the 43rd Annual FYE Conference.
• Expansion of services to include support for transfers, juniors, and seniors, making The Tree House a true hub for all undergraduate students.
• Enhanced collaboration with faculty through program support, HIPs initiatives, and mentorship in experiential learning.
• The combined talents of this small but mighty team have strengthened student success, built collaborative relationships across campus, and positioned The Tree House as a model of teamwork that embodies Augusta University’s values of collegiality, excellence, and inclusivity.

An excerpt from one of his nominations:

Over the past year, William Lutz has exemplified what it means to go above and beyond in every aspect of his role. Despite being one of only two maintenance technicians assigned to University Village—a housing complex that serves over 500 students—William has remained the cornerstone of all maintenance operations on site. Previously, he was the only technician for an extended period, managing hundreds of maintenance requests, emergency repairs, and nightly duty calls by himself, without hesitation.

This past year in particular, William has continued to perform essential duties, even while managing personal challenges, including his wife’s ongoing hospitalization. Despite this, he has not wavered in his commitment. When asked about taking time off, his response was: “I have 500 students moving in—I have work to do.” His willingness to continue serving through hardship speaks to his unmatched dedication.

William’s institutional knowledge has improved operational efficiency across University Village. He is frequently consulted by other technicians and staff members because of his experience, familiarity with systems and infrastructure, and his ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems quickly. Without William, much of the preventative and emergency maintenance work would either be delayed or lack the continuity he provides.

He consistently ensures a safe and functioning living environment for students, aligning directly with Augusta University’s strategic goals around student success, safety, and operational excellence.

An excerpt from one of her nominations:

Over the past year, Gennie Verbeck has consistently gone above and beyond expectations of her role as an Executive Assistant, delivering exceptional administrative support marked by professionalism, initiative, and a deep commitment to the mission of Augusta University and the Division of Enrollment & Student Affairs (ESA). Her contributions have had a direct and meaningful impact on operational efficiency, team cohesion, and institutional excellence.

One standout example of Gennie’s dedication was her instrumental role in assisting with a major multi-departmental initiative to standardize administrative procedures across the division. Recognizing inefficiencies in where documents and processes for business operations are stored, Gennie assisted with the development of the ESA Administrative Support Manual, a one-stop shop for forms and processes for our ESA staff members. As a result, the staff no-longer must keep asking where documents or processes are – and can find them in one manual, creating more efficiencies in the division.

Gennie also has played a pivotal role in supporting the successful onboarding of new administrative staff. Over the past year she has on-boarded 4 new administrative assistants. She creates a comprehensive welcome and training tailored to each new staff member, which has improved onboarding in organizing these efforts and ensuring they get completed timely. Her efforts ensured that new hires felt welcomed, informed, and connected—an embodiment of Augusta University's values of inclusivity and excellence.

Beyond her daily responsibilities, she regularly volunteers for campus events (i.e. Move-In for AU Students, etc.), serves as an internal planning event coordinator for our Fall divisional kick-off and our End of Year divisional celebration, and is known for stepping in wherever needed, anticipating challenges before they arise. Her reliability, discretion, and proactive communication style make her an indispensable part of the team and a trusted liaison among campus leadership, campus partners and students alike.

Gennie’s unwavering commitment, innovative thinking, and service-first mindset clearly demonstrate her deep alignment with Augusta University’s & ESA’s missions. Her work has not only made the institution and division more efficient, but also more welcoming, connected, and effective in serving its students and staff.