Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park) held its 9th Annual Leo Awards, a ceremony dedicated to recognizing its staff and faculty's exemplary efforts and achievements. This annual event, deeply rooted in the college's tradition of peer recognition, showcases the commitment and hard work of individuals who contribute significantly to the campus community.
"The excellence demonstrated by our Leo Award winners mirrors the foundational values and high standards that Lone Star College-University Park stands for," said Virginia M. Fraire, president of LSC-University Park. "I commend all the winners on their dedication to its mission. It is a testament to the quality of employees and the culture we cultivate across our campus."
Faculty, staff, and administrators conducted nominations and voting for the Leo Awards through a confidential ballot process. The ceremony featured 13 award categories, with six specifically designed to celebrate individuals who embody the cultural values of Lone Star College.
During the ceremony, 26 awards were presented. The overall Employee Award of Excellence, acknowledging the positive impact and exceptional service of one full-time and one part-time employee, was awarded to event manager Gabrielle Phillips and adjunct math professor Susan Georgson, respectively.
“I was flattered to win the Excellence Award considering I have only been here for a little over a year. It shows the importance of cultivating relationships and being surrounded by supportive colleagues,” said Gabriel Phillips, full-time Award of Excellence recipient.
The LSC-University Park's Professional Support Staff Association (PSSA) and the Faculty Senate organized and co-hosted the event.
"It is a fun way to celebrate each other," said Kiesha Mitchell, PSSA president. "And celebrate the work we do," agreed Martha Donnelly, Faculty Senate president.
Additionally, the Academic Coaching team from the Student Learning Resource Center (SLRC) recognized two employees with the Friends of the Library Award.
The complete list of 2024 Leo Award recipients is as follows:
- Award of Excellence
Full-time: Gabrielle Phillips
Part-time: Susan Georgson
- One LSC Award
Staff – Allyson Bullock
Faculty – Ajai Simmons
Administration – Mosadi Porter
- Student Focused Award
Staff – Betty Rugh
Faculty – Chelsea Davis - Bibb
Administration – Matthew Samford
- Own It Award
Staff – Kiesha Mitchell
Faculty – Katherine (Katie) Truax
Administration – David (Dave) Gaer
- Advance Equity Award
Staff – Kiet Le
Faculty – Jermaine Johnson
Administration – Catherine (Kate) Dumond
- Cultivate Community Award
Staff – Tanera Thigpen
Faculty – Ibeawuchi (Ibe) Uzoegwu
Administration – Frank Rodriguez
- Choose Learning Award
Staff – Clavelia Martin
Faculty – Joseph Butler
Admin – Andrew Johnson
- Firefighter Award
Catherine (Kate) Dumond
- Unsung Hero Award
Chelsea Davis – Bibb
- Creative Space Award
Leah Stoddard
- Sunshine Award
Ibeawuchi (Ibe) Uzoegwu
- Volunteer Award
Katherine (Katie) Truax
- Rookie of the Year Award
Elora Molloy
- Friends of the Library
Donna Morrison
Ibeawuchi (Ibe) Uzoegwu
LSC-University Park offers more than 70 programs of study, including credit and non-credit courses, workforce training, and continuing education classes. Classes can be taken during the day, evenings, and weekends in traditional, online, and hybrid formats. For more information or to register online, visit www.lonestar.edu/upstudentsupport, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.
Established in 2012, Lone Star College-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative higher education institutions in the country. The college, led by Virginia M. Fraire, Ph.D., is devoted to impacting the community's prosperity and upward mobility through student success. LSC-University Park’s expert and compassionate faculty and staff provide students with holistic and immersive education and training in disciplines and industries that meet current and future workforce needs.
Located on the grounds of the former Compaq Computer Corporation and Hewlett Packard's world headquarters, LSC-University Park's facilities include the Center for Science & Innovation, the Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Labs, and the Geology Rock Wall. It is also home to the University of Houston-NW Downtown, Lone Star Corporate College, iSchool, and YMCA Children's Academy. For information on taking fall or summer classes at LSC-University Park, visit LoneStar.edu/StartUP, call 281.290.2600 or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu. Academic advisers are available to assist students with questions about course selection, degree plans or the registration process.
Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSC has been named a 2023 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education and recognized by Fortune Magazine and Great Place To Work® as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in Texas™. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.