Annual ‘Salute to Student Affairs’ Awards Recognize Hardworking Staff and Honor Former Staff

The hardworking and dedicated staff members of the College of Charleston Division of Student Affairs were celebrated and recognized at the 14th annual Salute to Student Affairs division awards program on Aug. 3, 2023.

“I am so grateful to have this opportunity to celebrate our efforts,” says Executive Vice President for Student Affairs Alicia Caudill, noting that this year Student Affairs introduced a new addition to the Salute Awards: the Denny Ciganovic Putting Happiness to Work Award, honoring Denny Ciganovic, who served as the Career Center’s director for 23 years and passed away in June 2023. “This award honors Denny Ciganovic, who believed in the power of relationships, humor and happiness for personal and professional success. With a warm heart and infectious humor, Denny connected with people from all walks of life, inspiring them to live passionately.”

Kay Ciganovic (left) presents the inaugural Denny Ciganovic Putting Happiness to Work Award to Freddie Lipata, assistant director of Campus Recreation Services.

The award recognizes those who exemplify Ciganovic’s qualities of infectious joy and genuine connection; empathy and making others feel seen and valued; supportive and enthusiastic mentoring; and commitment to inclusion, good governance and leading by example.

“For any of you who know Denny, you know that his spirit of kindness, dedication, love, humor and happiness will always be present,” says Caudill, noting that his wife, Kay Ciganovic, attended the ceremony to recognize the inaugural recipient of the Denny Ciganovic Putting Happiness to Work Award: Freddie Lipata, assistant director of Campus Recreation Services.

Clockwise from top left: CAPP staff, Lauren Hughes, Ghadir Abuein, Jessica Zuber and Morgan Mann.

“Denny Ciganovic, you were an amazing person and I hope to keep being as Denny-like as possible, at work and outside of work,” says Lipata. “You are very dearly missed.”

Other awards presented at the 2023 Salute to Student Affairs division awards program include the Center for Academic Performance and Persistence, which received the Important Campus Partner Award, and the following individuals:

Molly Callahan, Student Services Coordinator and Office Manager, Student Affairs

Molly Jean Callahan, Student Support Coordinator and Office Manager, Student Affairs
George Haborak Award for Professional Development

Named in honor of the work of the late George Haborak, former executive vice president for student affairs, this award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond in their own personal professional development.

Maura Woods, Career Coach, Career Center

Maura Woods, Career Coach, Career Center
Victor K. Wilson Service to Students Award

This award is given to an individual who demonstrates a student-centered approach of advocacy and empowerment to provide exemplary service to College of Charleston students. This award may also be given to someone who consistently inspires individuals or student organizations to go beyond normal expectations to accomplish goals, institute change or make a difference.

Jabari Robinson, Area Residence Hall Director, Residence Life

Jabari Robinson, Area Residence Hall Director, Residence Life
Jeri O. Cabot Award for Challenge and Support

The award – named in honor of longtime Dean of Students Jeri Cabot – is presented to an employee who engages with students through programs and/or individual interactions which show deep respect for students, an ability to navigate difficult conversations and a deep commitment to matching challenge with support needed for student learning and development.

Elizabeth Dixon, Counselor, Counseling Center

Elizabeth Dixon, Counselor/Clinical Coordinator, Counseling Center
Unsung Hero Award

This award recognizes behind-the-scenes individuals who consistently and effectively perform their duties in a manner that enhances the work environment for others. They go above and beyond their job responsibilities to support the mission of their department and the division, yet they seem to never openly seek recognition or credit.

Naomi Simmons, Director, Gender and Sexuality Equity Center

Naomi Simmons, Director, Gender and Sexuality Equity Center
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Justice Award

This award recognizes an individual who has helped to cultivate an inclusive campus environment by celebrating, supporting or enhancing diversity on campus and beyond. Their efforts directly uphold the College of Charleston’s initiatives to recruit, retain and advance the experiences of underrepresented communities on campus.

Executive VP of Student Affairs Alicia Caudill presents the Outstanding Campus Collaboration award to Hallie Hammond, facilities and program assistant for Campus Recreation Services

Hallie Hammond, Facilities and Program Assistant, Campus Recreation Services
Outstanding Campus Collaboration

This award is given to an individual or department that has worked collaboratively with other departments on campus within or outside the Division. This individual or department is constantly finding new and innovative ways to work with others outside their department with the goals of providing students with quality service and fostering positive relationships on campus.

Marcie Wiseman, Director, Counseling Center

Marcie Wiseman, Director, Counseling Center
Silver Pillar Award

This award recognizes an individual who has been with the division for less than three years and has given exemplary service to the division and to the students, making a positive impact on their department, the division and/or the College of Charleston community.

Redina Alston (right), administrative assistant for the Center for Disability Services, receives the Gold Pillar Award from Alicia Caudill, executive VP for student affairs.

Redina Alston, Administrative Assistant, Center for Disability Services
Gold Pillar Award

This award is given to an individual who has been with the Division of Student Affairs for three to six years and has exceeded the responsibilities of their position and excelled in service to the division, the College and/or the student affairs profession.

Associate Director of the Office of Victim Services Charlane Dwight (right) receives the Maroon Pillar Award from Executive VP of Student Affairs Alicia Caudill

Charlane Dwight, Associate Director, Office of Victim Services
Maroon Pillar Award

This award recognizes an individual who has been with the Division of Student Affairs for more than six years and who has consistently gone beyond expectations. This person has been a role model for other staff members and their department. The recipient of this award is dedicated to service, support and collaboration.

Susan Hartman, Executive Assistant to the Executive VP of Student Affairs

Susan Hartman, Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President of Student Affairs
Executive Vice President for Student Affairs Outstanding Service Award

This recognition is presented to a higher performer who consistently goes above and beyond both in the division and in the greater campus community.