The Joe Paul Rising Star Award
Joe Paul Rising Stars
Dr. Joe Paul, current University President, began his student affairs career in 1976 as Assistant Director for the R.C. Cook Student Union and was quickly promoted to roles including Dean of Student and Vice President for Student Affairs. The Joe Paul Rising Star Award recognizes new employees who, like the award's namesake, also have hit the ground running by displaying exemplary efforts toward advancing the division's mission and vision through our values of Civility, Education, Engagement, Integrity, and Wellness. All DSA full-time employees hired within the last two years are eligible for nomination.
2024 Recipient
Mary sirois
Coordinator of Marketing and Web Support
Housing and Residence Life
Past Recipients
Elyssa Klipsch, Director of Center for Pathway Experiences
Carl A. Thomas, Jr., Assistant Director for the Office of Leadership and Student Involvement
Jason Darby, Associate Director for Campus Recreation
"Jason demonstrates an extraordinary efforts toward advancing the division's mission and vision through our values of Civility, Education, Engagement, Integrity, and Wellness. He takes it upon himself to provide exceptional support and service to his subordinates and student staff. He discerns quickly their individual needs and moves efficiently to provide key information, recommendations, or direction."
Meg Freeman, Housing and Residence Life
"Meg is an adaptable staff member, who agreed to move areas only days before her start date, as a new RLC opening became available in Sorority Village. Meg was ready and able to bring her Housing and Greek Life experience to this role. Within her first year, she has shown that she wants USM employees in the department and division to grow in their field and to better help students."
Samantha Lamb, Fitness and Wellness Coordinator for Recreational Sports
“While we have been impressed with her first years of service as a graduate assistant, it is the past 9 months where Sam has made a significant impact on the students, colleagues and the campus community as a whole. . . . Her daily performance is top notch, her attitude is terrific and her organizational skills are unrivaled. I have no doubt that Sam embodies the spirit of the Joe Paul Rising Star Award."
Lydia Pierce, Conference and Events Services
"Lydia has made a huge impact in a small amount of time. I am very confident she will only continue to flourish . . . [she] definitely embodies Joe Paul’s encouraging phrase to 'Leave it better than you found it.'”