Golden Paw Award Winners Shine with Dedication and Resilience

DSA News
April 18, 2025

The Division of Student Affairs is proud to recognize two outstanding individuals whose dedication, resilience, and service excellence have earned them the Golden Paw Employee of the Month Award for January and February 2025.

January 2025 Golden Paw Winner: Yu Wang

Yu Wang, records associate II for the International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSSO), has been awarded the Golden Paw Employee of the Month for January 2025. This recognition highlights Yu’s exceptional resilience, commitment, and unwavering dedication to supporting international students during a challenging time.

In her role at ISSSO, Yu is responsible for managing student requests, handling front desk inquiries, and ensuring the efficient processing of critical documents. However, it was her ability to step up when her team faced unexpected challenges that truly set her apart. In November 2024, the departure of a front desk Records Associate II left Yu with the responsibility of handling the duties of three roles. Despite the added workload, Yu took on the challenge without hesitation, ensuring that all tasks were completed promptly and with the utmost care.

Nominated by Stefan Johnsson, Yu’s commitment to student success and her ability to multitask under pressure became especially evident. She continued to provide exceptional service to students, answering emails, processing urgent requests, and completing DS-2019 forms—all while maintaining a positive and helpful attitude.

Yu’s ability to balance a high workload and still prioritize student needs demonstrates her dedication to the mission of the Division of Student Affairs. Her resilience and teamwork have made a significant impact on both her colleagues and the international students she serves.

Yu Wang’s recognition as the January 2025 Golden Paw Employee of the Month is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in her role. Her efforts continue to inspire and support the mission of student success at ISSSO and beyond.

February 2025 Golden Paw Winner: Sandra Diaz

Sandra Diaz, event services specialist for the Student Center, has been awarded the Golden Paw Employee of the Month for February 2025. This recognition highlights Sandra’s exceptional dedication, strong leadership, and commitment to creating a welcoming environment for both her colleagues and the students she serves.

In her role, Sandra is responsible for maintaining event spaces, setting up equipment for reservations, and organizing storage areas to ensure that everything runs smoothly. However, it is her proactive approach and leadership that truly sets her apart. Sandra Diaz consistently goes above and beyond her regular duties by helping guide her team, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and with care.

Nominated by Luke Parnell from Student Centers, Sandra’s contributions extend far beyond daily responsibilities. She regularly fills a supervisory role, reporting on completed tasks and coordinating next steps to keep the team organized. Sandra also takes the time to train new student staff, ensuring that they feel welcomed, supported, and ready to take on their roles.

In addition to her operational responsibilities, Sandra has also played a key role during event walkthroughs, where she assists clients with translations and offers valuable insights regarding event setup. Her willingness to support both clients and colleagues alike speaks to her professionalism and commitment to excellent customer service.

Sandra’s involvement in team development and her unwavering dedication to supporting the Student Centers make her a standout member of the division. Her contributions not only improve daily operations but also foster a positive, collaborative environment.

Sandra Diaz’s recognition as the February 2025 Golden Paw Employee of the Month is a testament to her hard work, leadership, and positive influence on the Student Centers community. Her efforts continue to inspire both her peers and the students she serves.

Congratulations to both Yu Wang and Sandra Diaz for their well-deserved recognition. Their stories reflect the heart of our mission—to empower student success through dedicated service and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We are grateful to have them as part of the Division of Student Affairs family.

Written by Dhivyadharshini Selvaraj – Marketing and Communications Coordinator- Student Affairs