Gail A. Hurley Student-Centered Award
This award began in 2008 and on Nov. 19, 2010 was named for Associate Vice President for Auxiliary and Business Services Gail Ann Hurley at the HFS Rewards & Recognition Ceremony. As an undergraduate student majoring in education at Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA, Gail realized her passion for higher education and working with college students. She received a master’s degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green University in Bowling Green, OH.
Gail exemplifies what student centered is all about. There is not a day that goes by that she is not advocating for our students. Her leadership style is contagious – caring, fair, committed, always looking at how we can be student centered. Students love her, respect her, and value her leadership style.
The Gail A. Hurley Student-Centered Award recognizes an individual employee within Housing and Food Services who consistently demonstrates a commitment to Penn State students by keeping their needs and interests at the heart of all she or he does.
Eligibility
An employee (exempt, non-exempt, technical service, or wage) who has worked in or supported Housing and Food Services for at least one year is eligible for this award. This is an individual award and is not designed for a team. Award recipients will not be eligible to be considered for nomination two years in a row.
Selection Process
A director serving as a chair, plus a seven member awards committee—consisting of one exempt, non-exempt, or technical service staff member from each unit (University Park Housing, University Park Food Services, and Housing & Food Services at the campuses), one exempt or non-exempt employee from the support operations (to include Human Resources, Information Systems, Accounting, Penn State id+ Office, Marketing Office, and HFS Purchasing), two students (one from ARHS and one from CCSG) and the previous year’s award recipient—will select a finalist who demonstrates all or some of the following characteristics:
- Considers the impact of policies, procedures, and decisions on students
- Involves students in planning, interviewing, and decision-making as appropriate
- Offers opportunities for students to further their academic pursuits through internships and other opportunities
- Advocates for students in various settings
- Serves as a role model and mentor for individual students and/or advises a student organization
- Works collaboratively with the Student Affairs staff, Residence Life in particular, to support their initiatives, programs, and activities
Award
The recipient will be presented with a personalized statue and a monetary award and will have his or her name displayed on a plaque in the lobby of the Housing and Food Services Building.
Read the FAQ's for more information on the nomination process and considerations.
Nominations
Any customer or employee who works in or supports Housing and Food Services can nominate one or more persons for this award each year. Students (current and past) may also nominate deserving individuals.