The Toppel Awards

Toppel Awards on Table Awards on Table
The Toppel Awards recognizes outstanding University of Miami students, student organizations, faculty & staff members, and employers who exemplify a commitment to the professional development of themselves and/or others.

The Toppel Awards recognizes outstanding students, faculty, staff, employers, and recruiters for their commitment to career education and personal career development.

The career development of students does not rest solely on the Toppel Career Center. We are fortunate to partner with amazing career champions across and beyond the University of Miami campus. The Toppel Awards were created to honor and recognize the significant achievements of others including students, student groups, administrators, faculty, employers, and recruiters.

Nominations occur every fall with the award ceremony occurring every spring. Read on to learn more about the eligibility requirements for each award category and to view the 2022 recipients.

 

Student of the Year (Graduate and Undergraduate)

The Student of the Year Award is presented to a graduate and undergraduate student who are nominated by themself/staff/faculty/employer for their personal achievements, contributions to their organization/work site, demonstrated personal and/or professional growth, evidence of leadership, and academic record.

In order to be eligible, students must have participated in at least one semester of experiential education: internship, practicum, clinical, field work, research or student teaching in the calendar year.

2019 Graduate Student Winner: Haluk Damgacioglu Undergraduate Student of the Year award

2023 Graduate Student Recipient: Serena Shah

2023 Undergraduate Student Recipient: Jacques Calixte

 

Alum of the Year

The Alum of the Year Award is presented to one alum of the University of Miami who is achieving outstanding professional success in their career and/or making significant contributions to enhance current students' career development.

In order to be eligible, the nominee must have obtained at least one degree (undergraduate or graduate) from the University of Miami.

2023 Alumni Recipient: Daniel Samano Martin del Campo

 

Student Group of the Year

2019 Winner: Ophthalmology Interest Club

The Student Group of the Year Award is presented to one student group for their support of the mission and values of the Toppel Career Center within the calendar year.

In order to be eligible, student groups must be Registered Student Organizations or Registered Greek Organizations at the University of Miami who have exemplified professional development and/or career awareness in their programming/philanthropic efforts.

2023 Recipient: Inspire U Academy

 

 

Distinguished Administrator

The Distinguished Administrator Award is presented to an administrator for making a significant, positive contribution to the university and for promoting professional and career development among University of Miami students through collaborative efforts.

In order to be eligible, administrators must be full-time employees, who have worked for the University for more than one year. All administrators who have engaged in helping students in their career exploration and job search process, whether it is formally part of one's job or not, are eligible. Toppel Staff members are not eligible. 

 

2019 Winner: Florida Power & Light Company 2019 Non Profit winner: Miami-Dade County

2023 Recipients: Kimberly Martin

  

Distinguished Faculty

2017 Winner: Justin Tatman

The Distinguished Faculty Award is presented to a faculty member who actively supports the development of the University of Miami career community and the Toppel Career Center.

This may occur through the following:

  • Incorporating career development and career advising into their teaching and student advising
  • Seeking out partnerships with employers, graduate/professional programs, Career Services, and others who may provide internship, job or graduate/professional school opportunities for students

 

In order to be eligible, nominees must be current members of the University of Miami faculty. All faculty who have engaged in helping students in their career exploration and job search process, whether it is formally a part of one's job or not are eligible for nomination.

2023 Recipient: Dr. Wendy Cavendish

 

Employer of the Year

The Employer of the Year Award is presented to one organization for making significant contributions to the University of Miami community through support of career programs, sponsorship of events, and recruitment of our students and alumni.

In order to be eligible, employers must have posted a job/internship position and have participated in at least one Career Center event within the calendar year.

2019 Winner: Florida Power & Light Company 2019 Non Profit winner: Miami-Dade County

2023 Employer Recipients: Citi & Peace Corps

 

Recruiter of the Year

2019 Winner: Captain Valerie Krygier

The Recruiter of the Year Award is presented to one individual for making significant contributions to the University of Miami community through support of career programs, sponsorship of events, and recruitment of our students and alumni.

In order to be eligible, the recruiter must have participated in at least one Career Center event within the calendar year.

2023 Recipient: Alexis Polanco

 

Program of the Year Award

2019 Winner: Peter Chaibongsai

The Program of the Year Award is presented to an individual, student organization, or faculty/administrator who has successfully implemented a career-focused program.

The program must have made a significant impact on the professional development and career readiness of University of Miami students. An example of a career program would be, "Dress Codes, Hairstyles, Tattoos, and Piercings in Today's Ever-Evolving Workplace." 

2023 Recipient: Miami Herbert Sophomore Career Course

 

#BreakThru

The Toppel Career Center's theme for 2020-2021 was #BreakThru, which represents moving past any uncertainty, fear, apathy, or information overload surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s about pushing past barriers and putting in the work to grow personally and professionally. It’s taking advantage of opportunities and moving forward in meaningful ways.

The #BreakThru Award is presented to an individual, student organization, faculty/administrator, or employer who consistently demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts for the University of Miami community.

2023 #BreakThru Recipient: Deborah Perez

 

Patricia Toppel Award

The Patricia Toppel Award was introduced in 2017 to recognize individuals, both on and off campus, who have consistently made a positive impact on the work of the Toppel Career Center. Recipients of the Patricia Toppel Award are selected by Toppel staff based on their long-term support and collaboration in Toppel's services.

2018 Winner: Jim Smart 2019 Winner Bill Fisse

2023 Administrator Recipient: Mark Shapiro