The Toppel Awards

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 2024 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, fieldwork, research or student teaching in the calendar year.

2024 Graduate Student Recipient: Nima Khadadadi - PhD Candidate – Civil Engineering 2024 Undergraduate Student Recipient: Emma Warrner - B.S. Biomedical Engineering

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.

2024 Alumni Recipient: David Wander - Roc Nation

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.

2024 Recipient: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

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. 

2024 Recipient: Suzanne Nelson - University of Miami Academic Resource Center

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.

2024 Recipient: Doug Lehman - Miami Herbert Business School

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.

2024 Employer Recipient (Corporate): Schonfeld 2024 Recipient (Government/Non-Profit): U.S. Department of State

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.

2024 Recipient: Dylan Cassidy - PwC

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." 

2024 Recipient: Businesses on the Block

The On-Campus Internship of the Year Award is presented to a University of Miami department and/or leader for offering a robust internship during the 2023 calendar year, focused on developing essential skills, mentorship, and guidance, and bolstering the professional advancement of students.

To be eligible, the internship must be an on-campus experience. In addition to the responses below, nominations must include at least one testimonial from a student who has participated in the internship program (one-page maximum). 

2024 On-Campus Internship Recipient: Virtual Experiences Lab

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.

2024 #BreakThru Recipient: Sarah Petit - B.S. Public Health

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.

2024 Administrator Recipient: Ana Regalado - School of Architecture 2024 Employer Recipient: Alexis Polanco - Bloomberg