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 for the 2023 Toppel Awards are open! To nominate an individual/group for a Toppel Award select the corresponding award category from the list below. Read on to learn more about the eligibility requirements for each award category.
#BreakThru Award
Student of the Year (Graduate and Undergraduate)
Student Group of the Year
Distinguished Administrator
Distinguished Faculty
Employer of the Year
Recruiter of the Year
Alumna/us of the Year
Program of the Year
#BreakThru
#BreakThru 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 will be 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.
To nominate click here.
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 themselves/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 2022 calendar year.
To nominate a student click here.
Student Group of the Year
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 2022 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.
To nominate a student group click here.
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 not eligible.
To nominate an administrator click here.
Distinguished Faculty
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, faculty must be full-time employees, who have worked for the University for more than one year. All faculty 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.
To nominate a faculty member click here.
Employer of the Year
The Employer of the Year Award is presented to two organizations, one private and one public/not-for-profit, 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 2022 calendar year.
To nominate an employer click here.
Recruiter of the Year
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 2022 calendar year.
To nominate a recruiter click here.
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 his or her 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.
To nominate an alum click here.
Program of the Year
The Program of the Year Award will be 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."
To nominate a program, click here.
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.
