The Graduate College is pleased to announce that Mitzi Koeberlein (Office of Graduate Programs, College of Education) and Andrea Paceley (Office Manager, Speech and Hearing Science) have been named winners of the 2024 Graduate College Excellence Award for Graduate Contacts. The award is given annually as part of the Graduate College’s Annual Workshop for Directors of Graduate Study and Graduate Contacts. It recognizes staff members whose service has exceeded expectations in enhancing graduate students' experiences and has positively impacted their graduate program or department's operations.

Mitzi Dawn Koeberlein has been an Office Support Specialist in the College of Education for nearly nine years. Nominators noted her exceptional dedication to her students, reliability, and ability to untangle "the most complex problems with intellectual precision and institutional savvy." One nominator added that they "could write a book about how Mitzi excels in her responsibilities, problem-solves, exhibits professionalism, keeps us all on the right track, and goes above and beyond her regular duties." Graduate students have also taken note of her dedication: one wrote that "when Mitzi isn't in the office, it seems empty without her."

Andrea Paceley has served as the Office Manager in Speech and Hearing Science for more than eight years. Nominators named her an "indespensible" part of the department for her streamlinging of processes, commitment to transparency, and "contagious cheerfulness." One nominator stated that Andrea "has demonstrated sustained excellence in support of our graduate programs, students, and faculty." A graduate student in Speech and Hearing Science added that "her skills, kindness, and ability to navigate challenges with grace set her apart as a truly exceptional graduate secretary."

Graduate Contacts are essential to the success of our graduate students. They welcome students into our campus community, provide valuable support through both the good and challenging times, and celebrate students' accomplishments. The care and compassion that Graduate Contacts demonstrate every day are an invaluable contribution to the university and its community of students, faculty, and staff. The Graduate College extends its thanks to all of our Graduate Contacts for their work in our campus community.