Annual Pillar Awards Celebrate Impact and Excellence in Student Affairs

Now in its fourth year, the annual Staff EXP Pillar Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of Student Affairs staff who shape and elevate the LMU student experience. The awards recognize individual excellence, innovative and impactful programs, and the dedicated service of long-standing staff members, all of whom exemplify the five pillars of the LMU Student Experience. This year, the ceremony honored seven exceptional programs and 11 staff members, highlighting their meaningful impact, leadership, and commitment to student success.

"This moment each year is a powerful reminder of who we are as a division and the impact we make together," said Senior Vice President Kawanna Leggett, Ed.D. "The Student Affairs annual Pillar Awards celebrate the passion, innovation, and commitment of our staff, who bring our mission to life every day. Each of our recipients and programs honored here today reflect the strength and breadth of our work, from building meaningful programs to fostering student growth and leadership. I am deeply grateful for their dedication as we continue to shape and elevate the student experience at LMU."

Three staff members are retiring this year were also honored for their many contributions and years of service to the student experience at LMU:

• Henry Ward, director of Ethnic and Intercultural Services
• Katie Arce, director of Student Health Services
• Terri Mangione, Ph.D., dean of students and vice president of Student Affairs.

Two new programs, launched during this past academic year, also received honors for bringing the student community together at LMU: Hometown Pride and The Longest Table.

Hometown Pride, led by Briana Maturi, Ph.D., director for Student Transitions and Success, and Bernadette Crawford, executive assistant to the senior vice president of Student Affairs, launch these regional mixer events for students in their first semester at LMU. Ten regional mixers were designed to celebrate students' backgrounds while fostering connection on campus. The event brought together students from similar regions to share stories, traditions, and a sense of hometown pride, creating a welcoming space where students could reflect on where they come from while building community at LMU. Attendees connected with peers from their corner of the country, formed new friendships, and enjoyed small bites inspired by regional flavors, helping bridge the distance between their home communities and their new life on the bluff.

The Longest Table, led by Julia Wade, Ed.D., director, restorative practices and generative dialogue, and Oli Rodriguez, program coordinator for Ethnic and Intercultural Services. LMU's inaugural Longest Table proved to be a resounding success, bringing together more than 130 students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni in Sunken Garden for an evening centered on shared meals and meaningful dialogue. Hosted by Student Affairs on Sept. 30, 2025, the event created a welcoming space for individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to connect authentically. Students from all class years, including graduate students, participated in guided conversations led by trained table captains, fostering openness and reflection. The event was so successful that a couple of weeks later, staff hosted another event called The Long-ish Table, where parents and families are invited to join their students and other LMU families for a shared meal and dialogue during LMU Family Weekend.

The Lion Pride Award
The Lion Pride Award was presented to Terri Mangione, Ph.D., dean of students and vice president for Student Affairs. For over seven years, Dean Mangione has been a strong advocate for our students and advancing the student experience at LMU. Grounded by our Jesuit and Marymount charisms, she has walked alongside students and their families as a strong advocate, especially in times of greatest need. With her focus on enhancing the LMU student experience, she has chaired, co-chaired, and served on numerous university-wide committees. Dean Mangione has also served on the Jesuit Association for Student Personnel Administrators (JASPA) executive board for the past 12 years, advancing deep connections with Student Affairs professionals at our sister Jesuit institutions and providing professional development opportunities for the next generation of Student Affairs professionals. In June 2025, JASPA honored Dean Mangione with the Rev. Victor R. Yanitelli Award for her outstanding service and dedication. Her leadership, compassion, and steadfast commitment to students have shaped the LMU student experience in enduring ways.

The Unsung Hero of the Year Award
The Unsung Hero of the Year Award was presented to Kevin McGinnis, resident director for Rosecrans Hall in Student Housing. In the first week of this role, he was faced with supporting his residential community through a very challenging time, stepping into a role that required immense emotional intelligence, professionalism, and compassion. Navigating a moment so early in their time at LMU speaks volumes about his character and their deep sense of responsibility to students and families. Additionally, during a vacancy in one of the residence halls directors, McGinnis stepped up to serve as the main resident director while simultaneously holding the role of interim resident director for another residence hall. In this dual capacity, McGinnis oversaw a combined staff of 12 resident advisors and successfully managed staff transitions, all while maintaining consistency and support for both teams. This level of responsibility would be demanding under any circumstances, yet McGinnis handled it with steadiness, care, and commitment. His contributions have made a meaningful difference, and they are truly deserving of this honor.

The Live a Life of Purpose Program Award
The Live a Life of Purpose Program Award was presented to the LGBT Student Services 15th Anniversary Homecoming Gala, which celebrated the past, present and future of LGBT Student Services. This event had over 130 people in attendance, raised over $10,000 for the LGBT Student Endowment Fund, and was able to honor the history and stakeholders of how the office was founded. During the celebration, attendees got to hear from current students about their experience and what has been created, highlight identities and promote acceptance from all angles. Numerous alumni came to the event and expressed how proud they are of LMU creating this office and providing support, growth and identity development. During this program, the community came together to celebrate what it means to live a life of purpose and to live authentically.

The Live a Life of Purpose Staff Award
The Live a Life of Purpose Staff Award was presented to Ron'na Lytle, assistant to the dean of students, in recognition of her unwavering commitment to purposeful living and her profound impact on those around her. Through her daily work, Lytle empowers students to understand the significance of their roles, the value of authentic connection, and the broader impact of their contributions. A trusted mentor and deeply respected leader, she inspires others by modeling intentionality, generosity, and integrity. Lytle embodies her passion for uplifting others, consistently demonstrating how to live with purpose while celebrating growth, achievement, and the meaningful moments that define the student experience.

The Become a Global Citizen Program Award
The Become a Global Citizen Program Award was presented to the OPT Success Stories: How to Get Hired on OPT and Beyond through the Office for International Students and Scholars. This program was a reimagined version of the historically titled International Alumni Panel, redesigned to better address the realities international students face in today's U.S. job market. Given increasing uncertainty around immigration policies, evolving hiring trends, and the competitiveness of securing employment on OPT, it was imperative to shift the program toward practical career preparation and actionable guidance. The event connected students with international alumni who shared firsthand experiences navigating the job search, securing opportunities on OPT, and building long-term careers in the U.S. Attendees gained insight into effective networking strategies, ways to stand out as international candidates, and approaches to overcoming common challenges in the hiring process. The program also created space for meaningful conversations and peer-to-peer support among students and alumni. By moving beyond a traditional panel format, OPT Success Stories focused on equipping students with the confidence, knowledge, and connections needed to successfully launch their careers.

The Become a Global Citizen Staff Award
The Become a Global Citizen Staff Award was presented to Pericles Spanos, a case manager, in Community of Care, in recognition of his exceptional commitment to LMU's mission and values. Spanos consistently elevates diverse voices and fosters spaces for meaningful dialogue, embodying what it means to engage the world with empathy, respect, and intentionality. His thoughtful stewardship and deep care for the communities he serves reflect a profound dedication to global citizenship. Through his actions, he inspires others to broaden their perspectives, build authentic connections, and lead with purpose.

The Integrate Mind, Body, and Spirit Program Award
The Integrate Mind, Body, and Spirit Program Award was presented to the Yoga 200 Hour Certification course hosted by Campus Recreation. To create more leadership and professional development opportunities for students, Michelle Kiser, assistant director of Campus Recreation for fitness, was tasked with creating opportunities for students to become certified group fitness instructors. The Yoga Certification that she put together in collaboration with the Yoga Studies program has been a transformational experience for the - students who completed it. They dedicated 200 hours- which was every single weekend and Thursday evening during Spring semester- to learning about Yoga as a practice, and yoga pedagogy to be excellent instructors for their peers. Michelle was instrumental in shepherding students through this challenging program, making them feel empowered and confident and creating a sense of community within the group. The students graduated with their 200-hour certificates on May 3 and will be teaching classes for Fitwell in the fall. This program was able to remove barriers to access for a traditionally very expensive and cumbersome certification and made it more accessible by hosting it here on campus.

The Integrate Mind, Body, and Spirit Staff Award
The Integrate Mind, Body, and Spirit Staff Award was presented to Samantha Schwartz, Ph.D., from Student Psychological Services. Known for her unmatched energy and passion for prevention, outreach, and education, Schwartz has created transformative learning environments where students and trainees thrive. She has developed three innovative programs that expand pathways for LMU students pursuing careers in mental health care, leaving a lasting impact on future professionals. A joyful and inspiring mentor, Schwartz is celebrated by her students as a deeply positive and influential presence in their growth and development. She actively models self-care and balance, encouraging others to prioritize wellbeing through shared moments of connection and creativity, from midday walks to artistic expression. Her leadership not only shapes skilled practitioners but also nurtures compassionate, mindful individuals, making her a driving force behind a more integrated and supportive campus community.

The Practice Ignatian Values Program Award
The Practice Ignatian Values Program Award was presented to Chicano Latino Student Services (CLSS) led by Director Claudio Rodriguez, Ph.D. While this award is traditionally awarded to a singular program or program series that happened over the last year, there were several different programs attributed to CLSS nominated by multiple people in the Student Affairs. These programs embodied practicing Ignatian values in many ways from their commitment to showing the academic and creative works of Latine students, to honoring and uplifting the labor of our campus' service workers, to collaborating with campus partners to create spaces for collective healing through dialogue. These programs were successful because of the careful cultivation of a cohesive student and staff team within CLSS where Latine students could thrive and shine brightly.

The Practice Ignatian Values Staff Award
The Practice Ignatian Values Staff Award was presented to Yadira Napior, assistant director for Student Engagement, in the Pam Rector Center for Service and Action. Napior has been instrumental in guiding students - particularly those in the service organization community - to more deeply understand and embrace the unique gifts of a Jesuit education. Through her mentorship, she empowers students to reflect, discern their values, and intentionally apply their learning to their leadership and future work. The genuine joy and care students have for Napior, makes evident how much the staff has invested in the students. Napior's ability to connect purpose with action inspires students to lead with integrity, compassion, and a strong sense of mission, bringing Ignatian values to life in meaningful and lasting ways.

The Commit to Service and Justice Program Award
The Commit to Service and Justice Program Award was presented to the Soph Squad Presents: second annual L.A. Food Bank Volunteering from Student Housing. The Soph Squad's Volunteering at the L.A. Food Bank program, led by the sophomore area resident directors and Dino Entac, assistant director, resident ministry, brought more than 13 students into an intentional day of service on March 14. This was the second year hosting this event, and the experience invited students to step outside themselves and engage deeply with issues of food insecurity affecting Los Angeles communities. Throughout the day, students learned firsthand about the systemic challenges surrounding hunger and resource distribution and how their service was directly impacting the community that the food bank serves. By sorting, organizing, and preparing food for families in need, students developed a grounded understanding of social injustice and the ways inequity shows up in their own city. Just as importantly, the event fostered community among the students and staff. Working side by side, students built meaningful connections and reflected on their shared values. This event empowers students to take action, showing that their time, labor, and compassion can contribute to a more just world.

The Commit to Service and Justice Staff Award
The Commit to Service and Justice Staff Award was presented to Autumn Taylor from Student Housing. Taylor is a person of community who strives to connect with and support students. In their role, she creates and oversees policies, procedures, and follow-up for our residential population (and beyond). If you think it's hard to get an office of 20 staff members on the same page, try adding 104 student RAs to that list. Over their 10 years at LMU, Taylor has exemplified what it means to live out the institution's core pillars. Through their commitment to reflection and development, a dedication to service and community, and purpose-driven leadership, Taylor continues to make a lasting impact on both students and staff.