Rory Murphy, Graduate Program Assistant in our Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, was chosen by the Graduate School to receive their first annual Graduate Program Assistant (GPA) Service Award. Julia Carlson (Director, Graduate Education Services) said the committee decision was unanimous.

The Graduate School GPA recognition committee established the service award to pay tribute to the critical role GPAs play within graduate programs throughout the University. The award honors a staff member who does an outstanding job serving his or her particular graduate program.

To be considered for the award, the GPA must be an effective liaison between the graduate program and the Graduate School, a proactive advisor for students regarding their graduate studies and Graduate School policy and processes, and a proactive advisor for the Graduate Program Coordinators and Chairs regarding Graduate School policy and processes.

The award will be presented at the Graduate School's award event on June 18th, along with two other GPA awards: a Graduate & Professional Student Senate (GPSS) sponsored award, and a Graduate School staff nominated award.