The Rammy's Awards
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The Commons Employee of the Year Award The Benjamin R. Bundens, Jr.

The Commons Employee of the Year Award is given to a student employee who has given exemplary service during the academic year. The recipient of this award demonstrates a unique combination of qualities and commitments for which Benjamin is remembered for, such as supporting their peers through leadership and mentoring, embodying the mission and values of USC&A, and displaying positive energy in the workplace. This award was named after its first recipient and was established on April 29, 1990. Benjamin R. Bundens, Jr. began working at The Commons in 1985 as a Facility Assistant. In the summer of 1986, he was selected and accepted the position of Assistant Student Manager and was later promoted to Student Manager. Bundens graduated in May 1987 with his Bachelor's degree, then returned the following year as a Student Manager and continued in this capacity while completing his Master's degree.

Buffy Davis USC&A Continued Dedicated Service Award

The Buffy Davis Continued Dedicated Service Award is presented to a student employee who has worked with The Commons for at least two years and has gone above and beyond in their duties. The recipient of this award demonstrates a unique combination of qualities and commitments for which Buffy is remembered for, such as concern for others, involvement in multiple units within the department, and exemplary character or role modeling. This award is named for Buffy Davis who worked for The Commons from 1987 through 1994. Buffy demonstrated many of the qualities listed above during her tenure as a Recordkeeping Assistant, Information Desk Supervisor, Student Manager, and supervisor of the Break Point Games Room.

John H. Leppo The Commons Student Manager of the Year Award

The John H. Leppo Student Manager of the Year Award recognizes a Student Manager who demonstrates the principles John instilled in those he trained while working in The Commons. . The recipient of this award demonstrates quality leadership skills and exceptional initiative, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. The recipient looks for opportunities to empower, encourage, and develop their peers to better serve The Commons and the VCU community. The Student Manager of the Year award is in honor of Mr. John Leppo. John worked as the Associate Director for over a decade. John worked closely with the Student Managers and always strived to develop their management skills to the fullest.

The Commons Outstanding Graduate Student Award

The Outstanding Graduate Student award recognizes the contributions of a graduate or professional student who demonstrates excellence in their work in The Commons. The winner of this award consistently exceeds expectations, is creative in their work, and demonstrates leadership as a student employee. This graduate student has demonstrated attention to broader impacts and involvement in activities outside of academic responsibilities that benefit the department. This person actively engages with other student workers and offers support both in and outside of their functional area.

The Commons Best New Employee Award

This award is presented to a student employee who began working for the USC&A department for the first time during the current academic year. This employee has gone above and beyond what was expected of them, fulfills all required duties in a professional manner, contributes to the proficiency of the department as well as encompasses all of the values expected of USC&A employees.

The Commons Customer Service Award

The Commons Customer Service Award acknowledges a student employee who has established and maintained positive and effective working relationships with students, staff, faculty and visitors of The Commons. This staff member is dedicated to improving customer satisfaction, is friendly and helpful, exceeds expectations and reacts appropriately to resolve conflicts and challenges.

The Commons Programmer of the Year Award

The commons Programmer of the Year Award recognizes a student employee who has gone above and beyond in the area of program development and execution. Consideration is given, but not limited, to students who have displayed creativity and innovation, collaboration across organizations and departments, team leadership in planning and preparation, timeliness of diverse or educational aspects, and the impact made on the campus community.