Award Recipients
Congratulations to the 2025 Winners!
Learn more about these awards here.
Tribute Award
 Noah Simon
University of Albany
With 25 years’ experience providing career services in both academic and private sectors, Noah Simon currently serves as the Director of Career and Professional Development at the University at Albany. In this role he manages and oversees the office that provides the full gamut of career development services to undergraduate, graduate and alumni; serves as a University Faculty Expert to promote the activities of the Career and Professional Development office; maintains and cultivates relationships with employers and alumni to enhance opportunities for current and former students.
Prior to joining the University in late 2006, he spent seven years in the private sector providing career development and transition services to exiting employees, as well as the working spouses and partners of career transitioning employees from such firms as Microsoft, Amazon, Marathon Oil, Procter & Gamble and JP Morgan Chase.
He has had the privilege of serving as the President of the Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers (EACE) as well as serving in multiple roles on their Board of Directors and numerous committees within the organization. Additionally, he has served on the Board of Directors for the SUNY Career Development Organization (SUNYCDO).
Outstanding Member Award 1
 Crystal Murillo
Montclair State University
Crystal Murillo is a career services professional with 19 years of experience in higher education. At Montclair State University, she guides underrepresented students through academic planning, financial aid, and career coaching in pursuit of health professions. Crystal co-chairs the Technology Committee for the Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers (EACE). She holds a BA in Government and Politics and an MBA in Executive Management from St. John’s University. Outside of work, Crystal enjoys family time with her husband, two young children and family dog, hiking, and organizing community events.
Throughout her career, Jennifer Friary embodies the transformative influence of mentorship, collaboration, and continuous learning. Her steadfast dedication to empowering individuals to achieve their full potential serves as a guiding light for aspiring professionals.
Rising Star Award
 Alicia Rivers
Suffolk University
- Alicia (McCormick) Rivers is the Senior Assistant Director of the STEM & Sustainability Career Community for the Center for Career Equity, Development, & Success at Suffolk University in Boston. In her role, she serves as an advisor to undergraduate and graduate students interested in STEM careers, builds relationships with employers, alumni, and faculty, and coordinates engaging events and career fairs. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Boston College and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University. Alicia has been a proud member of the EACE community for the past 3 years. She currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Mentoring Sub-Committee along with Colby Sim from Boston University.
Excellence in Program Development & Innovation Award I
 Aaliyah Ford
Next Wave: A Career Cohort Empowering Future Leaders
Le Moyne College
As a Social Worker, I am passionate about developing and leading initiatives that empower individuals and communities. With experience spanning family welfare, healthcare, criminal justice, and higher education, I specialize in designing and managing programs that address complex social issues and provide equitable access to resources and opportunities. My expertise includes program development, trauma-informed care, risk assessment, case management, advocacy, and data-driven decision-making. I am committed to fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive initiatives that support individuals navigating challenging circumstances. As a strong advocate for social justice and systemic change, I am eager to collaborate with professionals across industries to drive meaningful impact.
Additional Team Members:
Nicole Adams, Associate Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Le Moyne College
Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion Award
UConn Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills
The Intersections of Identity & Career Development, a Longitudinal Study
The UConn Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills is committed to providing equitable and inclusive career services. As career services providers, we know that students' identities have a significant impact on their career development and decision-making, but we don't always know what exactly that impact looks like. We completed a longitudinal study between the years of 2021-2024 to collect information about the specific ways students' identities are impacting their career development so we can better serve them both individually and collectively.
Past Year Award Recipients:
Innovation & Leadership Awards
These awards are designed to honor innovation and contributions to our field, as well as, recognize leadership and best practices in the industries of HR/recruiting and career services.
Distinguished Leadership Award
This award honors outstanding and lasting contributions of such magnitude and quality to both EACE and the advancement of the field at-large as to merit public recognition and acclaim.
- 2017: Dr. Alicia Monroe, Rowan University
- 2013: Marianne Tramelli, Columbia University
- 2012: Helen Brown, Vector Marketing
- 2011: Donna Cassell Ratcliffe, Virginia Tech
- 2010: Tom Tarantelli, Rennselear Polytechnic Institute
- 2003:
- Patricia J. Carretta, George Mason University
- Amy Feifer, Haverford/Bryn Mawr
- Janet Jones, Rutgers University
- Sam Ratcliffe, Virginia Military Institute
- 2001:
- Sam Hall, Howard University
- Eric Schlesinger, The World Bank
- 1998: Carol Dedrick, National Starch and Chemical
Innovation in Assessment
This award honors outstanding models and/or best practices in programs and/or operational assessment processes.
- 2019: Joanne Ott, Assitant Director, Drexel University Steinbright Career Development Center
- 2018: University of Connecticut Center for Career Development
- 2015: Mansoor Khan and Michelle Kyriakides, St. John's University
- 2014: Leslie Stevenson & Megan Wallace, University of Richmond
Innovation in Program Development
This award honors outstanding program development in recruiting or career services that can serve as a model program for others in the field to replicate.
- 2024: Trish Shafer, Erin Obetz, Danielle Fichter, Kailey Ryan, Lisa Hansinger, Scott Rappaport, St. Joseph's University
- 2023: Erica Ely, Kevin Kenneally, Olivia Rosenburg, Lizzy Solovey, University of Maryland College Park; Michael Dunn, Meghan Druzgala, Julianne Petrilla, St Mary's College of Maryland
- 2022: Nancy Bilmes, University of Connecticut
- 2021: Cheryl Finlay, University of Pittsburgh
- 2020: Robbin Beauchamp, Wentworth Institute of Technology
- 2019:
- University Career Center, Experiential Learning Unit, University of Maryland - College Park
- Sabeen Sherikh, Darlene Johynson, and Liz Sposato, Hofstra University
- 2017: Scott Dranka, Nicole Gauthier, Sherry Gomez, Michael Hill & Laurie Wrona, Springfield College
- 2016: Courtney Hine, Nikki Sandoval, Francine Blume, Darren Cox, Rachel Shannon, Ann Martin, Rena Joseph, Rhoda Smackum, Cathy Francois, Brandi Malone, Kaitlin O'Connor, Harriett Hayes-Hubbard, University of Maryland University College
- 2015:
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Karin Asher, Allie Zalar, Alyson Kavalukas, & Alyssa Camerota, University of Pittsburgh
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Bill McCarthy, Binghamton University
- 2014: Jeanette Doyle, Springfield College
Innovation in Diversity & Inclusion
This award honors those who have made outstanding contributions and demonstrated innovation in the field of minority affairs and special populations.
- 2023: Monique Sample, VCU Career Services
- 2022: Lisa Famularo & Tara Malone, University of Connecticut & George Mason University Career Services
- 2021: Lisa Famularo, University of Connecticut
- 2020: Amanda Machonis, Phyllis Schoen, Lynn Hewitt, and Cherie Fishbaugh, Career Development Center and Dub-C Autism Program at West Chester University
- 2019: Lisa McGuire, Assistant Director, Corp. Partner Relations, University of Connecticut
- 2018: Sharon Mickens, Devin Bristol, Anastasia Lopez, Jocelyn Gaydos, Karin Asher, & Megan Zimmerman, Kristen Manchor, University of Pittsburgh
- 2017: Kimberly Dixon, Stony Brook University
- 2016:
- Nancy Bilmes & Jim Lowe, University of Connecticut
- Anna Young, Leslie Stevenson, Tina Cade & Ted Lewis, University of Richmond
- 2015: Stephanie Angellotto, Kory Collins, Amy Todd, Karen Fox, Kurt Styers, Eunice Cardenas & Rebecca Taylor, Vanguard
- 2004: Monster.com & Raytheon
- 2002: Leslie Williams, University of Virginia
- 2001: Dan Ryan, University of Buffalo
- 2000: Vicki Lynn, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- 1998: Patricia Smith, Millersville University
Innovation in Technology
- 2024: Trish Shafer, Erin Obetz, Danielle Fichter, Kailey Ryan, Lisa Hansinger, Scott Rappaport, St. Joseph's University
- 2022: Jessamyn Perlus, Ph.D and Team, Cornell University
Innovation in Crisis Leadership (2021 only)
- Small School: Amy Feifer, Haverford College
- Large School: Graduate Support Task Force, University of Pittsburgh
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EACE Service Awards
These awards are designed to recognize outstanding member service and involvement with our Association.
Tribute Award
Recognizes members who have consistently contributed to EACE through service and participation on committees, presentations, and conferences. The recipients of this award have had at least 6 years of involvement within the organization.
- 2024: Kate Juhl, University of Maryland-College Park; Jennifer Rossi Long, West Chester University
- 2023: Amy Feifer, Haverford College; Donna Cassell Ratcliffe, Virginia Tech
- 2022: Shannon Conklin, The College of New Jersey
- 2021: Dr. Alicia Monroe, Rowan University
- 2020: Scott Rappaport, Associate Director of Career Development, Saint Joseph's University
- 2019: Jennifer Barr, Associate Director & Pre-Law Advisor, Haverford College
- 2018: Dr. Sam Ratcliffe, Director, Career Services, Military Institute
- 2017: Robbin Beauchamp, Wentworth Institute of Technology
- 2015: 2011: Claire Benton, Cornell University
- Gerald Tang, Baruch College
- Stacy McClelland, Enterprise Holdings
- 2009:2008: Walter Tarver III, Stockton University
- Kimberly Joy Dixon, Stony Brook University - SUNY
- Rachel Yudell, Temple University
- 2007: Matthew Brink, St. Joseph's University
- 2006:
- Karen Polyniak, Stevens Institute of Technology
- Lori DelGuidice, Rutgers University
Outstanding Member
Recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions through their involvement in EACE with a membership of at least 3 years or greater.
- 2024: Jennifer Friary, Iona University; Jodi Schneiderman, Georgetown University
- 2023: Tracey Hanton, University of Purdue Fort Wayne; Whitney Kerr Lincoln, University of Pennsylvania
- 2022: Phil Wilkerson III, George Mason University
- 2021: Cheresa Fewell, St. John's University
- 2020: Gerald Tang, Associate Director, Operations and Marketing, Starr Career Development Center at Baruch College
- 2019:
- Dorothy Hayden, Industry Advisor for Engineering Careers for University Career Services, George Mason University
- Laurent Troland, Assitant Director, Bridgewater State University
- 2018: Kate Juhl, Program Director, College of Arts & Humanities, University of Maryland College Park
- 2017: Christine Cervelli, New Jersey Institute of Technology
- 2016: Jennifer Barr, Haverford College
- 2015: Tracey Cantabene, Stevenson University
- 2014: Tammy Samuels, Duke University
- 2013: Ayanna Wilcher, KPMG
- 2012:
- Ray Ruiz, KPMG
- Sharitta Gross, Rochester Institute of Technology
- 2011:
- Jennifer Broyles, Rutgers University
- Amy McPherson, Virginia Tech
- 2009:
- Christy Hanson, Messiah College
- Sharon M. Powers, Bryn Mawr/Haverford College
- 2008: Helen Brown, Vector Marketing
- 2007:
- Lori DelGuidice, Honeywell International
- Terri Moore, Time Warner Cable
- 2006: Angella Griffin, George Washington University
- 2005: Camille Franklin, American University
- 2004: Monica Ko
- 2003:
- Adrienne C. Alberts, Johns Hopkins University
- Fayth N. Litke, Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- 2002: Michael Sciola, Wesleyan University
Outstanding Employer Partnership Award
- 2024: Alyssa Ayala, Enterprise Mobility
Outstanding New Member/Rising Star
Recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions through their involvement in EACE within the first 3 years of membership.
- 2024: Samara Reynolds, Virginia Commonwealth University
- 2023: Ana Lobaton, George Mason University
- 2022: Narali Taglialavore, Suffolk University
- 2021: Kayla Lauricella, Fordham University
- 2020: Marisol Rosado-Perez, Career Counselor and Academic Coach, Widener University
- 2019:
- Tracey Hanton, CPRW, Career Connections Specialist, Community College of Philadelphia
- Mia Wittels, M.S.Ed, Assistant Director, Industry Advising, Villanova University
- 2018: Steve Savitsky, Career Advisor, Center for Career Development, Curry College
- 2017: Stefano Verdesoto, Hofstra University
- 2016: Scott Mannion, Babson College
- 2015: Katie Vagen, Bridgewater State University
- 2014:
- Christine Falcone, St. Joseph's University
- Sara Jaques, Stevenson University
- 2011: Gerald Tang, Columbia University
- 2009:
- Jennifer Rossi, Saint Joseph's University
- Stacey H. Brown, University of Maryland, College Park
- 2008: Jennifer Wickersham, Villanova University
- 2007: Effie Parpos, Babson College
- 2006: Scott Rappaport, Widener University
- 2005: Nathan Elton, Villanova University
- 2004: Trisha Crowe, University of Pittsburgh
- 2003: Kara Heisey, Duke University
- 2002:
- Terri Moore, University of Virginia
- Laura Watts, Rochester Institute of Technology
- 2001:
- Craig Single, JobDirect.com
- Michelle Watson, Lehigh University
- 2000:
- Adrienne C. Alberts, University of Virginia
- Peter Pristic, EDS
- 1998: Grace Figueredo, CVS Pharmacy
Presidential Citations
The President presents these citations to members who have provided outstanding service to EACE during the past year. (Past 2 years.)
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2023:
Mallory Powell
Ali Joyce
Kristin Eicholtz
Sonya Lawyer
Maureen Brown
Kate Juhl
Anna Berglowe-Lynch
Casey Hilferty
Whitney Kerr
Joe Santacroce
Shannon Zelek
Jill Milon
Cathy Cosgrove
Diana Mendez
Narali Taglialavore
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2022:
Mary Alice Barrows
Maureen Brown
Leigh-Anne Cobb
Kristin Eicholz
Cheresa Fewell
Jermaine Harris
Ali Joyce
Kate Juhl
Kayla Lauricella
Jen Rossi Long
Chris Miciek
Jenny Nesenjuk
Mallory Powell
Joe Santacroce
Narali Taglialavore
Laurent Troland
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Outstanding Service Award (discontinued): 2013: Jill Milion, Consultant; 2011: Cailin Pachter, Muhlenberg College; 2010: Walter Tarver, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Distinguished Service Award (discontinued): 2013: Marianne Tramelli, Teachers College Columbia University; 2012: Helen Brown, Vector Marketing; 2010: Tom Tarantelli, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
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