November/December 2024 Team Leader of the Month: Eric Mejia, Santiago Canyon College
From Adam McManamy, Veteran Services Coordinator, Santiago Canyon College: “For a newer PAVE campus trying to establish a presence among the student veteran community, having a USMC Retired MSgt who both quietly demands an undeniable respect from his peers at the same time as setting clear, defined standards for the community with a foundation of empathy. […]
October 2024 Team Leader of the Month: Shane Berkholz, University of Michigan – Flint
From Helen Budd, Veteran Services Coordinator, University of Michigan – Flint: “Shane volunteered to become a PAVE Team Leader immediately following the Giving Blueday campaign this year. He is very outgoing with students and relates really well to all students and staff alike. His impressive leadership skills are already making an impact with his advisees and […]
September 2024 Team Leader of the Month: Carissa Bennett, Wayne State University
From Dante Strother, Veteran Services Coordinator, Wayne State University: “Carissa is a difference maker in our Student Veterans Resource Center. She never hesitates to provide fellow student veterans with support whenever she notices they enter our doors — even if that means just giving them a smile along with friendly conversation. Carissa is deeply invested in […]
April 2024 Team Leader of the Month: Merlin Solares, California State University, Fullerton
From Alex Ortega, Assistant Director of Veterans Services, California State University, Fullerton: “Merlin Solares exemplifies outstanding leadership qualities in her role as a Team Leader for the CSUF PAVE team. She has strong leadership and communication skills, and the ongoing ability to make decisions that are best for her Peer Advisors and veterans within PAVE. Merlin […]
March 2024 Team Leader of the Month: LaQuaysha Rockette, Johnson County Community College
From Gerardo Ruiz, Veteran Services Coordinator, Johnson County Community College: “Over the past year and a half, LaQuaysha has seamlessly assumed the role of Team Leader, becoming an indispensable cornerstone of our PAVE team. Her dedication and initiative shine through in every aspect of her work, from meticulously inputting students’ information into the PAVE portal system […]
February 2024 Team Leader of the Month: Tasha Martin, University of Washington – Tacoma
From Kaily White, Team Leader, University of Washington – Tacoma: “Tasha Martin has dedicated her already busy schedule as a student, mother, and employee to growing the PAVE program here at the University of Washington – Tacoma campus. She is constantly reaching out to the off-campus community to bring in resources and support to our […]
January 2024 Team Leader of the Month: Kelly Williams, Central Oregon Community College
From Levon Alldredge, Veterans Outreach Coordinator, Central Oregon Community College: “Kelly is an amazing support for both students and staff! He is very deserving of recognition for his contributions to our program.” From Kelly Williams: “[My favorite part of being a Team Leader is] the day to day interactions with my fellow student veterans regardless of age, […]
November + December 2023 Team Leader of the Month: Mark Saxiones, University of Texas at Dallas
From Richard Simon, Assistant Director of the Military and Veteran Center, University of Texas at Dallas: “Mr. Saxiones has exemplified what a team leader is. His devotion to being a Peer Advisor has reached the eyes and ears of all active military, veterans, and dependents here at the University of Texas at Dallas. His selfless acts […]
October 2023 Team Leader of the Month: Kesha Westbrooks, University of Nevada – Las Vegas
From Dwayne Gordon, Associate Director of Veteran Outreach, University of Nevada – Las Vegas: “Kesha is an outstanding Team Leader because of her passion for helping student veterans, her involvement in university & community organizations, and her dedication to the team. Her presentation about the PAVE program to her social work peers was instrumental in our […]
September 2023 Team Leader of the Month: Clay Webster, Central Oregon Community College
From Bonnie Jordan, Veterans Program Coordinator, Central Oregon Community College: “Clay exemplifies leadership and dedication in all that he does and he has carried these strengths into his role as a PAVE Team Leader and Advisor. Here are just a few of the highlights of his work during his time at COCC: Helped visualize and implement […]