April 4, 2025
For Immediate Release
NODA Region VII Award Winners Announced
In service to NODA’s mission of creating an accessible community which enhances and elevates orientation, transition, and retention practices in higher education, the Association is pleased to announce the NODA Regional Award winners for Region VII. One of nine regions, Region VII comprises the following states: Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario. The 2025 Region VII award winners were announced during the NODA Regional Conference last weekend in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Winners from Region VII will automatically advance for consideration in NODA’s annual awards process. Annual award winners will be announced at the NODA Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA, 24-27, 2025.
Innovative Program Award
The Innovative Program Award recognizes a program or unique approach to a challenging situation or a specific campus need. This award seeks to recognize innovative and effective approaches in three categories with awards for Innovation in Orientation, Innovation in Transition, and Innovation in Retention. It is the opportunity to highlight good administrative practices that meet the changing needs of an institution and its students. These innovative programs help generate new knowledge and best practices within the field of orientation, transition, and retention.
The 2025 Region VII Innovation in Orientation Programs Award is presented to Michigan State University for their The Orientation App & Competition.
Outstanding Orientation, Transition, and Retention New Professional Award
The Outstanding Professional Award recognizes outstanding contributions of a professional to the field of orientation, transition, and retention. Contributions should include development or enhancement of a model orientation, transition, or retention program that meets the varied needs of students; leadership within NODA; and/or other significant contributions to the field. Recipients must have five or more years of professional experience in higher education.
The 2025 Region VII Outstanding New Professional Award is presented to Gabe Kasper from Saginaw Valley State University.
Outstanding Student Leadership Award
The Outstanding Student Leadership Award is designed to give special recognition to students for their creativity, energy, enthusiasm, and outstanding abilities, which are the backbone of any successful campus programs. This award may recognize undergraduate students leaders from two-year and four-year institutions as well as graduate students leaders.
The 2025 Region VII Outstanding Student Leader from a four-year institution is Cordelia Rutter from Michigan State University.
To learn more about NODA membership and programs, visit www.nodaweb.org or reach out to noda@umn.edu.
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For questions or comment, please contact Joyce Holl, NODA Executive Director, holl@umn.edu.