The College of Communication and Information Sciences (C&IS) is celebrating another milestone as the Tisch Student Services and Engagement Team, alongside the C&IS Ambassadors, was recently recognized with some of the University’s most prestigious honors. At the EXEMPLO Awards, UA’s Office of Student Life’s highest recognition for service, leadership and engagement, the Tisch team and their student leaders proved exactly why C&IS is known for student support and community building.
The joint ceremony is a space that celebrates the work done by students and campus groups in the name of leadership and community service, both locally and beyond.
The C&IS Ambassadors, led by Lexi McMahon, took center stage by securing two of the most coveted organizational awards on campus. The group was first named the Outstanding Academic Organization, a testament to their integration of student leadership within the College. The momentum continued as they were awarded the David L. Phelps Organization of the Year, the University’s honor for student organizations. These awards highlight the work the ambassadors do to represent the College, mentor their peers and foster a welcoming environment for prospective and current students.
“You don’t get that thank you every day, and you don’t necessarily see the reward every single day,” said McMahon, who serves as the coordinator of recruitment and outreach. “These trophies and this acknowledgement are such a powerful thank you and appreciation of what we were able to do all together as a team.”
The excellence extended to the professional staff as well, with the Tisch Student Services and Engagement Team selected to receive the Sam S. May Commitment to Service Award. This award recognizes departments across the University that demonstrate innovation, creativity and a commitment to customer and community service. In an environment as fast-paced as C&IS’s, the Tisch team has distinguished itself by treating every interaction as an opportunity to move a student closer to their goals.
The impact of the Tisch team is reflected in the sheer scale and quality of their work. Facilitating more than 7,500 student meetings each year, the team serves as a vital part of C&IS. Beyond traditional advising, they also have initiatives like the First-Generation Student Program, which provides a roadmap for students navigating the university experience for the first time, and Industry Immersion, which connects students to UA alumni and real-world professional success.
“We know our students are giving their all and doing their best, so our team is like we’re going to give our all in doing our best,” said McMahon. “So, I just think that that creates this awesome environment and energy and excitement.”
By prioritizing both the importance of academic merit and personal connection, the Tisch team leads the way in helping students thrive in and out of the classroom. Their collective hard work ensures that C&IS is more than just a college; it is a community where students feel at home.