U-M Industrial and Operations Engineering undergraduate program advisor has been awarded the Outstanding Advisor Award from the Advising Council at the University of Michigan. The award, established in 2002, recognizes staff for outstanding academic advising.
Leonora Lucaj, U-M Industrial and Operations Engineering undergraduate program advisor has been awarded the Outstanding Advisor Award from the Advising Council at the University of Michigan (ACUM). The award, established in 2002, recognizes staff for outstanding academic advising.
“As a trained social worker, I advise with a strengths-based perspective, and being a constant support for my students academically and personally is extremely fulfilling,” said Lucaj. “I feel so grateful to have received this award and knowing it came through student nominations is incredibly special.”
This year the selection team received around 950 nominations, with two advisors winning the award. Lucaj’s nominations spoke to her technical knowledge of Michigan Engineering requirements and U-M resources, her support for students’ academic and personal well-being, her commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming campus, and her willingness to challenge students to articulate and achieve their goals.
“Leonora knows me on a first-name basis and is willing to talk about our personal lives,” wrote Nick Tran, U-M IOE recent graduate. “I am not just a client, but a real person with a life outside of school.”
Lucaj has worked for U-M IOE as an undergraduate program advisor for two years. Previously she worked at the U-M Engineering Advising Center (EAC) as an academic advisor where she helped develop the 1st Gen Engin program for first-generation college students. She is also an active member of U-M Women in Student Affairs (WISA).
The other awardee is Jordan Long of the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.