STAR Program Recipients Spring 2022

Spring 2022

These are the recipients of the Staff Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Program for the Spring 2022. In addition to being recognized at our Law School staff luncheon, recipients will receive $2,000 and a crystal STAR award as a signal of the school’s appreciation.

Jennifer Berger 

Office Manager
Development and Alumni Relations

Jen Berger is a cornerstone of the Development and Alumni Relations office and the conduit for its many relationships across the Law School and wider university.  She is often the first point of contact between Development and Alumni and members of the CLS community, and there could not be a better person for the job.  Her commitment, organization, and vast institutional knowledge help set a tone of competency that permeates through every aspect of her work.  During the shutdown, Jen's ability to adapt and think on her feet was vital to the continued success of her department.  She created and maintained an office calendaring system and even developed onboarding materials for colleagues joining the Law School during that time. Jen's dedication extends beyond the bounds of her day-to-day responsibilities. She also organizes and leads meetings for newly created Naming and Symbols Working Group at the Law School, which consists of six faculty members, seven alumni and friends, and four students.  She has more than earned the honor of being a Columbia Law School STAR, and our community is lucky to have her.  

Jill Casal

Executive Director
Office of Graduate Degree Programs

Jill Casal embodies every single quality of a Columbia STAR. It can be hard to innovate or believe change is even possible once you’ve been working in a system for years, but not for Jill! This year, she restructured our admissions review process, created a reviewer’s rubric to help standardize review and eliminate bias, and facilitated every committee meeting. Additionally, she created a financial aid budgetary process and individually reviewed each aid decision. Due to Jill’s organization, we sent admission and financial aid decisions earlier than we have in any prior year!

Jill has made collaborating and working across offices into an art. She is always happy to share her institutional knowledge with her colleagues, and her citizenship is a model for all of us that work with her. Jill is more than deserving of recognition for her leadership and dedication to Columbia Law School. 

Jose Maisonet

Office Assistant
Information Center

Jose approaches every day with a positive attitude. Whether he is replenishing the pantries, servicing the coffee machines, or picking up and delivering the mail, you will always be greeted with a bright smile. Having one of the few roles at the Law School that requires daily interaction across departments, there is no problem, too big or too small, that he isn’t willing to assist with in the most enthusiastic manner. If by chance, he is unable to help or does not know the answer, he will direct you to someone who can. Jose’s demeanor is always focused, grounded, and pleasant.  He holds his role and the School in high regard, and is committed to providing excellent service to all faculty and staff. Jose is a valuable member of the Law School, and is well-deserving of a STAR award.