STAR Program Recipients Summer 2018
The STAR Program offers Columbia Law School administrative staff a way to acknowledge and express appreciation for co-workers who make a difference in their everyday work life.
Pictured below: STAR Award recipients with Dean Lester (Left to Right) Brian Juergens, Dean Gillian Lester, Jeffrey Bagares, and Lou Santiago. Samantha Wool not pictured here.
Summer 2018
These are the recipients of the Staff Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Program for the Summer 2018. 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.
Jeffrey Bagares
Manager, Student Organizations
Student Services
Jeffrey is recognized for going above and beyond in providing outstanding service to students, faculty, and fellow administrators. His boundless enthusiasm and positive energy, combined with his dependability and ready willingness to help, make him a model administrator and valued colleague. One nominator stated that Jeffrey not only inspires his colleagues, but he also “respects, contributes to the success of others, and makes a difference in our everyday work life.” Everyone knows him as "fierce and fabulous," and this award acknowledges Jeffrey’s meaningful contributions to the entire Law School community.
Brian Juergens
Director of Operations
Student Affairs Administration
Brian is recognized for kindness, operational expertise, and dedication to the Law School community. Instrumental in ensuring that all of the Law School’s student-facing offices are well coordinated and operating smoothly, Brian previously lent his considerable talents to SJI where, in addition to managing the department, he encouraged many of our students in their academic and career endeavors. Brian has distinguished himself as a role model for our community. Brian’s nominators state that he “is a magnificent colleague in every way. He has a strong work ethic, is even tempered in the face of any adversity, and manages to be both highly professional and warm-hearted.”
Lou Santiago
Assistant Director of Building Services
Building Services
Lou is recognized for the unwavering support and dedicated service he provides to the Law School community each day. With unparalleled institutional knowledge, Lou knows how to solve nearly every problem he encounters. He never says “no,” even when faced with a particularly frustrating challenge. Lou is the consummate professional and his proactive approach, eagerness to assist, and positive attitude enrich us all.
Samantha Wool
Associate Director, Annual Giving
Development and Alumni Relations
Samantha is recognized for her positive energy, compassion, and initiative. She has shown remarkable commitment and leadership during a time in which her office was without a supervisor and two of her colleagues were on maternity leave. Despite this, Samantha took on additional work, including leading a complex and sensitive project, all while staying on top of her core duties. She also went the extra mile in recruiting and supporting alumni volunteers to fundraise from their peers. The high quality of Samantha’s work, her collaborative spirit, and her willingness to step in when needed earned praise from her recommenders.