BLaST Staff Jennifer Lu Recognized for her Dedication to Students

By Amy Topkok

Jennifer Lu, University of Alaska, Fairbanks BLaST Program Coordinator was awarded the Staff Make Students Count Award, as one of four outstanding staff members recognized across the University of Alaska (UA) statewide system. An award ceremony was held at the June 6 UA Board of Regents meeting at the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. The Staff Make Students Count Awards were established in 1999 to recognize outstanding service to UA students.

One testimony shared highlights about Lu’s strong work ethic as well as her dedication to students: “The BLaST program is all about student support, and students have numerous formal opportunities to receive mentoring and support from the BLaST staff and faculty. But Jen tends to be the first stop for many students. She is a smiling face in the main office, with an always-full candy dish – the perfect place to drop in when you are between classes and need a “lift.”

“On the formal side, Jen sends out all the announcements and deadlines for the BLaST Program. She helps students track their completion of requirements, she makes appointments for them, and she identifies proper resources for students. But the reason I support her for this award is that she goes far beyond her job requirements by establishing supportive relationships with our BLaST Scholars and our Undergraduate Research Students.

Her care and concern for each student is evident when you see her interact with students. She knows who to gently josh into a laugh, who to pat on the back, and who needs an opportunity for a serious conversation.”

Read more about Lu and the other outstanding staff in this article from the University of Alaska News Center.

Pictured from left to right: University of Alaska President James Johnsen, BLaST Program Coordinator Jennifer Lu, and Chancellor White

June 6, 2019, at UA Board of Regents Make Students Count Awards, Fairbanks, Alaska

Photo Credit: Monique Musick