Office of the Vice Provost for Student Life Recognizes Inspiring Leaps Winners

The Office of the Vice Provost for Student Life has recognized six outstanding individuals as winners of the Inspiring Leaps: Student Life Staff Awards. 

Watch what our awardees and their nominators have to say in the following video:  

The Inspiring Leaps: Student Life Staff Awards are a Student Life employee award program that recognizes outstanding contributions and excellence in the areas of Steps to Leaps, inclusion, and organizational and operational excellence. All regular Student Life employees, including Business Office, Human Resources and Information Technology, are eligible. Awards are bestowed three times annually. One management/professional staff member and one service/support staff member are honored during each award period.  

Staff and students are encouraged to nominate outstanding staff members for future awards. Learn more about the Inspiring Leaps: Student Life Staff Awards and how to nominate here. 

Read on for more information on award winners.  

Kyle Kittleson 

Kittleson serves as the associate director of operations and clinical services director for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). He supervises administrative tasks and maintains access to mental health services. He continuously monitors the schedules of staff and supports clinicians to ensure students receive the care they are seeking. Kittleson also serves as a liaison to other areas of campus, such as the LGBTQ Center.  

“Kyle keeps a team of up to 48 people able to provide support and care for students,” wrote his nominator. “When the computer systems fail (and they have), he is able to make sure the team has access to information and support so we can continue to provide care. He has made sure staff have copies of schedules to make sure students still get their appointments. Kyle stays late for support when students come in for crisis care and provides empathetic care for the student and the clinicians working with the student.”  

Carmen Williams 

Williams serves as the senior administrative assistant for Purdue Recreation & Wellness (RecWell) Wellness Programs. In her role, she also provides assistance for the ACE Campus Food Pantry pop-up location in the France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center food pantry, Demonstration Kitchen and with massage therapy. She is praised for going above and beyond to make sure students are healthy mentally and physically.  

“Carmen is the most selfless person I know,” wrote her nominator. “She is always taking care not only of the patrons but the staff. She is always making sure everyone is all right, asking about their daily life and checking up with them.”  

Coree Burton 

Burton serves as the community education and engagement assistant for University Residences. In his role, he catalyzes student connections through trips, initiatives and programs and has built important connections between staff and students in University Residences and Purdue’s cultural centers. He also has served as a chaperone on  Executive in Residence spring break trips.  

“Coree embodies the values and behaviors of a servant leader,” wrote Burton’s nominator. “There is rarely a day that goes by in which Coree is not meeting to support or coach a student. His care and understanding for students and their development go well beyond the threshold of normal humans. Where others would give up or move on, Coree perseveres and continues to believe in the best in people.”  

Jeff Guingrich 

Guingrich has served Purdue Recreation & Wellness (RecWell) for over 20 years and is currently the indoor maintenance supervisor for RecWell. He oversees a team of maintenance staff and provides innovative challenges that go beyond routine emergency and preventative maintenance. He has gone above and beyond in his service to RecWell on numerous occasions, such as painting and installing new graphics in a new weight room, resurfacing pickleball courts and helping vendors install flooring to keep work on schedule.   

“Jeff’s remarkable ability to address challenges with creativity and dedication, his leadership and his commitment to operational excellence are deeply appreciated,” wrote his nominator. “His contributions extend far beyond general maintenance, making a significant impact on the CoRec and RecWell users.”  

Andrew Goodwin 

Goodwin has been part of the University Residences team for approximately 10 years and currently serves as the associate director of logistics. His responsibilities include managing the logistics of moving student furniture between buildings. His work was critical in helping University Residences house a record-setting fall class in 2024. After fall move-in, he helped lead a “furniture hotline” to address concerns from students and parents, providing excellent customer service to resolve any problems quickly.  

“Andy is incredibly motivated but humble at the same time, always putting others before himself,” wrote his nominator. “In addition, his willingness to step in and adapt at a moment’s notice speaks to his dedication and flexibility. Whether it’s taking on unexpected tasks or tackling complex problems, Andy approaches every challenge with a thoughtful, thorough mindset, ensuring that every decision is well-considered.”  

Lilian Guzman 

Guzman serves as a production supervisor for Purdue Dining & Culinary (PD&C) in Wiley Dining Court. In this position, she is responsible for overseeing all production, training and development of full-time staff and assists in the planning of special events. One special area of impact made by Guzman was on Wiley’s holiday dessert buffet, for which she planned/forecasted, ordered, decorated and served all items with the dining court staff. She also helped with recipe development for the new, popular La Fonda station in the dining court. 

“Lilian’s never-ending positivity and work ethic are contagious at every level at Wiley Dining Court, which has spread to all levels of PD&C,” wrote her nominator. “She works endlessly to make sure Wiley is successful and students are happy. Lilian has a strong desire to learn and understand the picture, leading her to take on additional responsibilities above those of her current role.”  

Written by: Matthew Vader, Writer, Student Life Marketing