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Coworkers describe Paige Smith, admissions event program manager, as sunshine in human form. She is a natural leader and works hard to create events that are enjoyable, accessible and inclusive.

Smith first began her position as the admissions event program manager in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. She worked to convert ����ԭ��’s undergraduate admissions events to virtual events within two weeks of the university’s decision to pause all in-person events.

“Paige’s organizational skills shined while she set up the equipment and schedules,” said Mary Zurawka, administrative specialist in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. “These efforts demonstrated to potential families that ����ԭ�� cared and connected.”

Smith also started ����ԭ��’s Inclusive Excellence Series, which presents talks on a variety of topics, such as navigating a predominantly white institution, being LGBTQA at ����ԭ�� and navigating STEM fields for disabled and diverse students.

“Paige puts emphasis on customer service,” Zurawka said. “Her involvement as the host validated her forward motion thinking for equity and diversity on campus.”

In addition, Smith coordinated Admitted Student Nights to connect with the class of 2025 and energize them for their upcoming college experience, as well as Senior Saturdays, which specifically reached out to graduating seniors.

Despite the fact that four staff positions were vacant, Smith worked efficiently and effectively. She also went above and beyond her position to volunteer on search committees, as well as working with the ����ԭ�� Alumni Association and participating in the Raider Strong Outreach program.

Zurawka praised Smith for her hard work across the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

“Smith is always open to daily learning,” Zurawka said. “She has a positive attitude and makes it look easy to spin more than one plate at a time.”