.Student Life Recognizes Inspiring Leaps Winners
The Office of the Vice Provost for Student Life has recognized Paden Alie, assistant director of sport programs for Purdue Recreation & Wellness (RecWell) and Alicia Breeding, senior administrative assistant for the Student Life team in Indianapolis, as winners of the Inspiring Leaps: Student Life Staff Awards.
Paden Alie
Alie oversees all aspects of RecWell’s Intramural Sports and Club Sports programs, which impact more than 12,500 students. He has been responsible for bringing multiple new programs and sports to RecWell’s portfolio, such as Unified Sports, a program that connects people with intellectual disabilities with Purdue students, as well as cricket and the continued development of a reputable officiating development program. He has created memorable experiences for students in these programs, such as holding championship events in Mackey Arena and coordinating live-streaming of intramural championships. On top of these responsibilities, Alie supervises more than 200 student employees and helps develop these students for their career pursuits.
“Paden has an expansive officiating and professional network across our industry and regularly mentors students on how to grow their network while tapping our students into his network to increase their opportunities for growth,” wrote Alie’s nominator. “He routinely points students in the right direction to advance their careers. Paden embodies servant and selfless leadership. Through his work, he creates an example for others by delivering high expectations, communicating those expectations and following up on progress with student leaders.”
Alicia Breeding
Breeding provides direct support to the Office of the Dean of Students team in Indianapolis while providing additional support to Counseling and Psychological Services and University Residences staff. Her role also includes oversight of the student ambassador team, which works the reception desk in the Student Life office, and supports the Business Office for Student Organizations in Indianapolis. She provided instrumental support to the Student Life office during the launch of Purdue in Indianapolis through office support and the establishment of the ambassador team. This included coordinating with other areas of the university and the creation of a desk operations manual that provides student employees with resources to succeed in their roles.
“Alicia is organized, goal-oriented, innovative and persistent in working to find solutions to ensure our office operates smoothly,” wrote Breeding’s nominator. “She collaborates and communicates well with colleagues both within and outside of Student Life. Like most folks in Indianapolis, she has embraced the challenge of creating something new and is committed to making sure students and staff have the best experience possible. She is compassionate and empathetic, and fiercely supports each member of the Indianapolis team.”
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 and one service/support staff member are honored during each award period.
Staff and students are encouraged to nominate outstanding staff members for an award. Learn more about the Inspiring Leaps: Student Life Staff Awards and how to nominate.