Everyone loves an award. But if you work in a classroom, an award from your students has special significance.

In what has become an end-of-the-school-year tradition, USC Marshall undergraduate and graduate students voted to award their favorite scholar/teachers the Golden Apple Awards.

The Marshall Business Student Government (MBSG), which serves undergraduate students, recognizes outstanding professors and staff members by awarding the Golden Apple (professors) and Golden Compass (staff) awards. Graduate students vote on their favorite core and elective professors directly.

Undergraduate:

Golden Apple Awards:

• Sandra Rozo Villarraga, Assistant Professor of Finance and Business Economics
• Merle Hopkins, Professor of Clinical Accounting
• Emily Nix, Assistant Professor of Finance and Business Economics
• Stacy Geck, Associate Professor of Clinical Business Communication
• Konrad Ribeiro, Adjunct Professor of Marketing

Golden Compass Staff Award:

• Jason Tran, Assistant Director, Undergraduate Career Services

“Receiving a Golden Apple is a special honor,” said Merle Hopkins. “As I go into retirement at the end of this semester, it is especially significant to receive this recognition. Teaching has been the highlight of my professional life. Many heartfelt thanks to all who had a hand in selecting this year’s recipients. I will treasure this award forever.”

Graduate, Core Classes

• Peng Shi, Assistant Professor of Data Sciences and Operations (MS-Business Analytics Core)
• Diane Badame, Professor of Clinical Marketing (MS-Marketing Core)
• Tommy Knapp, Associate Professor of Clinical Entrepreneurship (MBV Core)
• Smrity Randhawa, Associate Professor of Clinical Accounting (Online MBA Core)
• Scott Abrams, Assistant Professor of Clinical Finance and Business Economics (Full-Time MBA Core)
• Dawn Porter, Professor of Clinical Data Sciences and Operations Management (MBA.PM Core)

Graduate Electives:

• Larry Vincent, Adjunct Professor of Marketing 

“I am honored to receive this award from the students because they have truly inspired me with their persistence and their dedication to learning during really difficult times,” said Smrity Randhawa. “Additionally, I want to acknowledge the work of all our wonderful staff who worked really hard to help me and other faculty deliver a great learning experience for our students.”

Faculty and Staff Awards

In addition to the traditional faculty awards made at the end of each school year, the Marshall School included staff awards as well.

Faculty Awards:

Dr. Douglas Basil Award for Junior Business Faculty (Teaching):

• Emily Nix, Assistant Professor of Finance and Business Economics

Evan C. Thompson Faculty Teaching and Learning Innovation Award:

• S. Mark Young, George Bozanic and Holman G. Hurt Chair in Sports Entertainment Business and Professor of Accounting

Evan C. Thompson Faculty Mentoring and Leadership Award:

• Shantanu Dutta, Dave and Jeanne Tappan Chair in Marketing and Professor of Marketing
• Omar El Sawy, Kenneth King Stonier Professor of Business Administration and Professor of Data Sciences and Operations

Dean’s Award for Research Excellence:

• Wen Sun, Associate Professor of Data Sciences and Operations
• Florenta Teodoridis, Assistant Professor of Management and Organization

Jagdish Sheth Award for Impact of Research on Practice:

• Kimon Drakopoulos, Assistant Professor of Data Sciences and Operations
• Vishal Gupta, Associate Professor of Data Sciences and Operations

Dean’s Award for Research Impact:

• Ann Majchrzak, Professor of Data Sciences and Operations and USC Associates Chair in Business Administration

Dean’s Award for Ph.D. Advising:

• Kyle Mayer, Professor of Management and Organization and Dept. Chair

Marshall Faculty Award for Ph.D. Mentoring:

• Regina Wittenberg-Moerman, Professor of Accounting and Accounting Circle Professor of Business Administration

Greif Awards (Faculty)

• Shon Hiatt, Associate Professor of Management and Organization
• Hyo Kang, Assistant Professor of Management and Organization
   

Greif Awards (Ph.D.)

• Maurice Murphy, doctoral student, Management and Organization

Staff Awards

After more than a year working remotely, Marshall leadership decided to honor its hard-working staff with a series of awards.

The Game Changer Award:

Given to a staff member whose work changed the way things are done.

• Grace Rogers, Associate Director, Information Technology

Rockstar Rookie Award:

Awarded to a new employee who has made a tremendous impact. 

• Vivian Manzueta, Salesforce Administrator

Behind the Scenes Wonder Award:

Given to a staff member (or in this case, two staff members) who moves the needle behind the scenes.

• Sara McLachlan, Senior Associate Director, Graduate Specialized Masters Programs
• Ji Zhou, Associate Director, Institutional Research & Data Analytics

Both women were cited by nominating colleagues as going above and beyond the call of duty to perform functions integral to the functioning of the School.

Luminary Award:

Given to a staff member who goes out of his or her way to help and uplift their colleagues.

• Audrena Goodie, Administrative Assistant, Leventhal and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Team Awesomeness Award:

This award went right to the front lines and awarded the staff of the Undergraduate Advising team for its grace under fire during a challenging remote school year.

• The Undergraduate Advising Team: Maureen McHale, Jennifer Siemer, Katrina Miranda, Mayra Abrams, Monika Babiszkiewicz, Jeffrey Teng, Tina Nguyen, Norma Ramirez, Allie Fitz, Daisy Villa, Elizabeth Rubalcava, Jesus Ramirez, Ladonja Horn, Patricia Ramos, and Alexander Walter

Dean’s Award for Community: (faculty)

• Kristen Jaconi, Associate Professor of the Practice in Accounting

Dean’s Award for Community: (Staff)

• Tonisha Jester, Senior Associate Director, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion