The Toppel Awards

The career development of students does not rest solely on the Toppel Career Center. We are fortunate to partner with amazing career champions across and beyond the University of Miami campus. The Toppel Awards were created to honor and recognize the significant achievements of others, including students, student groups, administrators, faculty, employers, and recruiters.

Nominations open every fall, and the award ceremony is held every spring. Read on to learn more about the eligibility requirements for each award category and to view the 2026 recipients.

Student of the Year (Graduate and Undergraduate)

The Student of the Year Award is presented to a graduate and undergraduate student who is nominated by themself/staff/faculty/employer for their personal achievements, contributions to their organization/work site, demonstrated personal and/or professional growth, evidence of leadership, and academic record.

In order to be eligible, students must have participated in at least one semester of experiential education: internship, practicum, clinical, fieldwork, research, or student teaching in the calendar year.

2026 Graduate Student Recipient: Nequiel Reyes - Ph.D. in Prevention Science and Community Health

2026 Undergraduate Student Recipient: Christine Lara - B.S. in Biomedical Engineering

The Paying it Forward Award honors a University of Miami alumnus who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting the career growth and success of other 'Canes. This individual exemplifies the spirit of giving back by making significant contributions to the career readiness of current students and young alums by leveraging the power of the ‘Canes connection.

In order to be eligible, the nominee must have obtained at least one degree (undergraduate or graduate) from the University of Miami.

2026 Recipient: David Mullings - B.S. '00, M.B.A. '03

The Student Organization of the Year Award is presented to one student organization for its support of the mission and values of the Toppel Career Center within the calendar year.

In order to be eligible, student organizations must be Registered Student Organizations or Registered Greek Organizations at the University of Miami and have exemplified professional development and/or career awareness in their programming/philanthropic efforts.

2026 Recipient: Miami Undergraduate Consulting Club

The Distinguished Administrator Award is presented to an administrator for making a significant, positive contribution to the university and for promoting professional and career development among University of Miami students through collaborative efforts.

In order to be eligible, administrators must be full-time employees, who have worked for the University for more than one year. All administrators who have engaged in helping students in their career exploration and job search process, whether it is formally part of one's job or not, are eligible. Toppel Staff members are not eligible. 

2026 Recipient: Liza Winkeljohn - University of Miami Alumni Engagement

The Distinguished Faculty Award is presented to a faculty member who actively supports the development of the University of Miami career community and the Toppel Career Center.

This may occur through the following:

• Incorporating career development and career advising into their teaching and student advising
• Seeking out partnerships with employers, graduate/professional programs, Career Services, and others who may provide internship, job, or graduate/professional school opportunities for students

In order to be eligible, nominees must be current members of the University of Miami faculty. All faculty who have engaged in helping students in their career exploration and job search process, whether it is formally a part of one's job or not are eligible for nomination.

2026 Recipient: Carie Penabad - School of Architecture

The Employer of the Year Award is presented to one organization for making significant contributions to the University of Miami community through support of career programs, sponsorship of events, and recruitment of our students and alumni.

In order to be eligible, employers must have posted a job/internship position and have participated in at least one Career Center event within the calendar year.

2026 Employer Recipient (Corporate): Lennar Corporation 2026 Employer Recipient (Government/Non-Profit): City Year

The Recruiter of the Year Award is presented to one individual for making significant contributions to the University of Miami community through support of career programs, sponsorship of events, and recruitment of our students and alumni.

In order to be eligible, the recruiter must have participated in at least one Career Center event within the calendar year.

2026 Recipient: Hailey French  - Northwestern Mutual

The Program of the Year Award is presented to an individual, student organization, or faculty/administrator who has successfully implemented a career-focused program.

The program must have made a significant impact on the professional development and career readiness of University of Miami students. An example of a career program would be, "Dress Codes, Hairstyles, Tattoos, and Piercings in Today's Ever-Evolving Workplace." 

2026 Recipient: Neural Engineering MS Degree Program

The Toppel Career Center's theme for 2020-2021 was #BreakThru, which represents moving past any uncertainty, fear, apathy, or information overload. It’s about pushing past barriers and putting in the work to grow personally and professionally. It’s taking advantage of opportunities and moving forward in meaningful ways.

The #BreakThru Award is presented to an individual, student organization, faculty/administrator, or employer who consistently demonstrates - through a program, initiative, event, or their own professional breakthrough - a commitment to overcoming obstacles for themselves and/or for others.

2026 Recipient: Anais Moyal - B.S. - Biochemistry & Nutrition

The Patricia Toppel Award was introduced in 2017 to recognize individuals, both on and off campus, who have consistently made a positive impact on the work of the Toppel Career Center. Recipients of the Patricia Toppel Award are selected by Toppel staff based on their long-term support and collaboration in Toppel's services.

2026 Administrator Recipient: Christian Garcia 2026 Employer Recipient: Jennifer Kaplan