Congratulations to Amanda Schmit and Hope Savaria on winning the 2026 CLA Outstanding Service Award
The CLA Outstanding Service Awards are presented annually to staff who provide outstanding service to the college. This year’s winners include Department of Psychology staff members Amanda Schmit and Hope Savaria.
Amanda Schmit
Amanda Schmit is the departmental office and communications manager for the Department of Psychology. Schmit was recognized for her significant contributions to Psychology’s communications infrastructure and operations, and for promoting and facilitating data-driven decision-making in her areas of responsibility. In addition, Schmit was nominated for her excellent leadership and service as project manager for CLA’s Healthy Workplace Strategic Planning Team.
Congratulations, Amanda!
Hope Savaria
Hope Savaria is the departmental graduate program support and events specialist. Savaria’s nominators noted her strong contributions to the fundamental reform of graduate services and processes. She was recognized for undertaking the duties of Associate Director of Graduate Studies as interim, including ensuring that newly admitted doctoral students were fully supported. Finally, Savaria was nominated for her leadership of the “Demystifying Graduate Admissions in Psychology (De-GAP)” program, with specific attention paid to facilitating student connection and community.
Congratulations, Hope!
Amanda Schmit, Office & Communications Manager, Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota.
Hope Savaria, Graduate Program Support & Events Specialist, Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota.
Composed by Nguyen Kiet Pham, communications assistant.
