Slate Icon Awards

June 20th, 2024

Best Slate Song
Music has always been an integral part of the Slate identity. Electrifying beats and innovative sounds have left an indelible mark on the Slate Community and have been the soundtrack to countless Slate moments, inspiring creativity, unity, and celebration. Each Best Slate Song nominee represents a masterpiece of electronic music that has resonated with generations of Slate enthusiasts. 

Winner
: "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" by Daft Punk

 

"Voyager" by Daft Punk Listen

"Veridis Quo" by Daft Punk Listen

"Crescendolls" by Daft Punk Listen

"Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" by Daft Punk Listen

"Around the World" by Daft Punk Listen

Best Slate Summit Video
Lights, camera, laughter! Over the past 10 years, we've aired quite a few different Summit Videos, the funny, the traditional, the theatrical, and the amateur. The Best Slate Summit Video award celebrates the most entertaining and memorable videos showcased at Slate Summit. 

Winner
: Slate! The Musical (2017)

 

The Magic of Slate (2013) Watch

Great Scott! (2015) Watch

Slate! The Musical (2017) Watch

Summit is Heading to Nashville (2019) Watch

He's Back from the Future (2021) Watch

Best Slate Summit Cocktail
Raise your glass and toast to the most tantalizing and unforgettable libations served at the Slate Summit Networking Event! The Best Slate Summit Cocktail award celebrates the creativity, flavor, and innovation of our signature Summit cocktails, which add a delightful touch of sophistication and fun to our festivities. From refreshing concoctions that cool down the dance floor, to bold and flavorful blends that ignite conversation and camaraderie, these cocktails are crafted with care and served with flair. Each sip is a celebration of our shared experiences and the vibrant spirit of our community. 

Winner
: The Configurable Cocktail (2019)

 

The Opt Out (2014)
Gin, Tonic & Curacao

The Retroactive Refresh (2014)
Gin, Tonic & Grenadine

The Voyager (2017)
Vodka, Cranberry, Curacao, Soda & Sour Mix

The Configurable Cocktail (2019)
Guava, Lime Juice & Liquor of Choice

The Slate Night Special (2023)
Jack Honey, Ginger Beer & Lime

Best Slate Spirit
These Slate super-users take Slate Spirit seriously! The nominees for the Best Slate Spirit award live and breathe Slate, embodying the true essence of Slate Spirit: passion, enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication to our community. These spirited individuals light up the Slate Community with their infectious energy and unending support. 

Winner
: Elodie Hardt,
Systems Analyst Project Manager of Enrollment and Student CRM Systems at the University of Richmond
 
Ryan Motevalli-OlinerAssociate Dean for Enrollment OperationsKenyon College
Ryan is the epitome of Slate Spirit, a walking Slate advertisement equipped with extensive knowledge, enthusiastic endorsements, and an abundance of Slate gear. From wearing Slate socks and displaying Slate merchandise in his office, to donning his Summit presenter badge as he leads Slate trainings for staff and student workers, Ryan's dedication to Slate is unmatched.
Christa LentzRecruitment Technology ManagerUniversity of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Known for her unwavering enthusiasm and dedication to the platform, Christa is the embodiment of Slate Spirit. From her extensive collection of Slate merchandise to her creative celebrations of "Slate-iversaries" with the Admissions team, Christa's passion for Slate is infectious. She goes above and beyond to showcase her Slate enthusiasm, from gifting Slate shark stuffies to her colleagues to eagerly purchasing any Slate merchandise available. As one of her colleagues joked, "Does Christa have a dog? No. But I'd pay good money to bet she bought that Slate dog bowl."
Elodie M. HardtSystems Analyst Project Manager of Enrollment and Student CRM SystemsUniversity of Richmond
Elodie's Slate Spirit shines bright. Not only does she adorn her office and student employees with Slate swag, but she also showcases her creativity by designing her own Slate Spirit items, including the famous mini-Alexander dolls distributed across campus. Elodie's dedication to winning others over to "the blue side" knows no bounds, as she tirelessly works to get everyone excited about Slate's expansion at The University of Richmond. Her brilliance and creativity are evident in everything she does, and her personalized Alexander dolls have become a symbol of belonging to the Slate A-Team, complete with interchangeable jackets to match each new Slate Summit appearance.
Diane HapkeCRM Systems DeveloperEast Stroudsburg University
Slate is always on Diane's mind. Proudly wearing Slate Summit 2022 T-shirts to family events and drinking from a Slate cup daily, her commitment to Slate is palpable. Even on the golf course, Slate remains at the forefront of her mind, with blue Srixon golf balls to match the Slate vibe. Diane's enthusiasm even extends to creative endeavors, like turning extra Slate sharks into club head covers, showcasing her ongoing passion for Slate in all that she does.
Alyssa AndriotisAssistant Director of ProgramsOklahoma Arts Institute
Alyssa was instrumental in getting Slate adopted at Oklahoma Arts Institute. She persisted in advocating for Slate, promising to make the platform work for their unique needs. Despite the challenges they faced, Alyssa's determination and adaptability led to a seamless transition, with no hiccups during audition seasons. Even on maternity leave, Alyssa's commitment to Slate is evident, her passion extending even to her baby shower gift: a Slate onesie. Her colleagues recognize her as the program's most vocal advocate, eagerly anticipating the day when Alyssa can attend the Slate Summit and be in her happy place.
Best Community Contributor
These individuals have made significant contributions to our vibrant Slate Community, consistently going above and beyond to support and uplift their fellow community members. From sharing valuable insights and resources to offering guidance and encouragement, these nominees have played a key role in fostering a sense of belonging and connection within our community. Let's recognize and celebrate their contributions, which have helped to elevate us all.

Winner
: John Michael Cuccia,
Senior Technology Consultant at RHB
 
Jasmine SolomonSenior Associate Director, Systems OperationsNew York University
Jasmine is a valued member of the Slate Community, known for her expertise, generosity, and willingness to help others. Her contributions extend across various platforms, including the Slate Community and Slate Slack channels, where she shares knowledge and offers support to users seeking assistance. Jasmine's problem-solving skills and can-do attitude make her a go-to resource for troubleshooting and guidance. Her detailed responses and useful insights ensure that community members receive timely and valuable assistance, demonstrating her commitment to supporting the Slate Community as a whole.
John Michael CucciaSenior Technology ConsultantRHB
John Michael "JMC" Cuccia is a dedicated and reliable contributor to the Slate Community, known for his consistent presence and swift responses across Slack and the Slate Community. His willingness to assist others and his quick response time make him an invaluable resource for community members seeking support. With his seeming omnipresence, JMC's commitment to helping others is evident, earning him the appreciation and admiration of his peers.
Luis A. CuevaDirector of Systems, Data & Analytics, Office of Graduate EducationStevens Institute of Technology
Luis is highly regarded within the Slate Community for his collaborative spirit and proactive approach to problem-solving. He consistently goes above and beyond to support his colleagues and drive Slate forward, fearlessly pushing boundaries and finding innovative solutions to meet business needs. Luis's willingness to share his knowledge and empower others underscores his commitment to helping the community succeed.
Katie JordanDirector of Slate OperationsenrollmentFUEL
Katie is a dynamic and highly engaged member of the Slate Community, known for her unwavering commitment to helping others and enhancing the Slate Knowledge Base. Her patience, kindness, and enthusiasm make her an indispensable resource, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for users of all levels. Through her contributions to social media groups, local Slate communities, and the Accelerate Slate podcast, Katie empowers and inspires fellow users while advocating for the platform as a whole. Her ability to make complex information accessible and her dedication to strengthening the Slate Community have earned her trust and admiration from all.
Matthew SchierenAssistant Director of Technology OperationsThe University of Chicago
Matthew is a valued member of the Slate Community known for his helpfulness and sense of humor. He consistently assists users in the Slack community, sharing his knowledge in a way that is both informative and enjoyable. Matthew's contributions are appreciated by all, as he brings a positive and lighthearted approach to helping others.
Best Campus Contributor
There are certain people in an office that are the key to helping others reach their full potential. They are your local on-campus hero, someone you rely upon to accomplish the challenging, help others, and support the mission. They may not always get all the fame and glory, but their contributions to their campus' overall success deserves recognition.

Winner
: Rabia Shattuck,
CRM Coordinator at the University of Arkansas

Joe HoseltonAssociate Director of Graduate Admissions – Slate Captain for the Graduate InstanceSouthern Methodist University – Moody Graduate School of Graduate & Advanced Studies
Joe is an indispensable asset to the Southern Methodist University Graduate Admissions team, renowned for his exceptional knowledge of Slate and dedication to customer service. His willingness to assist with Slate-related inquiries, even those labeled as non-urgent, exemplifies his commitment to supporting his colleagues. Joe's belief in the potential in Slate to enhance departmental efficiency is matched by his willingness to share his expertise and brainstorm innovative strategies for utilizing the platform effectively. Through his efforts, Joe has transformed the Graduate Admissions process at SMU, making Slate more user-friendly and accessible for all stakeholders. His exceptional training abilities and collaborative approach make him an invaluable leader and resource within the University community.
Brittany B. RichardsonProgrammer Analyst IIIThe University of Alabama
Brittany is hailed as an invaluable asset to the University of Alabama Graduate School, earning recognition for her remarkable contributions to the integration of Slate with other functions. Her innovative approach extends beyond admissions to encompass academic management processes for current students, demonstrating a keen understanding of the potential within Slate for enhancing student experiences. Brittany's design methodology, which housed the University's Graduate Faculty database in Slate, has revolutionized committee formation for students, allowing for individualized and automated messaging tailored to their academic stage. Brittany's multifaceted talents, including Slate-build expertise and a knack for understanding policy intricacies, showcase her dedication to advancing the University's goals through Slate.
Chelsea PalmerAssociate Director of OperationsPepperdine University
Chelsea epitomizes the qualities of this award through her unwavering support and innovative solutions in times of need. As a Slate pro, Chelsea consistently demonstrates mastery of the platform, utilizing Configurable Joins and innovative processes to tackle various tasks, from email campaigns, to event management, to data analysis. Her versatility and expertise make her an invaluable asset to the Pepperdine University team, earning her well-deserved recognition for her outstanding contributions.
Cathy DoAssistant Director – Application ManagementFlorida State University
Known for her exceptional ability to streamline processes and enhance user experience, Cathy's contributions at Florida State University have a profound impact on students, faculty, and staff. Her unwavering commitment to ensuring optimal user experiences shines through every task she undertakes, whether it's crafting reports or designing student-facing portals. Cathy's professionalism, organizational skills, and dedication to supporting her colleagues and stakeholders have earned her admiration and respect across the campus community.
Rabia ShattuckCRM CoordinatorUniversity of Arkansas
Rabia has outstanding technical prowess, facilitating groundbreaking initiatives at the University of Arkansas. Her adeptness in connecting various Slate instances and her rapid deployment of operations for professional and workforce development programs exemplify her skill and dedication. Rabia continuously seeks new ideas and solutions to enhance the University of Arkansas's Slate database. Even without the benefit of a traditional IT background, Rabia's expertise in Slate is widely recognized, and she is celebrated for her positivity, willingness to assist others, and a knack for finding creative solutions to complex problems. She has a patient and supportive demeanor and an unwavering commitment to making things work, which makes her a true asset to the campus community.
Best Internal (Staff/Campus) Portal
These innovative and user-friendly internal portals have transformed the way that staff and campus members engage and collaborate within their institutions, serving as the backbone of organizational efficiency and community connectivity. Nominees in this category have demonstrated excellence in providing intuitive interfaces, valuable content, and seamless navigation, enhancing productivity and fostering a sense of belonging within the institution.

Winner: The UNF myNest Project Team assisted by HCRC, University of North Florida
 

The UNF myNest Project Teamassisted by HCRCUniversity of North Florida
Developed in collaboration with HCRC, the myNest portal serves both faculty and advisors as a central hub of student-success related activity. Faculty can view their class lists and submit, review, and follow-up on academic alerts directly from the portal. A robust notes center and 360 student profile view make a breadth of relevant data available to success advocates at a glance. Advisors also manage their appointments through the portal and do not need to visit the back end of Slate.
Emily SaarloosAdmissions Operations ManagerRedeemer University
The internal financial aid application process at Redeemer University was transformed when it was migrated to Slate; part of that migration required the creation of a comprehensive portal. The portal that Emily created enables the Financial Aid Office to efficiently review applicants and select recipients. With the inclusion of bursaries, the portal also facilitates the review of student-submitted need calculations. The implementation of this portal has significantly increased the speed and efficiency of the Financial Aid Office's operations, streamlining the review and awarding of funds to students. Additionally, the portal serves as a central hub for tracking award statuses, applicants per award, awards per applicant, and the availability and amount awarded to students, leveraging the recent addition of an Awards dataset in Slate.
Terry MaloneSenior Director of AdmissionsClark University
Reader Dashboard portals are essential for application review, as they provide reviewers with crucial information to make informed decisions efficiently and accurately. Clark University leverages two dashboards for their application review process: the Reader Dashboard and the Director Level Dashboard. The Reader Dashboard displays selected data elements from the record and is accessible to all users with Reader access. In contrast, the Director Level Dashboard is restricted to users with specific permissions, offering a more comprehensive view of the data.
Reader DashboardDirector Level Dashboard
Margaret FosterEnrollment Operations & Technology DirectorSUNY Geneseo
Granting coaches access to athletes' application statuses through an internal portal is invaluable for streamlining the recruitment process and ensuring efficient communication between coaches and prospective athletes. With real-time visibility into the status of athlete applications, coaches can track progress, follow up on outstanding documents or requirements, and provide timely updates to both athletes and relevant stakeholders. At SUNY Geneseo, application statuses for athletes have been centralized in a dedicated portal to enhance organization and efficiency, allowing coaches to manage multiple applications simultaneously and prioritize their recruitment efforts effectively.
Ghina BaassiriSoftware EngineerAmerican University of Beirut
This multi-purpose internal portal leverages an innovative design that allows users to streamline their workflow by easily accessing and applying previously saved filters, enhancing overall efficiency and usability. It also incorporates the latest UI best practices to ensure a modern and intuitive user experience. With the inclusion of a queries hub, this portal also provides users with centralized access to essential data queries, further enhancing their ability to gather and analyze information efficiently.
We created a way to save filters, for example using Listslatest ui trends and practicesQueries Hub
Best External (Student/Alumni) Portal
This award celebrates the outstanding external portals that cater to the needs of students and alumni, offering a seamless digital experience beyond the confines of campus. These portals foster a sense of community and support throughout the academic journey and beyond. From applicant portals to Giving Day portals, with audiences that range from students, alumni, parents, donors, counselors, and more, these external portals are creative, powerful, useful, and elegant.

Winner
: Hail Slate Recruitment and Data Team
assisted by RHB, Mississippi State University
 

Amanda LoweAssistant Director of Admissions for Systems & UI/UXGeorge Fox University
The nominated external portal from George Fox University emulates features of a learning management system to streamline the class registration survey process for students. This portal implements a sequential checklist system, where students progress to the next step only upon completing the previous one, promoting a structured and organized approach to the registration process.
Student must complete Enrollment Services VideoStudent views and answers questions (form with submission conditions), submission then gives them access to the next stepStudents checklist is updated and they now have access to the next step
Office of Undergraduate Admissionsassisted by RHB Auburn University
"War Eagle!” is Auburn for “Welcome to the family,” “Hello,” and everything in between. The nominated external portal from Auburn University serves as a comprehensive platform designed to enhance the visit experience for prospective students. Developed in collaboration with RHB, this portal unifies various aspects of the visit process, including registration, communication, itinerary management, and post-event engagement. By providing personalized content tailored to individual interests, such as advisor information, upcoming events, and personalized “Tiger Pass” itineraries, the portal fosters a sense of connection to Auburn even before students set foot on campus. This integrated approach encourages continued engagement with the portal, nurturing prospective students' affinity for the university and facilitating a seamless transition into the Auburn community.
Mount Saint Mary’s Enrollment Teamassisted by Waybetter Marketing, Inc.Mount Saint Mary’s University
The nominated external visit portal from Mount Saint Mary’s University offers a personalized experience for students, parents, and counselors seeking to customize their campus visit. Through a series of dropdown menus tailored to student type and visit preferences, users can easily find and select the best visit experience for their needs. Assisted by Waybetter Marketing, Inc., this portal presents an interactive and beautifully designed page that showcases important information about the University's campuses, including directions, accommodations, dining options, and transportation. Purpose-driven calls to action encourage visitors to engage with the portal and schedule their campus visit, while interactive modules provide customized content to enhance the overall experience.
The Slate Admissions Team at Westminster Universityassisted by RHB Westminster University
Westminster's Applicant Experience Portal marks a significant advancement in personalized engagement for applicants. Developed with support from RHB, the portal offers a multi-view interface that adapts to applicants' progress, serving as a central hub for application-related information and matriculation processes. Upon admission, applicants are greeted with a dynamic digital splash experience to celebrate their acceptance and instill a sense of belonging to the community. Noteworthy features include personalized content blocks aligned with academic interests, dynamic hero images reflecting Utah's four seasons, and sections dedicated to welcoming messages and checklist guidance, complete with personalized counselor contact information. Through this innovative portal, Westminster enhances communication, streamlines processes, and fosters meaningful engagement with prospective students throughout their journey to matriculation.
Hail Slate Recruitment and Data Teamassisted by RHBMississippi State University
Offering applicants a comprehensive and engaging platform, the MSU Student Experience portal goes beyond traditional application tracking. Through personalized features and dynamic content, the portal serves as a one-stop destination for applicants to manage their application journey and explore campus life. With assistance from RHB, key highlights include the "splash" screen celebration upon admission, complete with a "Ring the Cowbell" feature, as well as customizable tabs for admitted students to access orientation sessions, financial aid information, and scholarship details. The portal's integration with Instagram adds an element of excitement, while real-time data retrieval ensures accuracy in award information. Additionally, the portal adapts to reflect the campus experience based on the applicant's chosen campus or online status, providing a tailored experience that resonates with each individual applicant.