Members of Cornell’s Professional Academic Advising Community (PAAC) honored two colleagues – and recognized an outgoing co-chair – at a ceremony May 8 in Room G10 in the Biotechnology Building.

Professional academic advisers, in collaboration with faculty advisers, help students navigate challenges, design strategic action plans and build self-efficacy.

Gabrielle Smith, assistant director of student success programs and program innovation in the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives (OADI), earned the Individual Impact award for supporting students as individuals in their academic journeys.

Sophia Givre, director of inclusive academic advising in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ office of academic programs, won the Leadership and Community Impact award for broadening her reach in the advising community and building her skills to enhance the student experience.

PAAC co-chair Steph Cowling-Rich received a standing ovation from the more than 60 colleagues in attendance as she closes out her three-year tenure co-leading the organization. A few people wiped away tears as the group recognized her contributions. Cowling-Rich is OADI assistant director of the Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program/Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (EOP/HEOP) and student advising and engagement.

PAAC co-chair Ana Adinolfi, director of student services for the division of nutritional sciences in the College of Human Ecology, said Cowling-Rich sets “a standard for what leadership and advising can look like, grounded in equity, driven by purpose and full of compassion.”

Givre and Smith were chosen from 12 finalists who received certificates at the ceremony. Both will receive $2,500 to use for professional development.

Smith was honored for an approach to advising that “goes beyond transactional interactions, helping students find clarity, confidence and direction, while celebrating their strengths and validating their experiences,” said Lisa Nishii, senior vice provost for enrollment management and undergraduate education, who presented the awards. Smith also collaborates on various programs within the Cornell community, such as the Cornell Defender Program and the Emerging Leaders Program. 

One of Smith’s nominators wrote: “She recognized that the path to medical school was very daunting and made sure that I never felt like I was facing it alone, whether it was helping me break down my goals into manageable steps, offering encouragement or simply being someone I could turn to for advice, she was always there for the moments I needed it most.”

Givre, who is also a well-being coach in the Skorton Center for Health Initiatives in Cornell Health and a certified Gallup Strengths coach, was honored for empowering future leaders and supporting colleagues through trainings and discussions, Nishii said.

“Sophia is a passionate advocate dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment while also driving systematic changes that elevate the quality of education,” one nominator wrote.

Before Nishii announced the winners, she described how professional academic advising has changed since PAAC was formed in 2019, presenting data from surveys taken in 2019 and 2025. She highlighted significant improvement in advisers’ sense of being respected for their professional expertise and in cross-college/unit collaborations. 

Acknowledging the “complex” environment in which advisers are working, Nishii said, “Our students need you, so thank you for all that you do.”

In her opening remarks, Cowling-Rich highlighted that academic advisers show a deep commitment to supporting students’ academic and professional growth, development of strong interpersonal connections and overall thriving.

“Which is not easy,” she said, “but, of course, as advisers, we don’t do easy work; we do good work.”