Lisa Birenbaum, assistant dean for finance and administration in the School of Social Sciences, was named winner of the Elizabeth Gillis Award for Exemplary Service at President David Leebron’s spring town hall meeting April 21.
The most prestigious prize given to university staff each year, the award is named after the wife of former Rice President Malcom Gillis. The award is presented to staff who demonstrate exemplary commitment and service to the university, just as Elizabeth Gillis did during her years of service to Rice.
Birenbaum began her Rice career 17 years ago, joining the university as a staff assistant in the School of Humanities. She later transferred to the School of Social Science and ascended to her current role, where she is responsible for overseeing the financial and operational aspects of the school.
In her nomination letter, Birenbaum is described as the “rock of stability” for the school amid leadership changes over the last decade, transitions she helped manage with “confidence, a level head, compassion, and profound advocacy for ensuring the solvency of all programs.”
Recently, colleagues have lauded Birenbaum for her leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and through Rice’s imagineOne implementation. Always offering fresh perspectives and pushing her team to achieve at its highest, Birenbaum is also known for being a willing and eager mentor, often dedicating her time and energy to cultivating relationships with School of Social Sciences staff with a keen eye for sharing opportunities for team members to grow their talents and careers within the university.
“Simply stated, Rice would not be the same without the service and leadership of our dear friend, colleague, and collaborator, Lisa Birenbaum,” Leebron said.