The Rice University Board of Trustees recently recognized Caitlin Lindsay for her unwavering service to the institution and its constituents. She currently serves as the student center director of operations. In addition, she is a Critical Dialogues on Diversity lecturer, a resident associate at Jones College, a member of Staff Council, board treasurer for Valhalla and Willy’s Pub and the situation unit leader of the incident management team. Lindsay sits on various campus committees including the expense reporting improvements design committee and events steering committee.
“Caitlin has become enmeshed in the fabric of student life on campus, positively impacting all staff and students with whom she engages,” said Lindsay’s supervisor and executive director of the Rice Memorial Center Kristen Ernst. “It is rare to find a staff member poised with such an inclusive skill set that enables them to be a great fit for multiple functional areas, but that is exactly what we have experienced with Caitlin.”
In the last year, Lindsay was promoted from associate director of facilities, events and student-run businesses to a director position. In her current role, she oversees all student-run businesses on campus such as Rice Coffeehouse, The Hoot and Rice Bikes; the facilities and reservations branch of the student center department; and marketing and social events for the student center.
“No matter in what capacity she is functioning — as an adviser, volunteer, instructor or resident adviser — she is always an intentional and caring student advocate,” Ernst said. “She continually strives to make Rice an equitable, inclusive and welcoming environment for students and staff. Her contributions have also been recognized through the division of the dean of undergraduates as a former recipient of the Rising Star Award.”
Janine Berrill, faculty affairs administrator for the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing, shared her praises for Lindsay, especially for her role on Staff Council.
“[Caitlin] has worked tirelessly since joining Staff Council to make Rice a more inclusive and positive place,” Berrill said. “She was also on our awards committee last year and played a significant role in creating the award rubric, managing the applications and choosing the award winners. She stood in for me as vice chair/chair during my maternity leave because she is always willing to go the extra mile for her partners and to help others.
“Caitlin is one of the most thoughtful partners I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with at Rice University. Her student center team, the student-run businesses, the students at Jones College, the members of Staff Council and all university partners are lucky to have her work here. I cannot think of a more deserving individual for recognition like this, and Rice is a much brighter place with her here.”