UC Irvine Associate Vice Provost of the Division of Career Pathways Receives the MPACE Outstanding Service Award

Prestigious Award Honors Leadership in Career Services and Employer Recruitment


IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The University of California, Irvine today announced that Suzanne Helbig, associate vice provost of the Division of Career Pathways (DCP), received the Mountain Pacific Association of Colleges and Employees (MPACE) Outstanding Service Award. 

Helbig was recognized by the MPACE for her ability to foster the development of career service and talent acquisition professionals.

Helbig served as regional director and board member for MPACE’s Pacific South Region from 2014-2016. During her tenure, Helbig’s thought-leadership significantly impacted the region, resulting in record numbers of programs developed and employer college engagement. As part of her role at UCI, Helbig has served as a mentor to two MPACE Future Leaders Scholarship recipients (an honorable and very competitive scholarship.)

MPACE acknowledged Helbig for her ability to build planning committees, increase member engagement, and extend relevant curricula and training opportunities to its members. Over her many years of service, Helbig served on eight different planning committees and task forces, in addition to speaking at multiple MPACE and National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) conferences.

“We have a lot of exciting momentum right now within MPACE and it’s due to professionals like Helbig,” said Nicole Wager, MPACE president. “She is so deserving of our Outstanding Service Award, not only from MPACE, but for the way she consistently and proactively serves our profession.”

Helbig, the associate vice provost of UCI’s DCP, is focused on enabling UCI students and alumni to gain the information and expertise that they need to identify and enter meaningful careers. Helbig has 15 years of experience in career services, including positions in management, marketing and communications, career counseling, and employer relations. Since joining UCI in 2013, she has directed the campus Career Center and implemented Career Readiness initiatives such as the Job Shadow Program, Employer Engagement Initiative, and Handshake to provide students with internship opportunities.

“It is an honor to be recognized by such a prominent and respected organization,” said Suzanne Helbig, associate vice provost of UCI’s DCP. “My relationship with the MPACE has considerably elevated my career in higher education, opening several new opportunities for advancement. As I look forward, my involvement with MPACE and service to UCI will be focused on tying continuing education to career services to create additional impact within our industry.”

ABOUT THE DIVISION OF CAREER PATHWAYS: Established in 2017, the University of California, Irvine Division of Career Pathways (DCP) serves as the hub for career development and preparation for students, staff, and faculty, as well as a recruitment center for local, regional, and national organizations. The DCP, and its close cooperation with the Division of Continuing Education (DCE), strengthens UCI’s land grant mission to deliver continuing and lifelong education. Importantly, it illustrates the University’s significant commitment and investment in its student’s work-ready experience during their degree programs and after graduation. The DCE and the DCP are mutually supportive and cooperative campus service units, benefiting UCI students, alumni, staff, faculty, employers, and the local community. To learn more about the Division of Career Pathways, visit www.career.uci.edu.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE: Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 28,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. Located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities, it’s Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $4.8 billion annually to the local economy.

CONTACT: Kathy Seaton Tam
kstam@uci.edu, (949) 824-5525