The Advising Council of U-M has recognized Becca Pickus in the LSA Residential College and Ashley Andreae of the Medical School for outstanding academic advising.
Established in 2022, the ACUM Outstanding Advising Award recognizes staff and faculty advisers from any school or college on the Ann Arbor campus.
Pickus serves as the academic program head for the social theory and practice major and leads the LSA Residential College’s living-learning advising efforts. Known for her holistic approach to advising, Pickus has profoundly touched the lives of countless students, making an indelible mark on their academic journeys and personal growth. Student nominations praised her unparalleled commitment to understanding each student’s individual needs and aspirations.
An LSA undergraduate student shared, “Becca sees education as a commitment to students’ personhood as a whole. She is committed to taking necessary steps into the space between personal and academic life that few other advisors are willing to.”
Andreae demonstrates a commitment to making the complex graduate experience smoother and more rewarding. Several students described examples of her walking them through detailed administrative processes — and doing so while fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
A graduate student nominator mentioned, “On the first day of the PhD program, she approached me, introduced herself, and already knew my name as well as the names of every member of my cohort. It was clear she had taken the time to learn about us in advance, including our names and their pronunciations. This thoughtful gesture made a lasting impression and made us feel immediately accepted within the program.”
LSA also announced its advising award recipients:
- Alicia Farmer, academic adviser for the LSA Comprehensive Studies Program, received the Ruth M. Sinclair Memorial Award. This award was established in 1967 using an initial bequest made in memory of Ruth M. Sinclair, a member of the Class of 1908. This award recognizes an outstanding LSA general adviser. Farmer’s holistic advising approach is evident in the heartfelt testimonials from her nominators. Many emphasized her dedication, warmth and exceptional ability to see students as more than their academic responsibilities.
- Charlie Polinko, graduate student adviser and MIRS recruitment specialist, received the Excellence in Departmental Advising Award. This award, established in 1988, recognizes outstanding departmental advising in LSA. Polinko has been characterized by nominators as an insightful mentor who intuitively balances academic guidance with personal support. His approach ensures that students feel valued and understood, fostering an environment where they can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
- Amie Gordon, assistant professor of psychology, received the Unsung Champion Award. This award, established in 2020, recognizes individuals in LSA who are not formally designated as general or department advisers but influence and guide students in positive ways. Gordon’s nominators have shared glowing feedback, emphasizing her attentiveness, responsiveness, and dedication to student success. Students feel cared for by Gordon and deeply respected and appreciated in every interaction.
Students submitted a total of 650 nominations for 308 unique advisers on the Ann Arbor campus. The awards were presented earlier this month at the 2025 ACUM Advising Conference.
