UCF Chooses Sociology Admin for Employee of the Month

A woman described as the “glue that holds the Sociology Department together” recently earned UCF’s Employee of the Month award for July.

Shannon Cajigas has spent five years in Sociology as an administrative assistant, primarily splitting her time between human resources duties and facilitating travel for staff and faculty. It’s the former that she likes best because it puts her in regular contact with staff, faculty and students.

“I miss that connection with people,” Cajigas said, looking back on her pre-pandemic job. “You don’t nearly get that as well talking to people on the phone.”

That same human connection shrinks the vast campus into a tightknit community for Cajigas. When you’re a Knight, you have the support of a lot of people backing you up, she said.

“The college, the departments, the staff, the faculty, the students — everyone is working together,” Cajigas said.

Cajigas said she was “surprised and honored” by the recognition. Her nomination for the award describes her as “always willing and eager to assist … with any task.”

“We, as a department, are so grateful for Mrs. Cajigas and the years she has committed to UCF and the (Department of Sociology). She truly deserves to be recognized for this award and be reminded how valued she is.”

Sociology Department Chair Libby Mustaine, Ph.D., added: “We are so proud of our awesome Shannon and are thrilled that she is being recognized by the university!  Shannon is indispensable in the Department of Sociology to our students, other staff, and faculty alike.  She is efficient, effective and is always happy to lend an empathetic ear. Congrats to Shannon!”