Five individual staff members from the College of Letters & Science are recipients of the 2025 Chancellor's Outstanding Staff Awards (COSA). One of the highest honors bestowed upon staff by the Chancellor, the COSA awards are presented to individuals who, in addition to performing their normal job duties with excellence, "demonstrate exceptional initiative in contributing to the UC Berkeley campus community." The program for the event, including full list of 2025 award recipients, is here.
2025 L&S Individual COSA Recipients:
Aileen Liu, Director of Curricular Engagement Initiatives, L&S Division of Undergraduate Studies, Deans' Office
Aileen serves as the Director of Undergraduate Curricular Engagement Initiatives for the College of Letters & Science — a title that conceals the many, very different projects that she runs with enormous thoughtfulness and grace, and that in their full range, have the capacity to touch every incoming
undergraduate student in the largest college on campus. In a typical year, Aileen runs “On the Same Page,” the L&S welcome events that form part of Golden Bear Orientation, the First and Second Year Seminars, the “Big Ideas” courses, and L&S 1. Across these programs, Aileen has tirelessly worked to ensure programming that allows as broad a range of students as possible to see themselves — their histories, concerns, joys, and aspirations — reflected in the campus and the world beyond it.
Maria Kies, Department Manager, Astronomy
Maria exemplifies innovation, adaptability, and efficiency in the Astronomy Department. Her leadership transformed operations by introducing new software
systems that reduced processing time by 30%. During the shift to remote work, she implemented a communication plan that sustained team productivity and morale. Her efforts have significantly advanced departmental performance and Berkeley’s mission. A standout achievement is the “Astro Outreach
Program,” which connects the campus with the broader community through public lectures, workshops, and stargazing events—promoting educational access and scientific engagement while enhancing Berkeley’s public profile. Maria is also deeply committed to inclusive community engagement. She launched the “Inclusive Astronomy Initiative” to support underrepresented students through mentorship and DEI workshops, improving retention and belonging. Her “Women in Astronomy” program empowers women in STEM through networking and professional development, addressing gender disparities in the field. Through her visionary leadership, Maria has made a lasting impact— advancing equity, innovation, and collaboration within and beyond the university.
Brendan West, Sound Technician, Department of Music
Brendan exemplifies excellence through his unwavering commitment to innovation, efficiency, and the advancement of the Music Department’s mission. He maintains and upgrades all classroom audiovisual systems, keeping outdated infrastructure like Hertz Hall’s lighting system running far beyond its lifespan. Most notably, he led the technical design and outfitting of the new Wu Performance Hall, overseeing every aspect from consultation with architects to the installation of cutting-edge sound, video, and lighting systems. Brendan’s deep technical knowledge and initiative have transformed the department’s performance capabilities. Beyond technical mastery, Brendan is a collaborative partner who enhances UC Berkeley’s mission through meaningful engagement with students, faculty, and staff. He works directly with student organizers and faculty composers to support their creative visions, educating them on performance technology and adapting spaces to meet their needs. His work goes far beyond the expectations of his role, earning him a reputation as a vital contributor to the department and the broader campus community.
Lihong Ma, Curriculum Analyst, L&S Division of Undergraduate Studies, Deans' Office
Leah exemplifies innovation, adaptability, and efficiency in her role as Institutional Research Analyst for the College of Letters & Science. Through strategic
partnerships across campus and deep technical expertise, she integrates complex data systems to illuminate the full student experience from application
to graduation. Her thoughtful, inquiry-driven approach ensures each analysis addresses the core issue, empowering leadership with data-informed decisions. Notably, Leah led the stewardship of $14M in TAS funding for Reading & Composition courses, ensuring 90% capacity across 400+ sections—essential to timely
degree completion. Her agile modeling enabled a rapid and successful transition of the Entry Level Writing Requirement assessment to UC Berkeley in May 2023. Leah also advances Berkeley’s mission and reputation by supporting programs that improve student access and success. Her data analysis was instrumental in the creation and expansion of the L&S First-Year Pathways program, helping identify popular course clusters that fulfill major and breadth requirements. This innovation streamlines enrollment and improves the student experience while energizing faculty engagement. Leah’s blend of technical expertise, intellectual curiosity, and high emotional intelligence makes her a trusted collaborator whose work is central to evidence-based planning and the continued excellence of UC Berkeley’s undergraduate education.
Sandra Richmond, Director of Administration A.G.E.S., African American Studies
As the manager of the Departments of African American Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, and Ethnic Studies (AGES), Sandy has seamlessly served three
units. Her managerial style is the epitome of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity in recognizing how individual differences can enhance collaboration, equity as a foundational principle to an ethic of fairness and care, and inclusion because we are all better and more productive together. Sandy has used her brilliant ingenuity and determination to be the manager that she always wanted to be. For example, she has transformed bland welcome events into festive happenings that everyone wants to attend, and reconfigured physical space into places that invite unscripted conversation and participation. In doing so, Sandy has created a work environment that affirms difference and encourages staff, faculty, and students to see themselves as part of a beloved community.
Congratulations to all of this year's COSA recipients!