RECapalooza 2024-2025: Congratulations and Cowboy Hats
Standout Recreation student staff honored at Western-themed, year-end celebration
By Shawn Cyr
Assistant Marketing Director
The cowboy hats were out in all shapes and sizes. The smallest belonged to the yellow rubber duckies adorning the centerpiece of each circular table. A little larger were the shiny, plastic hats that more resembled fedoras worn by several Pro Staff members.
Aquatics Director Jason Dillon takes a shaving-cream pie to the face during RECapalooza 2025.
But many of the best-fitting and proper cowboy hats belonged to the UC San Diego Recreation student staff, eight of whom were honored with year-end awards during the 2025 RECapalooza western-themed celebration and ceremony on Thursday, May 22, at LionTree Arena.
“It’s pretty cool,” said Pedro Grimaldo, Jr., who wore a spectacular black cowboy hat and matching vest while holding his plaque for the Emily Kunselman Leadership Award. “I haven’t ever received an award for being a leader.”
There was country music, line dancing, BBQ food — including ribs, chicken, and in-demand cornbread that didn’t last long — and a photo booth with, yes, even more cowboy hats. Attendees could race a friend through the one-on-one inflatable course at one side of the arena, while their favorite Pro Staff members took shaving cream pies to the face at the other.
The eight student staff who were honored with awards took home a black acrylic trophy to mark their achievement with REC in 2024-2025. Without further ado, here’s a look at who took home which award and what they had to say about it:
Active Triton Award
Annie Meyer (Aquatics), Fourth-Year, Seventh College
“It means a lot to me. I love working for REC. It’s where I met a lot of my lifelong friends. I can’t imagine where I’d be without it.”
Service Excellence Award
Machaela Ouyang (FitLife), Third-Year, Seventh College
“Honestly, I’m super honored. Especially for such a small team, I think it’s cool that we can still show Recreation that we can do important stuff too.”
Emily Kunselman Leadership Award
Pedro Grimaldo, Jr. (Events), Fourth-Year, Muir College
“I just want to make each shift a fun shift for everybody, so it’s cool that I was on their minds for a leadership award.”
Employee of the Year
Stathis Kalpogiannis (Aquatics), Fourth-Year, Marshall College
“It’s been a great four years. … The people are always really welcoming. Even though I’m not the most outgoing person, I’ve always felt welcome.”
Wizard of Oz Award
Kevin Lau (Marketing), Third-Year, ERC
“REC has been an unforgettable part of my college experience, and I always looked forward to every shift. Winning the 'People’s Choice' Award was incredibly meaningful — it showed me that I was able to genuinely connect with others and share just how much REC has impacted my life in a positive way.”
Game Changer Award
Iris Ji (Marketing), Fourth-Year, ERC
"I was genuinely surprised and honored to receive the Game Changer Award. Contributing to REC’s social media and marketing presence has been such a rewarding experience. I’m incredibly grateful to REC for giving me the space to grow both creatively and professionally; it's been a truly meaningful and memorable journey."
