The University of New Orleans has earned the 2021 NASPA Excellence Gold Award for its student orientation program, called MAMBO. The four-day orientation is designed to immerse new freshmen in the Privateer experience.

The acronym stands for Move-In, Academic preparation, Making memories, Building connections and Orientation. LeeAnne Sipe, interim assistant dean for Student Affairs, coordinates the program along with April Gremillion, who is assistant director for New Student Experience.

“The University of New Orleans MAMBO Week Program has proven to be an outstanding program that contributes to the success of students and the continued growth of the student affairs profession,” NASPA officials said in announcing the award.

The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators is a U.S.-based student affairs organization with more than 13,000 members at 1,400 campuses and 25 countries.

The NASPA Excellence Awards are awarded every year to members who are transforming higher education through exceptional programs, innovative services and effective administration. 

NASPA will recognize Sipe and UNO’s program on its website.