Many students on the SMU campus may recognize Derrick Page, this year’s Staff Member of the Year award winner, from the Umphrey Lee dining hall. His personable demeanor and high-fives have made him popular among students.

Page, who has been working at SMU for nine years, was awarded his first-ever Staff Member of the Year award from SMU.

“They tell me it was the first time someone like us was nominated,” said Page, referencing the other staff members in the dining hall. “Especially because it came from the students, it was very touching.”

One mention of Page’s name and every student who knows him breaks out into
a smile.

“Oh, the high-five guy,” exclaimed SMU junior and diver Sky Corbett-Methot. “He always says ‘Hey diver!’ and gives me a hug.”

Page has shown outstanding commitment not only to his job, but to the students at SMU. His nomination is no surprise, as his name has been seen across social media, even garnering positive posts on Yik Yak.

“I really care about the students,” Page said. “I just really want them to do well.”

The sentiment is not lost on students, all of whom had nothing but kind words to say about Page.

“He’s so good at recognizing students faces,” junior Alex Day said. “He really cares about each of us.”

Page’s favorite part of his job is getting to know the students, many of whom he has watched go through their entire academic career at SMU. He never fails to greet everyone with a smile.

“He’s really personable,” SMU student Harrison McGregor said. “Every time you see him he acts like he’s been friends with you a really long time.”

For new students, or those just feeling a little out of their element, the dining hall can be a foreboding place. Luckily having people like Page greeting students as they walk in can make a world of difference.

“That’s why I come to work everyday,” Page said. “It’s because of the students.”