Some people don’t just promote programs; they create a campus-wide movement.
That’s what the Buzz Builder Award at the 2025 Knack Partner Awards is all about: honoring the partners who go above and beyond to spark excitement, elevate visibility, and build real momentum for peer tutoring at their institutions.
This year’s winners exemplify what it means to connect with students in authentic, meaningful ways—and the results speak for themselves.
1st Place: Catherine Unite, The University of Texas at Arlington
Catherine Unite, Director of Academic Support Programs at UTA, didn’t just promote Knack. She revitalized how academic support is perceived on campus.
Thanks to Cathy’s energy, creativity, and campus-wide outreach, UTA saw a 259% increase in overall Knack activity this year. But the numbers only tell part of the story.
Whether it was hosting engaging events, delivering personalized emails to tutor candidates, or turning the library into a hub of academic buzz with flyers and study kits, Cathy made Knack cool. For the first time, students weren’t just using the library—they were flocking to it.
Promotional Highlights:
- Study kits for students
- Personalized outreach to tutor prospects
- Faculty and advisor info sessions
- Strategic use of library spaces for visibility
From Cathy:
“I would also like to give a special thanks to Candice Calhoun-Butts for her support from the very beginning and for helping plan and extend Knack outreach on our campus. This recognition is truly a reflection of our collective efforts, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished together.”
2nd Place: Kimberly Gorman, University of Connecticut (CAPS)
Kimberly Gorman, Director of Student Support Services at UConn’s Center for Access & Postsecondary Success (CAPS), embodies the idea that strong outreach is rooted in relationships.
Kim led a coordinated, multi-campus effort to elevate Knack’s presence across the university system. From FYS integration to tabling events and cultivating campus champions, her approach was all about meeting students where they are and making sure every student felt included.
Promotional Highlights:
- Multiple info sessions and tabling across UConn campuses
- Integration into First-Year Seminars and CAPS programming
- Designated campus champions to sustain momentum
Kim’s commitment to inclusion and consistent presence ensured that students didn’t just hear about Knack—they experienced it firsthand.
Celebrating Impact, Not Just Visibility
At Knack, we believe the best promotion isn’t flashy—it’s authentic. Cathy and Kim show us what it means to build trust, awareness, and enthusiasm in ways that align with each campus’s unique culture.
We’re incredibly grateful to both of these leaders for their passion, partnership, and the energy they’ve poured into expanding access to peer tutoring.
Here’s to the buzz builders—may your spark continue to inspire.
Explore how Knack can partner with your campus at joinknack.com.
