Damon Leverett and Jeff Guba Win 2022 Darryl D. Dobras Awards for Excellence
Senior Lecturer in Architecture Damon Leverett and Senior Data and Financial Analyst Jeff Guba have been awarded the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture’s highest annual honor for employees: the Darryl D. Dobras Award for Excellence.
Named after 1972 Bachelor of Architecture graduate Darryl Dobras, the financial award is presented annually by CAPLA Dean Nancy Pollock-Ellwand to recognize outstanding achievements by faculty, staff and students of the college.
Damon Leverett, Senior Lecturer in Architecture
Leverett, who in addition to his robust teaching both at CAPLA and the School of Information started the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) student chapter at UArizona and is the AIA Arizona president-elect, was awarded for his “generous support and vital work within the college and the School of Architecture,” says Pollock-Ellwand.
“The Dobras Award for Excellence recognizes members of our community who make a real difference in our mission. No one has had greater impact in recent years than Senior Lecturer Damon Leverett,” says School of Architecture Director Rob Miller. “He is widely celebrated by students for his calm and supportive demeanor and his strategic direction.”
Guba, who holds a Master's in Finance from UArizona, was awarded for his detailed yet comprehensive financial support to the college, particularly on the All Funds Budget Plan.
Jeff Guba, Senior Data and Financial Analyst
“Jeff Guba typifies a community member who has made CAPLA a stronger place both financially and culturally,” says Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration Simon White. “In his role as the senior data and financial analyst, Jeff has driven our budgeting and financial planning to new, higher levels. He always goes the extra mile in providing and explaining financial reports.”
“It has been an honor in sharing my experiences and knowledge with the students of CAPLA this past year,” says Leverett. “I could not have imagined growing up in Detroit years ago that I would be living in the desert and working with so many brilliant faculty, staff and students at one of the most prestigious institutions in the Southwest. At the same time, I have had an opportunity to engage in my computer science background, allowing me to merge my interest and creative muses into deeper explorations of art and science.”
“I am truly grateful and honored to receive this award. It was an absolute surprise when I was notified to where I didn’t know what to say, and that doesn’t normally happen with me,” says Guba. “When I reflect on my work at CAPLA over the past six years, I can say each year brings new challenges that seem more like opportunities for me to test my skills. These last few years have brought some incredible challenges, but having the support of a great team helped me get through such a storm. I am very grateful to work with such a strong team that it makes me want to push harder and go farther to do more than my best each year.”
Congratulations to Damon Leverett and Jeff Guba, and thank you for your outstanding service to CAPLA, the University of Arizona and much beyond!
