But those games aren't just for downtime; they mirror Nieves’ daily work as assistant director for academic advising, a role in which she helps students assemble the moving pieces of their college careers.

“I think what I really enjoy about academic advising is that everyone's an individual,” Nieves said. “You can have five students that are of the same major, but their goals are different. Their experiences in life are different. They want different minors. How does that minor complement their major and the things that they want to do? It’s almost like the pieces of a puzzle. Everyone's different. We're just trying to put it all together. It's problem solving, and it’s fun for me.

”Nieves’ joy in helping students navigate that journey to find purposeful paths during and after their time at Quinnipiac is evident to many. And for that reason and many more, she has earned the university’s highest honor in service to students — the Staff Excellence award.

“I feel so honored and humbled to get this award. Truly,” Nieves said. “I really feel seen. As an academic adviser, and as an educator in general, I'm always hopeful that what we're doing in this space is enough.”

For Nieves, who’s held numerous teaching and advising roles at her alma mater for the better part of two decades, “enough” means everywhere students need her to be. Her campus footprint spans multiple touchpoints: she serves as the Bobcat Academy program adviser for the School of Communications, acts as the faculty affiliate for the school's Living Learning Community and spent several years as an adjunct professor teaching a first-year seminar for communications students.

As a student, Nieves was a peer mentor, a resident assistant and an orientation leader —roles that all eventually shaped her own professional path. She draws on the experience of being undeclared as an undergraduate when she connects with first-year students who haven’t yet discovered their passion.

“When I talk to first-year students, I tell them that the person you are today in your first year is going to be a different person than [the one you become],” Nieves said. “The core of who you are is the same, but you learn so much about yourself. You're learning in your classes, you're growing in your knowledge, but also having life experiences. You're asking questions, but you're not finding your voice. I don't like using that [term]. You're using your voice. When you're using your voice, you're advocating for yourself.

”In a glowing nomination, Danielle Reinhart, assistant dean of academic advising, praised her colleague for her warm, congenial nature and her dogged devotion to students and the Quinnipiac community at large.

“She is the ultimate helper and is a fierce advocate for Quinnipiac University and its people, radiating good humor and unflappable confidence in meeting any challenge head-on,” Reinhart said.

But just as meaningful as peer recognition were the words written by a student, Graziella Zerillo ’28, MBA ’29.

“I nominated Rosa because she has been an incredibly supportive adviser,” Zerillo wrote. “Even before I declared a major, she made me feel included, answered my questions and has been a consistent source of guidance and encouragement.”

Indeed, the board games in Nieves’ office aren’t just for decompressing or passing the time  — they're a reminder that with the right guidance, every scattered piece eventually finds its place.