Staff Awards
The UMass Amherst College of Engineering is pleased to recognize the excellence and ongoing contributions of its dedicated staff.
Each staff award will include $500 and a plaque, with recognition at the annual faculty & staff celebration.
Two awards are offered:
- Dean's Outstanding Student Support Award
- Dean's Outstanding Service Award
The submission window for 2023 is open now through March 24.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to submit nominations.
Dean's Outstanding Student Support Award
The purpose of this award is to recognize a staff member for significant contributions that enrich the student experience and/or have a positive impact on student development in the College of Engineering.
Significant contributions are viewed as special efforts, beyond the norm, that enhance the well-being and opportunities of students in our engineering community.
This includes, but is not limited to, creatively or resourcefully implementing or enhancing existing programs, activities and/or services that:
- Further student learning
- Promote leadership skills, professional development, and/or the ability to innovate
- Foster an environment of inclusivity
- Provide guidance, mentorship, and advocacy
- Encourage hands-on learning and student projects, including lab support
- Help students navigate difficult experiences
- Inspire the students they serve
- Build strong partnerships across the university in support of student success
Candidates should have performed in a manner that exceeds the normal expectation for a staff member and display enthusiasm toward their responsibilities.
Nomination process: Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to submit nominations. Nomination package should consist of a letter (maximum 2 pages) addressed to the Dean of Engineering expressing the significant contributions made by the nominee. Up to three supporting letters or comments may also be provided. At least one supporting letter (or the nominator) must be a current engineering student. The nomination package should be submitted to Erin Devaney.
Selection: A group of students, appointed by departments, will complete an initial review of all nominations and then an appointed committee will make the final recommendations to the Dean of Engineering as a part of a two-step process. The dean will select the final recipient.
Eligibility: All staff in the College of Engineering departments and offices, including lab technicians and program coordinators, are eligible with a few exceptions.
The following are not eligible:
- Current staff award committee members
- Staff who have received a staff recognition award in the last five years (Note: this award was new in 2021)
- Staff who have not completed two consecutive years of service in the College of Engineering
- Faculty members, including lecturers and staff that hold faculty status
- Group nominations; awards are given to individuals only
Dean’s Outstanding Service Award
The purpose of this award is to recognize and reward outstanding service by a staff member to a department and/or to the College of Engineering.
Outstanding service is viewed as a special effort, beyond the norm, that significantly improves the overall College of Engineering operations, environment and experience.
Examples of going beyond the norm include, but are not limited to:
- Innovating an effective solution to improve a process or solve a difficult problem
- Taking the lead to implement a new idea, project, program or service
- Mentoring, inspiring, supporting or motivating others to achieve results or overcome obstacles in support of college goals.
Expected characteristics include, but are not limited to:
- Positive attitude and teamwork;
- Initiative, quality of work, and excellence in performing core job requirements
- Self-motivation, going over and above with a high degree of excellence
Nomination process:
Nominations should consist of a letter (maximum 2 pages) addressed to the Dean of Engineering expressing the significant contributions made by the nominee. Up to three supporting letters or comments may also be provided. The nomination package must be submitted to Erin Devaney.
Selection: Dean will select recipient in consultation with a committee comprised of previous dean staff award recipients.
The following are not eligible:
- Current staff award committee members
- Staff who have received a staff recognition award in the last five years
- Staff who have not completed two consecutive years of service in the College of Engineering
- Faculty members, including lecturers and staff that hold faculty status
- Group nominations; awards are given to individuals only
Past Award Recipients
Dean's Outstanding Student Support Award
- 2022 Jodi Ozdarski
- 2021 Vernon Lamb
Dean's Outstanding Service Award
- 2022 Colby Norwood
- 2021 Mark Gauthier
- 2020 Amity Lee
- 2019 Barbara Hastings
- 2018 Kim Renier
- 2017 Tami Paluca
- 2016 Sherrie Webb-Yagodzinski
- 2015 Sally Darby
- 2014 Joseph Smith
- 2013 Jennifer Blake
- 2012 Sandra Gross & Pam Rivest
- 2011 Shana Passonno
- 2010 Francis Caron
- 2009 Jodi Ozdarski
- 2008 Scott E. Reed
- 2007 Keith P. Shimeld
- 2006 Cheryl Brooks & Rick Winn
- 2005 Patricia Alex
- 2004 Dorothy Adams
- 2003 Jane Martel
- 2002 Frances Corgnati
- 2001 Lorraine Robidoux & Jennifer Suglia
- 2000 Patricia Zuzgo
- 1999 Maryann Sadoski
- 1998 Linda Klemyk
- 1997 Alan Rakouskas
- 1996 Miles Eastman
- 1995 Frank Duda
- 1994 Donald Scott
- 1993 Jane Stein
- 1992 Andrew Casiello
- 1991 Isabelle Graves
- 1990 Daniel Blanchard & Kathleen Rubin
- 1989 Arnold Glazier
- 1988 Reynolds Winslow
