Faculty and staff in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute were recognized for their achievements during the 2022-23 academic year at the college’s annual luncheon.
“Although we will be recognizing many of you with specific awards today, I want to thank each and every one of you for your individual contributions to the success of our college and students,” said Daniel Castro, dean of Purdue Polytechnic. “From innovative teaching practices to groundbreaking research, and from exceptional service to our students to outstanding leadership in our departments, we are truly fortunate to have such a talented and committed group of individuals on our team.”
The following awards and recognitions were presented at the May 3 luncheon. Brief excerpts from recipients’ nominations are included below.
Staff awards
Academic Advisor Award: Lauren Lucas, Department of Computer and Information Technology
“Lauren’s contagious enthusiasm, and inclusive, student-centered advising style inspires those around her daily. She is a positive, passionate, and proactive colleague.”
Business Office Service Award: Amy McClannen
“Amy is incredibly insightful and helpful. She is a great resource. You can’t have a conversation with her and not laugh or smile.”
Customer Service Award: Gretchen Bane, Purdue Polytechnic Richmond
“Gretchen represents Purdue and the Polytechnic with class. She has played an important role in improving our students’ sense of belonging.”
Customer Service Award: Cathy Pullings, Office of Recruitment, Retention and Diversity
“Cathy exemplifies what it means to have customer service. She is always very friendly and welcoming to everyone who enters our office doors.”
Leadership Award: Niedra McLeland, School of Engineering Technology
“Niedra has a strong work ethic, attention to detail, excellent problem-solving skills, and initiative to improve, which have made her a valuable asset. She is always professional, supportive, and dependable.”
Leadership Award: Lorri Barnett, Purdue Polytechnic Anderson and Richmond
“Lorri is the true definition of a leader and one who leads from below the surface. Instead of being a surface-level leader, she goes deep with her teams, creating a culture of trust, safety, and connection.”
Statewide Excellence Award: Christy Snip, Purdue Polytechnic New Albany
“Christy is meticulous, proactive and always willing to help. She deserves recognition for assuming extra duties on behalf of others, including taking on the role of recruiting.”
The Equity, Inclusion and Advocacy awards
Staff Equity, Inclusion and Advocacy Award: Cathy Pullings, Office of Recruitment, Retention and Diversity
“Cathy makes her space feel like a home away from home to every student she meets. She is always there, from writing letters of recommendation to having a simple conversation about the challenges of being a college student.”
Faculty Equity, Inclusion and Advocacy Award: Anthony Sparkling, associate professor in the School of Construction Management Technology
“Anthony is an exemplary leader, demonstrating a serve-first attitude. He is passionate about recognizing diversity amongst faculty and staff and no one else could create a more inviting and all-embracing environment for faculty, staff, and students.”
Faculty awards
Outstanding Faculty in Learning certificates: Dimitrios Ziakkas, assistant professor, School of Aviation Transportation Technology; Nandhini Giri, assistant professor, Department of Computer Graphics Technology; Tawfiq Salem, clinical assistant professor, Department of Computer and Information Technology; Rustin Webster, associate professor, School of Engineering Technology; and Abrar Hammoud, clinical assistant professor, Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation
Outstanding Faculty in Learning Award: Luciana Debs, assistant professor, School of Construction Management Technology
Murphy Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching nominees: Timothy Ropp, clinical professor, School of Aviation Transportation Technology; Colin Gray, associate professor, Department of Computer Graphics Technology; and Alejandra Magana, W.C. Furnas Professor in Enterprise Excellence at the Department of Computer and Information Technology, professor in engineering education
Murphy Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching: Bryan Hubbard, professor, School of Construction Management Technology; and Greg Strimel, associate professor, Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation
Exceptional Early Career for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching certificates: Dimitrios Ziakkas, assistant professor, School of Aviation Transportation Technology; Austin Toombs, assistant professor, Department of Computer Graphics Technology; Robert Deadman, clinical assistant professor, Department of Computer Information Technology; and Brandon Grant, assistant professor, Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation
Exceptional Early Career for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award: Ryan Manuel, assistant professor of practice, School of Construction Management Technology
Excellence in Instruction Award for Continuing Lecturers nominees: Michele Walker, Purdue Polytechnic Richmond, Department of Computer Graphics Technology; and Lewie Wallace, School of Construction Management Technology
Excellence in Instruction Award for Continuing Lecturers University-level nominees: Abner Flores, School of Aviation and Transportation Technology; and Shawn Farrington, Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation
Outstanding Faculty in Discovery certificates: Garam Kim, assistant professor, School of Aviation and Transportation Technology; Chengcheng Tao, assistant professor, School of Construction Management Technology; Dongming Gan, assistant professor, School of Engineering Technology; and Jennifer Linvill, assistant professor, Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation
Outstanding Faculty in Discovery Award: Jin Wei-Kocsis, associate professor, Department of Computer and Information Technology
John P. Lisack Early-Career Engagement Award: Ryan Manuel, assistant professor of practice, School of Construction Management Technology
Outstanding Faculty in Engagement certificates: Chien-tsung Lu, associate professor, School of Aviation and Transportation Technology; Alex Damarjian, assistant professor, Department of Computer Graphics Technology; Baijian Yang, professor, Department of Computer and Information Technology; and Soowon Chang, assistant professor, School of Construction Management Technology
Outstanding Faculty in Engagement Award: José Garcia-Bravo, associate professor, School of Engineering Technology
Outstanding Leadership in Globalization Award: Esteban Garcia Bravo, associate professor, Department of Computer Graphics Technology
The Bravo Awards
The Bravo Awards are open to all employees, and are awarded to those who have gone above and beyond their job description. They have all contributed substantially to their workplace in a way that surpassed what was asked of them.
Bravo Awards: Christy Tollett, student affairs administrator, Purdue Polytechnic Richmond; Brooke Sale, student affairs administrator, Purdue Polytechnic Kokomo; Christine Butcher, administrative assistant, Navy ROTC; Melissa Ressino, administrative assistant; Gretchen Bane, administrative assistant; Shawn Davis, electrical engineering technology lab supervisor; Christopher Anthony, student affairs administrator; April Cheung, assistant professor of practice; Emily Wolf, lead administrative assistant and scheduling deputy; Nicky Federer, executive assistant; Scott Sproles, facilities coordinator and building deputy; Sally Carter, account clerk; Karla Calvin, senior administrative assistant, graduate and purchasing coordinator; Milan Rakita, assistant professor of practice; Jeff Heiking, assistant professor of practice; Sarah Prater, executive assistant; Lindsay Haugland, senior academic advisor, schedule deputy; Guillermo Morgado-Rodriguez, administrative assistant; Kearstynn Goulette, senior academic advisor; Tami Lynch, assistant director of advising; Hilliary Fox, business manager; Jill Lloyd-Crucini, academic advisor; Cathy Pullings, assistant director of diversity and recruitment; Susan Hockings, senior academic advisor, placement coordinator; James Lane, laboratory supervisor; Regina Brown, lead administrative assistant; Niedra McLeland, administrative assistant; T.R. Oneal, assistant academic advising director; Heather Mayorga, senior academic advisor; Aimee Griggs, senior academic advisor.
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