The Board of Trustees and campus administration have recognized several faculty and staff members for their unwavering dedication to the mission and students of Rose-Hulman. Their efforts and successes inspire the campus community with their impact on every student and employee.

This year's Pre-Commencement Awards also recognized several faculty and staff members for their longtime service and achieving academic tenure status. 

“This program provides a special opportunity to recognize and celebrate a select group of colleagues for their exceptional service to Rose-Hulman, and their unwavering dedication to our mission of providing students with the highest quality undergraduate STEM education—in an environment of personalized attention and support,” said President Robert A. Coons during the ceremony.

The Excellence in Service Award was presented to Jerry Leturgez, John Guess, and Bill Raymann, mechanical engineering lab technicians, for their redesigned shop training modules for first-year students. The team worked closely with faculty to develop hands-on trainings that encourage mentorship, student engagement, and smoother transitions into upper-level coursework.

"Their work sets a new standard for excellence in hands-on education," said Coons.

Kyle Washburn, director of residence life, received the Shining Star Award, which recognizes contributions to campus ideals and quality of life, dedication to students, and strong leadership within the first five years of service. Washburn oversees and mentors all resident and sophomore assistant student staff members, as well as fulfilling around-the-clock residence hall responsibilities.

"Students consistently describe him as a role model—someone who listens, encourages, and leads by example," said Coons. 

Ben Webster, Physics and Optical Engineering lab technician, earned the Make a Difference Award for excellent work behind the scenes that he undertook with dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment to making Rose a better place for everyone. Webster faithfully volunteers his time to help students thrive, from late nights in the lab to emergency repairs to a frozen Oakley Observatory on a frigid night.

"He models what it means to be student-centered," noted Coons. 

The Dr. John T. Ying Excellence Award for Student-Faculty collaborated recognized Will Green, PhD, associate department head and professor of mathematics, and Ben Lyons and Connor Lane, who are both graduating with degrees in mathematics. 

Advisors who fulfill the mission of cultivating student success were honored with the Outstanding Academic Advisor Awards. Namita Shreshta, PhD, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, was recognized for interactions with first-year students, and Ashley Bernal, PhD, associate professor of mechanical engineering, was honored for advising interactions with students at any level of academic standing. 

Faculty achieving full professor status with tenure standing received Red Tam honors to wear with regalia at Institute ceremonies. Red Tam honorees included Green; Chief Director of Institutional Research, Planning, and Assessment and Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering Matt Lovell, PhD; and Professor of Computer Science and Software Engineering Sid Stamm, PhD.

Faculty and staff were also recognized with length of service awards honoring their continued commitment to Rose-Hulman, including Kelly Henson, admissions data processor, who completed her 40th year with the Institute. Other service honorees included Mike Mueller and John Rickert, who celebrated 35 years, and Patsy Brackin, Edward Doering, and Lisa Hendrix who celebrated 30 years at Rose-Hulman.

These individuals completed their 25th year of service with the Institute:

• Terrence Casey
• Zac Chambers
• Hyung-Jung Chang
• Brian Dougherty
• Sergio Granieri
• Erik Hayes
• Mike Jacobs
• Melinda Middleton
• Darryl Mouck
• Ben Webster
• Bill Weiner

Several individuals celebrated 20 years at Rose-Hulman, including John Aidoo, Matt Boutell, Bill Butske, Tammy Coons, Dave Fisher, Gustavo Garcia, Jared Goulding, Maki Hirotani, Scott McClellan, Gary Meyer, and Scott Tieken.

Matt Davis, Kimberly Henthorn, Tony Karras, Jennifer Morris, Jenny Mueller, Ralph Ross, and Craig Utter completed their 15th year of service.

The following individuals were recognized for 10 years of service at Rose-Hulman:

• Dan Anastasio
• Jessica Becker
• Laura Butt
• Bryan Cantwell
• Cheryl Davidson
• Kathy Davis
• Cora Griffin Grounds
• Trevor Hanson
• Margaret Hurdlik
• Shaun Hussey
• Thomas James
• Matthew Lance
• Jayme Longo
• Kristen Merchant
• Gregory Neumann
• Kosta Popovic
• Irene Reizman
• Jayme Scott
• Sid Stamm
• Daniel Tetteh Richter
• Majel Wells
• Shelly Winkle
• Seth Woodason