Faculty, staff, students and alumni gathered on May 2 in Thurgood Marshall Hall for the seventh annual Celebration of Service. The event celebrates and recognizes the excellence and achievements of the School of Public Policy and our people who have gone above and beyond in the spirit of service.
During the awards ceremony, faculty and staff took to the podium to present the awards. A total of twelve awards were given out.
The Innovative Research award recognizes a student who has shed new light on policy issues and challenges, and has positively contributed to the intellectual community at the School, University and beyond, and whose research is making significant advances to knowledge and techniques in their field. The 2024 Innovative Research Award was given to Alec Fulayter at the graduate level, and to Matthew Zinno at the undergraduate level.
The Research Excellence award recognizes a faculty member whose work explores new and innovative fields of inquiry, and contributes to a robust and active research agenda at the School. Associate Professor Claire Dunning was the recipient of the 2024 Research Excellence Award.
The Outstanding Teaching Award recognizes a faculty member who provides outstanding instruction, innovative teaching methods and course design, and conveys and instills a passion for lifelong learning. The Outstanding Teaching Award was presented to IPL Research Director Cullen Merritt.
The Excellence in Teaching award recognizes a teaching assistant who has provided an exceptional instructional experience for master’s or undergraduate students, and outstanding support to the faculty instructor. The Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Mary Lorenz.
The Champion of Student Success award recognizes a staff member whose dedication has had a meaningful and lasting impact on students, making a real difference in students’ personal and professional lives. The Champion of Student Success award was presented to Career Services and Alumni Relations Coordinator Hardeep Chowdhary.
The Outstanding Service award recognizes a staff member who has gone ‘above and beyond’ in serving the School, improving the lives and work of faculty, staff and students. The Outstanding Service Award for 2024 was presented to Executive Development Administrative Specialist Kevin Fedderly.
The Beyond the Classroom award recognizes a student whose public-mindedness reflects the values of the School and has carried their learning in the classroom out into the community, making change at the local, national or global level. The Beyond the Classroom Award was given to Emanuelle Hutman.
The Public Impact award recognizes a faculty member who has used their academic research and expertise in tangible service of a significant policy challenge at the local, national or international level. This year’s Public Impact Award was presented to Program Director of The Karabelle Pizzigati Fellows Initiative in Advocacy for Children, Youth and Families Brandi Slaughter.
The Distinguished Terrapin Award was designed to recognize an alumnus or supporter of the School who has brought credit to the School through their personal accomplishments or professional achievements in service of the public good. This year’s award was presented to Hugo Cantu, president of the SPP alumni chapter board and senior legislative aide to the Montgomery County Council.
The Lifetime Service Award was designed to recognize contributions of an individual over a sustained period of time in service of the School, whose reputation of excellence and track-record of success have benefitted the School. This year’s award was presented to Mary Lopez, program manager.
The Dean’s Award recognizes a standout member of the community who, through their efforts and support, has allowed the School to achieve excellence in one or more areas, and has furthered the School’s mission to educate, discover and make an impact. Noor Tofailli, graduate student and co-president of the PSGA, was honored with this year’s Dean’s Award.
Congratulations to our award winners.