On April 6, the School of Public Policy hosted its fifth annual Celebration of Service gala in Orem Alumni Hall, Riggs Alumni Center. The event was an opportunity for the SPP community to come together and recognize the achievements of its students, faculty, staff and alumni as well as celebrate the School’s 40th anniversary.
“The celebration of our 40th anniversary is playing out over the course of this whole year”, said Dean Robert C. Orr. “Digging back into our history has truly been both an exciting and inspiring exercise when you start to realize the people who have come through these doors.”
Members of the School community nominate faculty, staff, students and alumni for the awards. This year, awardees were recognized both via in-person tributes and a live watch party Theodore Caruthers MPP ’18 hosted the celebration.
This year’s awardees are:
- Excellence in Teaching - Denise Burroughs
- Beyond the Classroom - Meghan Music
- Community Builder - Sam Porzel
- Innovative Research - Sam Nass
- Public Impact - Cat Worsnop
- Research Excellence - Katrina Walsemann
- Outstanding Teaching - Luke Spreen
- Outstanding Service - Lori Ganey
- Champion of Student Success - Bryan Kempton
- Distinguished Terrapin - Ryan Trout
- Lifetime Service - Bill Powers
- Dean’s Award - Nathan Dietz
“You may have all noticed a theme in the recognition of a number of our awardees today,” said Dean Orr of the awards recipients. “They not only perform outstanding service, but they do it humbly, authentically, and today we celebrate both this incredible community and these incredible individuals.”