Imagine a college where every lecture starts on time. Every research deadline met without a system failure. Every student can access the tools they need without thinking twice about the technology behind them. Each day we move closer to this ideal state and much of that reliability is made possible by the people of Engineering IT.
Each year, we pause to recognize the individuals and teams whose work quietly support the teaching, learning, research, and service mission of the Grainger College of Engineering. The 2025 staff awards highlight not just strong performance, but meaningful impact—on classrooms, on research environments, and on the daily experience of faculty, staff, and students.
This year, support for academics was especially visible. The Audio Visual Team, winner of Best New or Most Improved Service, implemented enhancements that strengthen the reliability and flexibility of classroom technology—improvements that directly support effective instruction and evolving teaching modalities. When classroom technology works seamlessly, faculty can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning.
The Bob Cicone Award for Exemplary Customer Service recognized Juliet Path, whose 4.80 customer service rating reflects consistently high-quality support. That level of service means issues are resolved quickly, disruptions are minimized, and faculty and staff can stay focused on their core work. This award is based on results from our annual customer satisfaction survey and will, in the future, also reflect feedback gathered through ticket resolution surveys—ensuring that recognition remains grounded in the experience of those we serve.
Strong relationships are foundational to Engineering IT’s effectiveness. Jennifer Bernhard, winner of the I <3 Engineering IT! Award, exemplifies partnership from outside the unit, going above and beyond in support of shared goals. Ethan Conner, named Team Player, stepped into one of the organization’s most challenging assignments, demonstrating adaptability and a willingness to support colleagues when it matters most. These partnerships—within and beyond Engineering IT—enable coordinated, responsive service across the college.
Innovation remains essential as technology and academic needs continue to evolve. Spencer Gunning, winner of The Innovation Igniter Award, introduced new ideas and improved workflows that increase efficiency and strengthen service delivery. Nick Day, recipient of the Super Snooper Award, is known for asking thoughtful questions and digging beneath the surface of complex issues—the kind of disciplined curiosity that leads to resilient, sustainable solutions rather than temporary fixes.
Stewardship is reflected not only in how we manage systems and services, but also in how we care for our workplace and community. Anya Kanevskaya, winner of the Office Atmosphere Architect Award, fosters an environment where colleagues feel welcomed, supported, and energized to do their best work. Amy Hurst, recipient of the Volunteerism Award, reminds us that our responsibility extends beyond operational excellence to active engagement in the broader college and campus community.
The Trusted Academic Partner Award recognizes individuals who exemplify the Engineering IT Ideals while consistently demonstrating integrity, teamwork, customer commitment, and a growth mindset. Staff winner Kevin Li and student winner Juanca Umaña were selected by their peers for embodying these qualities in their daily work. Nominees Spencer Gunning (staff category) and Samuel Tinubu (student category) also demonstrated the characteristics that position Engineering IT as a dependable and forward-looking collaborator across the college.
Taken together, this year’s awardees illustrate how Engineering IT contributes to Grainger’s success: by enabling effective teaching, sustaining research environments, strengthening partnerships, and stewarding resources responsibly. Their work may often operate behind the scenes, but its impact is visible every day—in classrooms, in laboratories, and across the broader university community.