Kyle Freeman, Administrative Assistant - EMP
Kyle goes above and beyond in tasks that support our faculty and staff. Specifically his attention to detail in planning and executing the Industrial Advisory Council meetings allows the EMP to hold very professional and efficient discussions. His support of our DEI Committee in designing and ordering motivational items is a reflection of his passion and his dedication to connecting with our faculty and staff. I really appreciate his willingness to engage with all DEI topics, his courage to speak up gives us all someone to look up to.ĚýÂ
Lou Rutherford, Assistant Program Director - EMP
Lou is the glue that holds our program together. She is an extraordinary administrator who is gifted with empathetic communication and a genuine caring heart for others. She serves our program as the leader of the DEI committee, and member of the executive committee, all while performing an outstanding job as director of operations. Lou is someone we appreciate, respect, and rely on for meaningful support when dealing with challenges. Our Engineering Management Program wouldn’t be the same without her!
Lori Walker, Program Coordinator - Herbst
Lori Walker has been awarded the Employee Recognition Award 2023 for her exceptional dedication and outstanding contribution to the Herbst Program, particularly during the past two years in the face of significant and unforeseen organizational and personal challenges. In addition to completing her work with professional and exemplary skills, Lori kept things on track during a trying 18-month period in which the program had two different interim directors and a new permanent director, a faculty member who had little prior administrative experience. She far exceeded her performance goals during this time, despite also dealing with personal challenges as well. Her work ethic has had a positive impact on the mission of the program and has contributed greatly to the productivity of the Herbst team. The Herbst Program has profited greatly from Lori’s immense efforts and adept management skills.
Maura Hollister, Assistant Director, First-Year Experience - Engineering Connections
Maura has been an instrumental leader in the planning and successful launch of the Engineering Connections residential community in Williams Village. Maura approaches her work with thoughtful detail and keeps students centered in all that she does. Maura works to support all of her team and is a trusted colleague across the university.Ěý
Adria Blum, Program Coordinator - Honors Program & Mortenson Center for Global Engineering RAPs
Adria was instrumental in orchestrating not one, but two vital projects over the summer and fall of 2023, moving the Engineering Honors and Global Engineering RAPs to Will Vill North as part of the new Engineering Connections program. Adria’s dual role as coordinator for both programs required her to delicately balance the needs of two distinct student populations and also the needs of the engineering freshmen more broadly. She accomplished this by creating an environment where students from all three groups feel heard and supported. She is a lynchpin of the current success of the residential engineering programs and proves every day how vital she is to the engineering community and beyond.
Nancy Wright, Finance Manager - Mortenson Center for Global Engineering
As finance manager for the Mortenson Center, Nancy approaches her job with the patience and persistence the center needs to not only continue business as usual but also pursue growth and new opportunities. During her time with the center, Nancy has taken on increasing responsibility and is always looking for opportunities to improve. She is a thoughtful, kind colleague and a central member of our team.Ěý
