The MIT Rewards and Recognition Program Has Three Components
The MIT Excellence Award Program
an annual Institute-wide award program
The Infinite Mile Award Program
an annual SHASS program that culminates in a ceremony held each May
The Appreciation Program
a program that allows individual departments, sections, programs, and centers within the School to distribute gift certificates and other forms of appreciation for informal, spontaneous, "on the spot" rewards to employees.
The goal of the School's R&R Program
is to recognize individuals (and teams, when appropriate) for exceptional contributions to the organizations within the School, as well as exceptional contributions which benefit the entire School and the Institute. Award recipients represent the best of the School's employees, and should consistently exhibit excellent and outstanding work performance. Employees under disciplinary action of any kind will be excluded from the R&R Program during the award period that the disciplinary action is in effect. Note that nominees for each award should exhibit some, but not necessarily all, the criteria specified.
The 2009 Infinite Mile Award Program — Award Recipients
For 2009, the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences took a break from our usual Infinite Mile Award program to honor those individuals who have given 25 years (or more) of service to MIT, combined with an area of performance in which they excel. While years of service was our primary criteria, we added a performance-based criteria, in keeping with the Institute's mission for the Rewards and Recognition Program.
The School is proud to have 14 individuals who have been at MIT for at least 25 years; collectively these 14 people have spent over 400 years providing service to MIT, with 70% of this time spent in our school. We salute them all!
Congratulations to the 2009 Infinite Mile Award Recipients!
Top: Gary King, Steven Strang, Mary Grenham, Debbie Meinbresse, Linda Woodbury
Middle: Bev Stohl, Nicholas Altenbernd, Judy Sptizer, Linda Marcotte
Front: Clarise Snyder, Suzana Lisanti, Priscilla Cobb
Not pictured: Ruth Trometer, Rosie Hegg
Photograph: Graham Ramsay
At our annual Infinite Mile Awards Ceremony, this year held on May 12th, Dean Fitzgerald honored these fourteen wonderful members of our community in the following areas:
For Exceptionally Loyal Service to the School's Faculty
Over the past 25+ years, the following four individuals have provided exceptionally loyal service to the faculty in the School. These recipients have consistently demonstrated long-term dedication to their faculty.
Nicholas Altenbernd, Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies
Judith (Judy) Spitzer, Program in Science, Technology, and Society
Beverly (Bev) Stohl, Department of Linguistics and Philosophy
Linda Woodbury, Department of Economics
For Outstanding Student Support
This award acknowledges the members of our staff who have consistently provided superior support to our students over the past 25 years, continually making students their top priority.
Gary King, Department of Economics
Ruth Trometer, Language and Learning Resource Center (LLARC) / Foreign Languages and Literatures Section
For Creativity and Innovation
This award acknowledges those individuals who, for 25 years or more, have consistently come up with creative and innovative ways to forge new paths to get their jobs done.
Suzana Lisanti, HyperStudio, Literature, Foreign Languages and Literatures
Clarise Snyder, Music and Theater Arts
For Exceptional Attention to Detail
This award acknowledges members of our staff who have a keen eye for details; colleagues we have counted on for 25 years or more to make sure that no detail slips through the cracks.
Priscilla Cobb, Music and Theater Arts
Rosie Hegg, Anthropology Program
Linda Marcotte, Dean’s Office
Debbie Meinbresse, Knight Science Fellowship Program / Science, Technology, and Society
For Exemplary Leadership
This award acknowledges those effective teachers/ mentors / coaches who help build morale and motivate others. They are people who willingly share their time and ideas for the greater good of their departments and programs, the School, and the Institute as a whole.
Mary Grenham, Department of Linguistics and Philosophy
Steven (Steve) Strang, Writing and Communications Center, Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies
Other Academic Award
For Above and Beyond Service to the School and to MIT
Margarita Groeger, Director of Spanish Language, Foreign Languages and Literatures
The Infinite Mile Program
Community Builder Award
A Community Builder is a bridge builder, someone willing to share time and ideas for the greater good of the Department, Section, Program, or Center. This might be an employee who is a cohesive force, someone who volunteers time for departmental or Institute matters beyond the job description, or who demonstrates extraordinary resourcefulness when problems arise. A Community Builder could be one who devotes time and effort to promoting diversity within the Department, School or Institute. The nominee should have superb interpersonal skills, and an exceptional talent for collaboration that results in better understanding, mutual cooperation, and a better workplace.
Go-To Person Award
The "Go-To Person" is a highly visible achiever who consistently takes charge and follows through. The Go-To-Person has demonstrated capacity for leadership, someone who leads by example, and can be counted on to make things happen. This is the person you go to when a challenging job must get done well.
Innovator Award
The Innovator is the employee who thrives on change. This person adapts easily to new organizational structures and new ways of doing work. The innovator is also a natural leader when it comes to helping colleagues adapt to change. He/she may be able to look at a task and envision a different way of reaching the goal, in a way that saves money, improves workflow, and/or gets faster results. The innovator enjoys thinking about ways to improve existing systems, sometimes finding creative "go-arounds" when confronted with bureaucratic roadblocks in current processes. The innovator may also be the person who comes up with imaginative new ideas for program promotion and enhancement and is able to communicate these ideas to colleagues and superiors.
Positive Energy Award
The Positive Energy Award rewards the employee who stays positive, upbeat, and cheerful regardless of the situation he/she faces, while acting competently and in the best interest of the workplace, someone who positively influences those around him/her. In times of change and stress, when it is easy to feel down, the Positive Energy Award winner demonstrates that it is possible to face challenging situations with good humor and perspective.
Unsung Hero Award
The Unsung Hero is someone who invisibly carries out work essential for the smooth functioning of our community, who quietly puts the organization’s interests first, is willing to fill in when needed, does whatever it takes to get the job done and is a steady presence in the organization. The nominee should be someone who takes initiative without being prompted, is reliable, persevering, and results-oriented.
Great Communicator Award
The Great Communicator Award rewards employees who have an exceptional talent for communication and collaboration that results in better understanding, cooperation, and workplace. The nominee should be someone with the ability to communicate with large and small groups—one or one, within an area, or across MIT—building consensus, and working toward shared success. He or she should communicate in ways that inspire and help others do a better job.
Infinite Mile Award Recipients: 2001—2008
Spring 2008
Community Builder Award
Susan Twarog, Political Science
Go-to-Person Award
Vanessa Gardner Hopper, Music and Theater Arts
Michael Myers, Political Science
Innovator Award
Joshua Aresty, Foreign Languages and Literatures
Leila Kinney, Comparative Media Studies
Positive Energy Award
Peter Hoagland, Economics
Unsung Hero Award
Amy Spelz, Center for International Studies
Amberly Steward, Anthropology
Other Academic Awards
Continued Outstanding Service and Innovative Teaching
Tuli Banerjee, Lecturer, Foreign Languages and Literatures
Marcia Bartusiak, Lecturer, Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies
Mark Harvey, Lecturer, Music and Theater Arts
Sabine Levet, Senior Lecturer, Foreign Languages and Literatures
Spring 2007
Community Builder Award
Sarah Wolozin, Program Manager, Comparative Media Studies
Go-to-Person Award
Jeff Pearlin, Computer Support Assistant, Foreign Languages and Literatures
Innovator Award
Magdalena Rieb, Program Coordinator, SSP, Center for International Studies
Positive Energy Award
Jennifer Molina, Administrative Assistant, SHASS Dean's Office
Matthew O'Toole, Administrative Assistant, Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies
Unsung Hero Award
Victor Belanger, Piano Technician, Music and Theater Arts
Jessica Colon, Senior Administrative Assistant, Economics
Shannon McCord, Administrative Assistant, Foreign Languages and Literatuares
Other Academic Awards
Continued Outstanding Service and Innovative Teaching
Dagmar Jaeger, Lecturer, Foreign Languages and Literatures
Mya Poe, Lecturer, Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies
Charles Shadle, Lecturer, Music and Theater Arts
Spring 2006
Go-to-Person Award
John Lyons, Administrative Officer, Music and Theater Arts
Positive Energy Award
Theresa Benevento, Administrative Assistant, Economics
Christine Phillips, Administrative Assistant, Foreign Languages and Literatures
Douglas Purdy, Administrative Assistant, Comparative Media Studies
Unsung Hero Award
Danielle Mancini, Administrative Assistant, Program in Science, Technology, and Society
Brad Seawell, Communications Assistant, Literature
Clarise Snyder, Concert Director, Music and Theater Arts
Innovator Award
MISTI Coordinator Team - Sigrid Berka, Saro Derian, Sean Gilbert, Amy Kirkcaldy, Deepti Nijhawan, April Julich Perez, Daniela Reichert, Serenella Sferza
Other Academic Awards
Continued Outstanding Service and Innovative Teaching
Ellen Crocker, Senior Lecturer, Foreign Languages and Literatures
Sara Ellison, Senior Lecturer, Economics
Martin Marks, Senior Lecturer, Music and Theater Arts
George Ruckert, Senior Lecturer, Music and Theater Arts
Julian Wheatley, Senior Lecturer, Foreign Languages and Literatures
Spring 2005
Great Communicator Award
Susanne Martin, Administrative Officer, Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies
Katherine Swan, Graduate Administrator, Economics
Go-to-Person Award
Mark Begley, Systems Administrator, Economics
Fuquan Gao, Systems Administrator, Political Science
Marie Senat-Andre, Financial Assistant, Center for International Studies
Positive Energy Award
Kristin Blank, Administrative Assistant, Music and Theater Arts
Unsung Hero Award
Jan Ellertsen, Administrative Officer, Literature
Lauren Fahey, Administrative Assistant, Economics
Amy Devin, Administrative Assistant, HASS Office
Dean's Community Builder Award
Kerrianne Ducharme, Personnel Coordinator, SHASS Dean's Office
Other Academic Awards
Continued Outstanding Service and Innovative teaching
Edward Barrett, Senior Lecturer, Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies
David Deveau, Senior Lecturer, Music and Theater Arts
Gilberte Furstenberg, Senior Lecturer, Foreign Languages and Literatures
Douglas Morgenstern, Senior Lecturer, Foreign Languages and Literatures
Pamela Wood, Senior Lecturer, Music and Theater Arts
Spring 2004
Dean's Community Builder Award
Deb Fairchild, Administrative Officer, Program in Science, Technology, and Society
Emily Meghan Morrow Howe, Program Coordinator, Women's Studies
Go-to-Person Award
Alterra Milone, Senior Administrative Assistant, Economics
Julie Saunders, Administrative Assistant, Literature
Dee Siddalls, Administrative Assistant, Center for International Studies
Positive Energy Award
Priscilla Cobb, Senior Administrative Assistant, Music and Theater Arts
Unsung Hero Award
Mabel Chin, Senior Administrative Assistant, History
Grace Mitchell, Administrative Assistant, Political Science
Andrea Wirth, Senior Administrative Assistant, Foreign Languages and Literatures
Other Academic Awards
Bernd Widdig, Associate Director, MISTI, Director MIT-Germany Program, Center for International Studies—for his outstanding educational contributions to the School and the Institute.
Philip Alexander, Research Associate, Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies—for researching and writing the history of our school at MIT.
Wyn Kelley, Senior Lecturer, Literature—for her extraordinary contributions to education and the new institute wide communication initiative.
Michael Ouellette, Senior Lecturer, Music and Theater Arts—for enrichment of the arts at MIT.
Spring 2003
Dean's Community Builder Award
Chris Pomiecko, Program Administrator, Comparative Media Studies
Laurie Scheffler, Senior Administrative Assistant, Center for International Studies
Go-to Person Award
Paula Kreutzer, Financial Assistant, Political Science
Elizabeth (Liz) White, Administrative Assistant, Foreign Languages and Literatures
Positive Energy Award
Anthony Duggins, Computer Support Assistant, Center for International Studies
Susan Stapleton, Administrative Assistant, Comparative Media Studies
Unsung Hero Award
Nicholas (Nick) Altenbernd, Senior Administrative Assistant, Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies
Martha Henry, Program Coordinator, Knight Science Fellowship Program
Sarah Merrow, Graduate Student Administrator, Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies
Monica Wolf, Graduate Student Administrator, Political Science
Other Academic Awards
Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Service within SHASS
Rebecca Faery, Lecturer, Director of First Year Writing Program, Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies
Steven Ostrow, Lecturer, History
Outstanding Contributions and Service within SHASS
Kurt Fendt, Research Associate, Foreign Languages and Literatures
Belinda Yung, SRS Project Manager, Literature
Spring 2002
Dean's Community Builder Award
Tobie Weiner, Undergraduate Administrator, Political Science
Go-to Person Award Maya Jhangiani, Administrative Assistant, Writing and Humanistic Studies
Language Learning and Research Center (LLARC) Team, Foreign Languages and Literatures: Jeffrey Martin, Systems Programmer; Cliff Myers, Technical Assistant; Ruth Trometer, Director
Positive Energy Award
Robert J. Bain, Administrative Assistant, Comparative Media Studies
Maria DiMauro, Administrative Officer, History
Shannon Larkin, Administrative Assistant, Writing and Humanistic Studies
Unsung Hero Award
Linda Malouf, Administrative Assistant, SHASS Dean's Office
Rinaldi Team: Music and Theater Arts - Diane Brainerd, Assistant Costumer; William Fregosi, Technical Coordinator; Leslie Cocuzzo Held, Technical Instructor; Michael Katz, Technical Instructor; and Karen Perlow, Technical Assistant
Other Academic Awards
Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Service within SHASS
Jane Dunphy, Director of ELS (English Language Studies Program), Foreign Languages and Literatures
Margarita Groeger, Director of Spanish Language Studies, Foreign Languages and Literatures
Yoshimi Nagaya, Director of Japanese Language Studies, Foreign Languages and Literatures
William Cutter, Director of Choral Programs, Music and Theater Arts
Frederick Harris, Director of Wind Ensembles, Music and Theater Arts
Spring 2001
Dean's Community Builder Award
Nancy Lowe, Administrative Officer, Foreign Languages and Literatures
Michele Oshima, Program Coordinator, Women's Studies
Go-to Person Award
Mary Grenham, Administrative Officer, Linguistics and Philosophy
Debbie Meinbresse, Administrative Assistant, Science, Technology and Society
Innovator Award
Alex Chisholm, Development and Communications Officer, Comparative Media Studies
Unsung Hero Award
Pamela Clements, Administrative Secretary, Political Science
Foreign Languages and Literature Headquarters Team: Pamela Grimes, Administrative Assistant; Lili Kepuska, Administrative Assistant; Shannon McCord, Administrative Assistant; and Ellen Salvi, Administrative Assistant
Kudos!
Massachusetts Institute of Technology