Presented on Thursday, May 21, 2026 in Falvey Hall
5 Years of Service
- Lucas Badger, Marketing and Communications
- Nakia Downing, Campus Safety
- Wilbert Reaves, Campus Safety
- Julia Roble, Graduate Admission
- Joy Weems, Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship
10 Years of Service
- Matilda Blankenship, Campus Safety
- Calvin Evans, Buildings & Grounds
- Emanuel Faulk, Campus Safety
- David Howard, Technology Services
- Thili Palaniappan, Enterprise Systems
- Ann Walsh, Fabrication Studios
15 Years of Service
- Kenneth Dippong, Enrollment Services
- Maria Huitron, Building Services
- Patrick Hunt, Graduate Research Lab
- Benjamin Kelley, Fabrication Studios
- Luis Pena Tiria, Physical Plant
- Justin Taylor, Campus Safety
- Joyce Uhm, Finance
- Sara Warren, Advancement
20 Years of Service
- Damon Crutchfield, Transportation Services
- Janine D'Adamo, Graduate Admission
- Andrea Dixon, Exhibitions
- Petrina Evans, Campus Safety
- Lawrence Green, Campus Safety
- Joseph Jordan, Technology Services
- Daniel Olson, Postal & Print Services
- Anthony Pointer, Campus Safety
Class of 2026 Distinguished Service to Undergraduate & Graduate Students Awards
These awards recognize a staff member for displaying excellent service to MICA’s student body. The award is voted on by the graduating class and recognized at Commencement.
- Class of 2026 Distinguished Service to Undergraduate Students Award is Chris Kiehne.
- Class of 2026 Distinguished Service to Graduate Students Award is Jacob Rhoads.
Emeritus
Emeritus status is an honorary title conferred to recognize distinguished and meritorious full-time service over an extended and continuous period of time to the College. This title is bestowed on faculty or staff employees who have entered permanent retirement and have served the College with distinction.
This year’s recipient is Jon Lipitz. Jon retired from MICA in 2024 after 20 years of service, including nine as director of Events. During his time at MICA, Jon’s expertise and enthusiasm were experienced by all who worked with him. Starting as Falvey Hall’s manager, he quickly became Assistant Director of Events and oversaw the creation of BBOX. As Director, Jon excelled in managing events and was pivotal in coordinating President Biden’s visit to MICA in January 2023. He also introduced notable innovations like the Faculty Gauntlet and expanded ArtWalk.
Institutional Impact Awards
Institutional Impact awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of employees whose work strengthens and advances MICA in meaningful ways. These awards reflect our commitment to recognizing not only outstanding outcomes but also the everyday excellence, innovation, and service that help our community thrive.
The Institutional Impact Award for Process Improvement goes to Chris Harring, Associate Vice President, Graduate Admission and Professional Studies. This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates innovation, efficiency, and strategic thinking in improving systems, workflows, or operational practices. The award honors those who identify opportunities for improvement, develop effective solutions, and create lasting impact through thoughtful change that enhances the experience of students, faculty, staff, and the broader campus community.
The Institutional Impact Award for Commitment to Service goes to Sarah Willis, Director, Office of Events. This award honors your commitment to excellence, where unwavering professionalism and genuine care transform every interaction into meaningful support, collaboration, and care.
President’s Award for Innovation and Excellence
The President’s Award for Innovation and Excellence honors individuals and teams who consistently go above and beyond, utilizing creative problem-solving and forward-thinking strategies to advance our mission.
This year’s President’s Award goes to Doug Barkey and Katie Kelley. Their team’s work on the relaunch of the School for Creative and Professional Studies has significantly strengthened its visibility and impact. They developed a clear and comprehensive plan for program development and marketing, and brought that plan to life through thoughtful execution that supported a cohesive and successful re-launch.