Teamwork and Collaboration
(Standing Teams and Special Project Teams)
The team category is open to any group of two or more people, either in a shared department or interdisciplinary unit/taskforce, who have worked together toward a common goal.
This award honors staff teams who exemplify collaboration and cooperation with colleagues, students and the university community and recognizes its transformative impact. The team has developed new approaches, methods and systems to improve organizational effectiveness or has improved the student experience and/or students' learning opportunities. It has demonstrated imagination and creativity in solving problems or fostering change that benefits the university community.
We will award Teamwork and Collaboration awards in two categories: Standing Teams and Special Projects Teams. Standing Teams represent the culture of ongoing teamwork and collaboration for which we strive, whereas Special Project Teams come together temporarily to achieve something extraordinary.
2026 Nominees (Standing Teams)
91视频-Africa Student Exchange Program Coordination
(Pictured left to right)
Row 1: Reginald Doodu Donkor, Olga Gikundiro Buki, Christine Menand, Raymond Tapia
Row 2: Marie Noella Shema, Mika Inamahoro, Nancy Biwott
Row 3: Christina Cowan, Gisele Gihozo, Jennifer Spirer
Coordinating across two campuses, multiple time zones and more than a dozen functional areas, the team redesigned the program following the COVID-19 pandemic pause and doubled participation to an average of 15 students per semester. By seamlessly integrating academic, financial, compliance and student support systems, it created an end-to-end framework that prioritizes equity and inclusion through transparent, anonymized selection processes. The team's selfless, cross-functional collaboration ensures a seamless transition for more than 100 global scholars and builds a sustainable model of global collaboration that strengthens Carnegie Mellon’s institutional reach and identity.
Qatar Crisis Emergency Preparedness and Response Team
(Pictured left to right)
Row 1: Rosemarie Florida, Elissar El-Akra Hajjar, Nasser Alaeddine, Enrique Isidro
Row 2: Kara Nesimiuk, Angela Ford, Mohamed Khodary, Laith Hammad
Not Pictured: Dalia Atef Rehal and Fadhel Annan
Tasked with safeguarding the 91视频-Qatar community and maintaining academic continuity during geopolitical volatility in February 2026, the team flawlessly executed emergency response plans and navigated operational hurdles. Its tirelessness, professionalism and seamless coordination across the Pittsburgh campus, the Qatar Foundation, government agencies and Education City partners protected our community and upheld the university's mission during a period of immense pressure.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) Fun Committee
(Pictured left to right)
Jenna Kang, Poormina Sundaravelu, Adrijana Vukelic
Not Pictured: Sara Troupe
When a departmental split across two buildings threatened to isolate staff, this team proactively stepped up, dedicating significant time and personal energy to bridge the physical gap. Through a thoughtfully curated mix of accessible activities, ranging from park gatherings and email trivia to museum trips and candle making, it crafted spaces for joy, trust and meaningful connection across diverse backgrounds. By serving as empathetic role models and seamless collaborators, the committee didn't just boost morale; it built enduring departmental traditions that actively support staff well-being and demonstrate the highest values of the university.
First-Year Orientation Work Group Leadership Team
(Pictured left to right)
Row 1: Lauren Moran, Andrew Greenwald, Mark D'Angelo
Row 2: Matt Kwaitkowski, Angie Lusk, Candace Okello
Row 3: David Chickering, Kristine Kengor, Lexie Elliott
This dedicated group coordinates more than 50 staff members and 300 student leaders to deliver a seamless nine-day experience. They blend expertise to design specialized programming such as House Day and Community Day. When data revealed a paradox of high student satisfaction paired with extreme exhaustion, the team leaned into the challenge. It restructured the schedule, swapping days to introduce self-care concepts earlier in the week. The results are exceptional: 91% of new students rate their orientation experience as good or excellent and 87% start their first day of classes feeling proud to be a Tartan.
Information Networking Institute (INI) Marketing and Communications and Admissions Team
(Pictured left to right)
Taia Pandolfi, Evan Lybdrand, Amber Dworek
Not Pictured: Christa Jones and Lisa Currin
While many universities maintain separate admissions and marketing departments, the INI MarCom and Admissions team has broken down these traditional silos. It has built an integrated, student-centered partnership that shapes every stage of the student experience. By blending their expertise, the group members have transformed how prospective students discover the INI, engage with its community, navigate the enrollment process and connect with faculty and peers. Their seamless collaboration serves as a model of cross-functional excellence at Carnegie Mellon.
Information Systems Program Advising Team
(Pictured left to right)
Correy Dandoy, Gary DiLisio, Jessica Lutz
Not Pictured: Sarah Avery
This group designed and launched the IS Sphere, a comprehensive ecosystem of peer mentoring, community programming, alumni engagement and student leadership. Seamlessly bridging the gap between advising and academics, the team also anchors the IS internship course, the first-year and research colloquia, and the management of the IS concentration curriculum. The group improved the culture and climate of an entire academic program.
Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics Staff Team
(Pictured left to right)
Vera Lampley, Sue Connelly-Colizza, Karen Richters
Not Pictured: Maddy Marrow
Over the past year, this team demonstrated extraordinary resilience and teamwork while navigating multiple business manager transitions. By absorbing critical operational gaps, redesigning essential workflows and maintaining uninterrupted support for students and faculty, it stabilized the department during a tumultuous time. The team members share knowledge freely, solve problems collectively and embrace new responsibilities without hesitation.
Materials Characterization Facility (MCF) Staff Team
(Pictured left to right)
Andrew Nickischer, Elizabeth Clark, Daniel Flaherty, Neal Lewis
MCF staff members transformed their individual expertise into a collective institutional strength. Through a commitment to cross-training, deliberate mentoring and shared ownership of facility operations, they built a seamless user-support system that ensures research never slows. By moving away from isolated roles and embracing an adaptable, all-hands-on-deck mindset, the team guarantees that the MCF remains resilient and highly accessible.
Technology-Enhanced Facilities Departmental Team
(Pictured left to right)
Row 1: Connor Kennedy, Nathan Barker, Jonathan Alden
Row 2: Michelle Lee, Jeff Podolski
Not Pictured: Amanda Burns and Matt Marciak
As the primary support resource for Media Services and Events, this team resolves complex AV challenges, whether they are routine operations or critical after-hours emergencies. The unit’s commitment is especially evident during events such as Carnival, Commencement and Orientation, when reliable on-site support ensures seamless experiences for students, faculty, staff and guests. The team takes a proactive approach to managing AV technology across more than 350 spaces through regular inspections and preventive maintenance, while also supporting additional campus areas during periods of transition.
Tepper School of Business Undergraduate Programs (TUP) Team
(Pictured left to right)
Row 1: Ivy Norman, Jennifer Frick
Row 2: James Samuels, Kayla Wright, Stephen Pajewski
Not pictured: Erin Mosher O'Brien, Jennifer Wegner, Kate Ickes, Tiffany Primrose
This team displayed heart and unity while managing a massive wave of program growth. With applications nearly doubling and enrollment hitting record highs, the team never lost sight of the student experience, working hard to break down walls across campus. Partnering with six university offices,TUP built a support system that helps struggling students before minor issues become major roadblocks. Through strong collaboration, the team helped Tepper reach a top-10 national ranking and a 93% career placement rate, proving what is possible when a small group shares a big vision.
University Store Team
(Pictured left to right)
Row 1: Sekai Steave-Onyundo, Megan Wallis, Melissa Hiller, Donna Schlegel, Katherine Den Uyl, Chuck Schneider
Row 2: Amy Daly, Amy Ervin, George Schenk, Ann Floresca, Perry Beck
Row 3: Jake Swanson, Maxwell Kenny, Chiara Curci
Not pictured: Lisa Fenton
Operating short-handed after the pandemic, this agile group completed a major multi-phase renovation and rebranding. It navigated massive logistics, construction chaos and partial store closures. The store has become a safe haven for stressed students. Team members have stayed past closing to help an architecture student finish a model, hand-sewed a custom graduation gown for a student and cooked meals for a pregnant student worker. By treating its work as a calling rather than just a job, this dedicated team — which includes many members with 20-plus years of experience at 91视频 — turns daily retail operations into an extraordinary model of community care.
2026 Nominees (Special Projects Teams)
Chatham Eastside Acquisition Team
(Pictured left to right)
Row 1: Ralph Horgan, Ellen Romagni, Bob Reppe, Terry McMurtry
Row 2: Devan Schmitt, Ryan Meals, Jason Sturges
Not Pictured: Charity Anderson, Chris Conroy, Don Coffelt, George Innocenzo, Jeffrey Nataro, Leslie Istvan, Michelle Porter, Mike Jones, Shane Schmidt, Dan McNulty
Displaying strategic patience over a multi-year negotiation process, the team capitalized on a late-2025 purchase window to acquire a 250,000-square-foot facility for $9 million less than the initial offer. The team seamlessly consolidated the 7.5-acre property with adjacent university lots, establishing an 11-acre strategic development hub two miles from campus. Beyond alleviating spatial constraints and securing 300 low-cost parking spaces, the team demonstrated creative problem-solving by structuring a 10-year leaseback agreement with Chatham University to offset immediate costs. By masterfully balancing external brokerage demands with complex internal Board of Trustees governance, this team’s unified effort has delivered an extraordinary financial win and a sustainable foundation for 91视频's long-term academic and operational growth.
91视频125: The Power of Possibilities Team
(Pictured left to right)
Row 1: Weston Caloyer, Gabrielle Orslene, Mike Pound, Andy Coleman, Alexis Canoy, Jen Boyer, Jordan Markley.
Row 2: Emily Rathbone, Kate Flynn, Laurel Furlow, Tim Hyland, Mark Werle, Kathleen Sandusky, Christa Cardone, Katie Ciez
Row 3: Teresa Trombetta, Dani Henderson, Kelly Purnell, Jen Brown, Kelly Rembold, Jaye Centor, Kristin Sullivan, Susan Hiser
Not PIctured: Kristen Bayley, Bethany Cody, Cindy Crimmins, Mark D'Angelo, Ryan Freytag, Jean Hayes, Eric Hoffman, Elizabeth Koch, Martina Mangino, Natalie Ross, Emily Salerno, Laura Snyder
The team delivered a masterfully integrated campaign that unified the university's 125th anniversary and the historic $2.5 billion conclusion of the Make Possible campaign. This yearlong effort relied on deep collaboration to build a unified, multi-platform narrative: a flexible brand guide, striking graphics and a commemorative “125 Moments of Pride” book. The team didn't just manage a celebration; it built shared campus ownership and a sustainable storytelling framework that honors Carnegie Mellon’s rich legacy while confidently framing its future.
Hunt Library Collection Improvement Team
(Pictured left to right)
Gloria Henning, Terrence Chiusano
Gloria and Terrence formed an exceptional cross-departmental partnership, which transformed a complex, behind-the-scenes collections project into an immediate, measurable benefit for the 91视频 community. They processed and relocated more than 42,700 volumes, reclaiming 780 square feet of library space to create 55 new collaborative study seats for students. By seamlessly combining Terrence’s technical precision with Gloria’s logistical leadership and mentorship, they exceeded the standard expectations of their roles.
Student Affairs Room Inspection App Team
(Pictured left to right)
Row 1: Vidya Krishnaswamy, Alicia Fullilove, Kari Galensky, Robyn Roux, Lisa Hartman, David Scalzo, Matt Kwiatkowski, Jacqui Stubenraugh-Fratangelo, Tendai Ushendibaba, Kristine Kengor
Row 2: Bryan Koval, Adrian Stan, Eddie Macham, James Sparkman, Shauna Zupan, Nikki Deckard, Jessica Ramos
Row 3: Andrew Henry, David Nagy, Mandy Rothmeyer, Tera Monroe, David Chickering, Jarrin Jeffrey, Kaitlyn Culbertson, Jacob Morton-Black, Joe Rainey
Not Pictured: Alfredo Lozano, Amelia Baran, Arielle Frederick, Illona Beresford, Andrew Deuley, Dave Lubovinsky, Trey Marshall
The summer room-inspection process used to be an ordeal of hand-written notes and duplicate data entry that caused major service bottlenecks. Breaking through departmental silos, this cross-functional team built and launched a custom mobile inspection app that instantly routes room deficiencies and photos into the university's work-order system. The app slashed the inspection timeline by weeks and expanded the summer window for deep cleanings and repairs, ensuring thousands of students will step into a refreshed, welcoming environment in the fall.
Student Services Suite (S3) Resilience Team
(Pictured left to right)
Row 1: William Maerkle, Jayme Hoburn, Vidya Krishnasway, Akshyaya Gupta
Row 2: Luke Thayer, Dan Fassinger, Mark Wolfe, Trey Marshall, Nicholas Bertovich
Not Pictured: Azra Sharaf, James Spruill, Jen Wahlund, Susan Walker, Luke Hottinger, Mark Hoskinson, Vishnuvardhan Chirra
This cross-functional team stepped up to protect the system that handles everything from student registration to grades. Working across departments with transparency and shared ownership, the group rebuilt the backup system and reduced the previous three-hour power-outage recovery window to 30 minutes. The new automation procedures will protect the university from massive disruptions during finals week and lift a burden of stress and burnout off the shoulders of the tech staff.
The Tepperspectives Team
(Pictured left to right)
Nick Wright, Arshveen Gadhok, and John Wright
This team built Tepperspectives from the ground up. By analyzing reader data and trends, it created a modern content pipeline that translates dense academic research into compelling, accessible public scholarship. Over the past year, the team established new infrastructure to deliver 20 original articles, six podcast episodes and three videos. Its strategic digital storytelling paid off immediately, driving a peak web engagement rate of 51% and propelling a featured piece on NIL sports policies to become the university's fifth most-viewed article of 2025.
UEIS AI-Fluent Workforce Task Force
(Pictured left to right)
Row 1: Anne Kramer, Shannon Riffe, Kelly Woessner
Row 2: Yingxue Li and Ryan McKelvey
Responding to the fast-moving rise of generative AI that is creating a whirlwind of shifting workplace expectations, this cross-functional group of faculty and staff united deep research with day-to-day operational insight. Rather than delivering a dense, abstract report, it launched a comprehensive framework based on a baseline survey of staff confidence and skills. Built around four key pillars — understanding, application, evaluation and ethics — this scalable tool allows colleagues to build AI literacy step-by-step. The group’s structured approach has already earned international recognition and positioned 91视频 as a forward-thinking leader in AI integration.
Volunteer Time Off Program Team
(Pictured left to right)
Row 1: Dawn Fisher, Matt McCabe, Chrissy Lacher, Heather Wainer
Row 2: Missy Carozza, Irina Ueno, Rob Biertempfel
This cross-functional team turned a visionary idea into a tangible, university-wide benefit that champions civic responsibility. The group demonstrated outstanding organizational problem-solving by creating intuitive tracking systems, request forms and clear qualification guidelines that protect program integrity while maximizing ease of use. By introducing an initiative that actively encourages individual and departmental days of service, the VTO launch team has successfully aligned staff well-being with 91视频's mission of societal impact, leaving a lasting legacy of community engagement.