For 2024, the ECE faculty awards the Harold S. Black Award to Olivia (Livvey) Kendzulak.
Over the last four years, Livvey has been a cornerstone of the ECE Department, combining her exceptional academic achievements with a deep commitment to community and peer support. As the President of the WPI chapter of Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering (WECE), she has been instrumental in fostering the enrollment and retention of women in the ECE program. Under her leadership, WECE initiated several outreach efforts aimed at promoting the ECE field for students still deciding on their majors, highlighting the variety of academic and career paths within ECE. Noteworthy among these initiatives was an outreach event that set the stage for the department's annual "Spark Party" and a bagel brunch designed to engage students in meaningful conversations about the ECE discipline.
Additionally, Livvey's commitment to the ECE Department extends to her role on the ECE Student Advisory Board, where she has worked to cultivate a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Her contributions include detailed presentations to the ECE Advisory Board, a group comprising several industry leaders, about the impact and outcomes of various outreach activities conducted by WECE under Livvey’s leadership.
Well regarded for her excellence as an Undergraduate Tutor, Livvey has earned accolades from students for her invaluable assistance in foundational ECE courses. Her active participation in IEEE, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and Eta Kappa Nu (HKN), an honor society for ECE students, further exemplifies her dedication to her field and her peers.
The ECE faculty are grateful for the many contributions that Livvey has made to the department and the university. We are especially thankful for the many contributions that Livvey has made to her fellow students. In sum, Livvey's multifaceted contributions have not only enriched the ECE Department but also solidified her status as a distinguished ambassador for the ECE community.
