The 2026 WPI Staff Awards Committee has opened the 2026 WPI Staff Awards nomination period and invite you to help us celebrate the staff colleagues who make WPI extraordinary. The Nomination Period is from January 20 – February 27, 2026.
This year, Staff Council and T&I are excited to launch five new staff awards listed below, expanding our tradition of recognizing excellence across campus, in addition to the Board of Trustees’ Outstanding Staff Member Award. Please see the inclusive list of all the Staff Awards below:
- Rising Star Award – Exceptional impact within a staff member’s first one to two years.
- Mentorship Award – Meaningful guidance and support that empowers others.
- Unity Award – Strengthening community through inclusion and collaboration.
- Innovator Award – Creative and forward thinking ideas that drive progress and positive change.
- President’s Award for Exceptional Service – Sustained excellence, strategic vision, and long-term institutional impact for WPI’s mission.
- The Board of Trustees Award for Outstanding Staff Member - Recognizes outstanding work and dedication by a member of the staff who supports the mission of WPI.
All WPI Community members are encouraged to participate! Please submit a nomination for a colleague who embodies WPI’s values, advances our mission, and strengthens our community.
Nominations can be submitted via the 2026 Staff Awards Nomination Form or by scanning the QR code below, with full award details available on the employee recognition, staff awards page.
Nominees will be invited to attend a celebratory event for staff in April, where the winners will be announced.
Thank you for helping us recognize the individuals who shape our culture, support our people, and move WPI forward. We look forward to celebrating our colleagues’ achievements!
Committee Members:
- Lauren Buffone: Student Affairs (Previous Recipient of BOT Award)
- Rebecca Ouellette: Academic Affairs, Arts & Sciences (Previous Recipient of BOT Award)
- Elizabeth Jacoby: Academic Advising (Staff Council Member)
- Doug Leonardi: Physics Department (Staff Council Member)
- Kat Keyes: Talent & Inclusion