Staff Awards

We are thrilled to open 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. Nominations can be submitted via the 2026 Staff Awards Nomination Form or by scanning the QR code below.

All award nominees will be invited to attend a celebratory event for staff in April, where the winners will be announced.

2026 WPI Staff Awards Committee

• 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 

Rising Star

The Rising Star Award recognizes a staff member who has made a significant and immediate impact within their first 1-2 years at WPI. This individual brings fresh perspectives, drives positive change, and fosters a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the campus community. Nominees must demonstrate a strong foundation for future contributions and showcase innovation, creativity, and commitment to WPI’s mission.  

1. List specific, but brief, examples of how this employee has brought fresh perspectives and driven positive change early in their career at WPI.
2. Describe how this employee exemplifies vision, innovation, and creativity, while demonstrating a commitment to WPI’s mission.

Mentorship Award

The Mentorship Award honors a staff member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to mentoring and supporting their colleagues’ professional and personal development. This individual fosters a culture of growth, empowering others to reach their potential through guidance, constructive feedback, and encouragement. Recipients will have made a lasting impact through key initiatives, projects, or significant years of service, exemplifying WPI’s mission through their loyalty, leadership, and commitment to helping others succeed. 

1. What makes this nominee an effective and inspiring mentor? Give specific examples of how this employee fosters a culture of growth and empowers others.
2. How has this staff member made a positive impact on WPI through their commitment to helping others succeed? 

Unity Award

The Unity Award celebrates a staff member who consistently demonstrates collaboration, reliability, and support in team environments at WPI. This award is for individuals who contribute selflessly to collective efforts, fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere through effective communication and problem-solving. Nominees are team-oriented, dependable, and proactive in supporting colleagues, striving to meet shared goals and promoting a cooperative culture. The recipient’s actions enhance team success, helping to create an environment where teamwork and mutual respect are prioritized and where each member’s contributions are valued.  

1. Give examples of how this employee effectively collaborates with colleagues within their team and/or outside of their immediate department/division to support university goals.
2. What specific actions has the nominee taken to create an inclusive, respectful, and positive team environment? How do they promote mutual respect and value each team member’s contributions? 

Innovator Award  

The Innovator Award recognizes a staff member who demonstrates innovation, creativity and forward-thinking in their approach to problem-solving, project implementation, or improving processes within WPI. This individual embraces new ideas, tools, and strategies to drive meaningful change and efficiency within their role. Nominees for this award challenge the status quo and inspire others to think outside the box. They show a strong commitment to continuous improvement, leading initiatives that contribute to a more dynamic, agile, and impactful WPI.  

1. Share examples of how this employee embraces new ideas, creativity, tools, and strategies to drive meaningful change?
2. How does this person demonstrate innovation to solve problems and create positive impact? 

The President's Award for Expectational Service  

The President's Award recognizes exceptional individuals whose sustained excellence and transformative contributions have significantly advanced the institution's mission. This award celebrates those staff members who have achieved distinguished, multi-dimensional impact that creates lasting positive change across WPI. Nominees for this award have made transformative contributions through sustained high-quality endeavors that have enhanced WPI's reputation, strengthened its operations, or substantially advanced its strategic goals. They consistently demonstrate excellence across multiple areas—which may include innovative problem-solving, exceptional service delivery, mentorship and development of others, cross-functional collaboration, and advancing institutional priorities. The President's Award recognizes those individuals whose cumulative impact represents a defining contribution to WPI's continued success and evolution. 

1. How has the nominee demonstrated sustained excellence over multiple years at WPI? Please provide examples that reflect their long-term commitment and impact.
2. What lasting positive changes has the nominee created that extend beyond their immediate role or department? How have these changes benefited WPI more broadly?
3. In what ways has the nominee demonstrated visionary thinking or strategic foresight? How have their ideas or initiatives advanced WPI’s long-term goals or reputation—internally, externally, or both?
4. In your own words, why do you believe this nominee exemplifies the spirit and distinction of the President’s Award for Exceptional Service? 

Board of Trustees Award for Outstanding Staff Member

The Board of Trustees' Outstanding Staff Member Award recognizes outstanding work and dedication by a member of the staff who supports the mission of Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Employees are nominated by their peers, and the Board of Trustees approves one or more winners.   

1. Please provide examples of how this staff member is an outstanding performer and often delivers beyond the expected. 

2. In what ways does this staff member build community and strengthen relationships? 

3. How does this staff member connect their work with WPI's strategic mission and continue to move WPI forward?