As we gathered together at our annual Christmas party, we took a moment to pause and celebrate the extraordinary dedication and service of our esteemed faculty and staff. This year’s event was a heartfelt tribute to those who have gone above and beyond in their roles, making a lasting impact on our students, colleagues, and the university as a whole.

Among the highlights of the afternoon were the presentations of our Service Awards, recognizing individuals who have reached milestones of 25, 10, and 5 years of outstanding service. These heroes include:

• Brian Tomhave, Dean of IE, who has been an integral part of our community for an impressive 25 years.
• Andrew Hawksworth, Carissa Hawksworth, Ryan Lytton, Melissa Rufener, and Carol Duzik, who have each demonstrated a decade of commitment to their work.
• Dan Fernandez, Lori Gonzalez, Priscilla Meza, and Janice Hilton, who have shown dedication to their roles for five remarkable years.

These individuals have consistently demonstrated excellence in their fields, demonstrating a deep passion for teaching, mentoring, and leading. Their tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed, as they continue to inspire and motivate students to reach their full potential.

We also recognized two esteemed leaders who embody the spirit of pillar-like strength and guidance. Dr. Michael Whyte, our Board Chair, has been a pillar of strength and leadership throughout his tenure. Heidi Bonadie has been a pillar of grace and wisdom, offering guidance and support to countless individuals within our community. Sara Huson, MAED, has been a pillar of growth and excellence, fostering innovation and progress in all she does.

As we celebrate these achievements, we are reminded of the immense value each individual brings to our university community. We are grateful for their unwavering commitment to our mission and for the countless ways they shape the lives of our students.

To all those who attended the party or contributed in any way, thank you for making this year’s celebration so special. To those who could not join us in person, know that you were not forgotten – your contributions are deeply appreciated and valued.

Here’s to another year of growth, excellence, and service!