Natural and Social Sciences Service Award

The Leadership in Service Award is given annually to recognize faculty and staff who make contributions above and beyond the ordinary and, in so doing, provide leadership and vision about how programs, processes and institutions could and should work.

2025-2026 Honorees

For Leadership in Service, we recognize Dr. Marjorine Henriquez-Castillo of Psychology for her advancement of a clear institutional vision through career-readiness initiatives, innovative curriculum and AI integration efforts, transformative student engagement programming, and sustained, impactful contributions to departmental, college, and university governance and Dr. Alyssa Lyons of Sociology who exemplifies leadership in service by transforming advising, curriculum, and student engagement through innovative, high-impact programs, extensive individualized support, and visionary efforts that strengthen institutional structures, community partnerships, and inclusive student success pathways.

2024-2025 Honorees

Our inaugural recipients of this award are Sharif Elhakem of Chemistry for his indispensable knowledge, co-ordination, problem-solving, and support of faculty, students, and staff in Chemistry and beyond, Dr. Elia Machado of Earth, Environmental, and Geospatial Sciences for her critical support of and service to the department through varied and difficult challenges and her re-invigoration of the Geography and GISc programs, and Dr. Stephanie Rupp of Anthropology for her tenacious commitment to student success through initiatives in the department and across the college.