Purdue Alumni Association honors 2014 Special Boilermakers
October 22, 2014
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The Special Boilermaker Awards were presented on the field at Ross-Ade Stadium during the Purdue vs. Michigan State game. Pictured from left are Kirk Cerny, Purdue Alumni President and CEO; James Dworkin; Tim Gennett; Rosie Ricci; and David Parker, vice chairman of the Purdue Alumni board of directors. (Photo by Paul Sadler) |
The Purdue Alumni Association has named James Dworkin, Rosie Ricci, and Tim Gennett recipients of the 2014 Special Boilermaker Award.
Established in 1981, the Special Boilermaker Award honors a Purdue faculty or staff member who has contributed significantly to improving the quality of life or bettering the educational experience for Purdue students.
As chancellor at Purdue University North Central, Dworkin has been an effective leader for change in northwest Indiana. Dworkin joined Purdue as a faculty member in 1976. He served as an assistant dean, associate dean and interim dean for Krannert School of Management before becoming the PNC chancellor in January 2000. Dworkin's nomination noted his commitment to creating opportunities for student access and success, his strong belief in community service and his economic development work to improve the lives of residents of LaPorte and Porter counties. He has served on search committees for the University and community, written several books, and played a principal role in in the current unification between Purdue University Calumet and Purdue North Central. A PNC story on Dworkin is here.
For over 34 years, Ricci (MS EDU’78) has made an impact on Purdue as an academic advisor and as a residence hall assistant manager. She has been a member of and advised various campus student organizations, has been recognized with various campus honors, has served as a faculty fellow for many years, and rarely misses a women's basketball game or football game.
During his 37-year career, Gennett (S’73, MS M’74, MS EDU’84) has overseen more than 3,000 capital projects related to Housing and Food Services and was instrumental in the success of the Dining Master Plan, configuring what are now five nationally recognized dining courts. In addition, Gennett has been the lead developer in new residential housing along with continued renovations and remodeling of existing residence halls and has served on many campus-wide committees. Gennett's nomination noted his devotion to providing the best possible residential life experience for students.
