This week’s ‘Thumbs Up’ recipients

Venkatesh Merwade, Jorge Martinez and Rich Dionne

The School of Engineering Education recently recognized Venkatesh (Civil and Construction Engineering), Jorge (EPICS) and Rich (Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance) as “the best of the best in teaching” during a February faculty appreciation lunch. As teaching partners for the Multidisciplinary Engineering (MDE) and Interdisciplinary Engineering Studies (IDES) undergraduate programs, all three instructors play an essential role in delivering high-quality instruction and experiential learning opportunities that support the programs’ interdisciplinary mission. Their excellent course design, strong classroom organization and meaningful engagement have significantly enriched the student experience, and we are very thankful for their collaboration and commitment. Venkatesh, Jorge and Rich exemplify the collaborative spirit that defines MDE and IDES and expertly demonstrate how cross-campus teaching excellence can elevate interdisciplinary engineering education. — School of Engineering Education

Jesus Romero

Thanks to Jesus (Roger C. Stewart Leadership and Professional Development Department) for his leadership and guidance on launching the multi-institutional study of leadership survey this spring. We could not have made it within the deadline without his major contributions! — Laura Todd (Institutional Data Analytics + Assessment)

Ryan Tyson and his EHS crew

We want to thank Ryan (Environmental Health and Safety) and his team for their work during the recent water leak at Hillenbrand Dining Court. Ryan led the cleanup and repair efforts, making sure everything was taken care of quickly and safely. Thanks to their efforts, Hillenbrand is looking good as new. — Eric Coates (Hillenbrand Dining)

Alyssa Pettiner

When my family and I fell sick the night before I was scheduled to host a panel of upperclassmen in my career planning course, I sent out a desperate SOS to my colleagues via text to see if anyone could cover for me. Alyssa (Animal Sciences) didn’t hesitate. Though she’s the newest advisor in our office, she filled in for two class periods, ensuring my students didn’t miss out on the valuable insight from their peers on how to be successful in our major. Alyssa’s selflessness and team-player mentality are more than deserving of recognition. — James Krotz (Animal Sciences)

Executive Offices Business Office Center staff

I want to recognize and sincerely thank my purchasing center staff for the way they’ve stepped up recently. When unexpected situations arise, there is zero hesitation — you all jump in, support one another and keep things moving forward without missing a beat. Your willingness to cover tasks, stay adaptable and make sure nothing falls through the cracks speak volumes about everyone’s character, teamwork and commitment to our responsibilities. I’m truly grateful for the way you consistently show up for each other. Thank you for going above and beyond! — Megan Stratton (Finance and Business Operations)

Stephen Musick

I’d like to recognize Steve (Engineering Technology) for his instrumental contributions to our Smart Learning Factory and teaching labs. Steve has played a key role in recent Smart Factory updates, including wiring conveyors for automated mobile robots, coordinating vendors for our AutoStore inventory management system and supporting installation of a new wire terminal machine. He consistently puts students first and makes himself available in the Smart Factory, Continuous Process Lab and Industrial Internet of Things Lab to ensure learning activities run smoothly. I’m also grateful for Steve’s support during my onboarding, when he served in the director of operations role for several months prior to my hire. Whether assisting students, working with vendors or showcasing our facilities to prospective students and industry partners, Steve is never too busy to lend a helping hand. — Dustin Schultz (Engineering Technology)

Kassidie Houchin

Kassidie (Finance) worked quickly, effectively and with kindness to generate reports needed for the Latino Cultural Center to complete its Student Fee Advisory Board application. The LCC staff appreciates her support this year! — Carina Olaru (Latino Cultural Center)

Caitlyn Lutes

We have been looking for a needle in a haystack for two months to reconcile the 2024-25 Federal Direct Loans so we can close out the year. Caitlyn (Institutional Data Analytics + Assessment) found the student out of sync. The Division of Financial Aid could not do our jobs with our IDATA team! — Kirsten Reynolds (Financial Aid)

Molly Synesael

Congratulations to Molly, professional program associate in the College of Pharmacy, for outstanding work! Molly successfully coordinated 233 individual prospective doctor of pharmacy student interviews, which included two faculty per interview, candidate written assessment, candidate oral assessment, implementing a mentoring program for our candidates not from Purdue and organizing current student volunteers to assist with the week-and-a-half event. Molly’s flexibility and tenacity allowed the process to run smoothly for our PharmD candidates and faculty interviewers! — Steve Myszak (Pharmacy)