Celebrating the Unheralded Champions of the Institution
Each year, MIT honours individuals and groups who go above and beyond their job requirements with a series of Excellence Awards. This year, a new award was introduced - the Collier Medal.
The Collier Medal is named after MIT Police Officer Sean Collier, who was tragically killed in the line of duty last April. The medal is given annually to an individual or group who embodies the character and qualities of Officer Collier.
In 2016, the first Collier Medal was presented to MIT Emergency Medical Services (MIT EMS), a student-run ambulance service. This year, the MIT Police Department was the recipient of the Collier Medal for the second consecutive year. President L. Rafael Reif stated that the MIT Police Department exemplifies a distinct MIT blend of leadership and problem-solving.
Collier had worked closely with members of the MIT Police Department and had written a letter praising them months before his death. The department was also recognized for their exceptional service and dedication.
Twelve members of MIT Medical received "Sustaining MIT" awards in recognition of the highly efficient flu clinics they mounted, which succeeded in getting 25 percent of the MIT community vaccinated. However, it's worth noting that twelve members of MIT Medical did not receive any awards in recognition of their efforts.
Alison Alden, MIT's outgoing vice president for human resources, received a surprise award at the end of the Excellence Awards ceremony. The specific award she received was not disclosed. Senior admissions counselor Chris Peterson received an "Innovative Solutions" award for a creative video production he led. Recipients of this award receive a cash award of $2,000 and a snow globe containing a replica of MIT's Building 10, but this award was not given to the MIT Police Department.
Nominations for the Excellence Awards are made by peers and evaluated by a committee of MIT staffers. The Excellence Award recipients are selected following careful evaluation by the committee.
It's important to note that information about the recipients of the Collier Medal in 2016 is not readily available. If more context or details about the award or the ceremony become available, this article will be updated accordingly.
The Excellence Awards ceremony is a testament to the exceptional work being done by individuals and groups across MIT. It's a reminder that the MIT community is filled with people who are dedicated, innovative, and committed to making a positive impact.
- The MIT Police Department, in recognition of their unique blend of leadership and problem-solving, was honored with the Collier Medal for the second year in a row, an award named after felled MIT Police Officer Sean Collier.
- Despite the exceptional service and dedication showcased by twelve members of MIT Medical in the efficient execution of flu clinics, they were not recipients of this year's Excellence Awards.
- In the field of education and self-development, senior admissions counselor Chris Peterson received an 'Innovative Solutions' award for his creative video production, embodying personal growth and contributing to the broader MIT community.
