Celebrating the Unnoticed Champions of the Institute
This year, MIT celebrated the achievements of its dedicated staff and faculty members with the annual MIT Excellence Awards. Twelve members of MIT Medical were honoured with "Sustaining MIT" awards for their efficient flu clinics that successfully vaccinated 25 percent of the MIT community this winter.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the inaugural presentation of the Collier Medal. This annual award was established to honour individuals or groups who embody the character and qualities of MIT Police Officer Sean Collier, who tragically lost his life while protecting the MIT community last April. The first Collier Medal was awarded to MIT Emergency Medical Services (MIT EMS), a student-run ambulance service that exemplifies a distinct MIT blend of leadership and problem-solving.
MIT EMS was not the only group to receive recognition. Five others were awarded for "Serving the Client," while four individuals and three teams were recognised as "Unsung Heroes." One of the "Unsung Heroes" was Alison Alden, MIT's outgoing vice president for human resources, who received a surprise award in recognition of her seven years at the Institute.
Another notable recipient was senior admissions counselor Chris Peterson, who received an award for "Innovative Solutions," in recognition of a creative video production he led.
MIT President L. Rafael Reif took the opportunity to pay tribute to Officer Collier, stating, "Officer Collier gave his life protecting the MIT community."
For more detailed and accurate information about the 2016 MIT Excellence Awards recipients, categories, and reasons, it is recommended to consult MIT’s official communications, press releases, or their institutional awards webpages directly.
- The student-run ambulance service, MIT Emergency Medical Services (MIT EMS), received the inaugural Collier Medal for embodying the character and qualities of MIT Police Officer Sean Collier.
- Beyond MIT EMS, five groups were awarded for their efforts in "Serving the Client," while four individuals and three teams were recognized as "Unsung Heroes."
- Alison Alden, MIT's outgoing vice president for human resources, was one of the "Unsung Heroes," receiving a surprise award in recognition of her seven years at the Institute.
- Senior admissions counselor Chris Peterson was awarded for his innovative solutions, specifically for a creative video production he led.
