Staff and alumna receive 2019 Distinction Awards

The Tufts Distinction Awards ceremony is held each summer to celebrate staff and faculty who have demonstrated outstanding service to students, colleagues, and Tufts programs. This year, four engineering staff members and one alumna were recognized for their contributions to our community.

Courtney Russo earned an individual Distinction Award for her leadership at the Center for STEM Diversity and in initiatives to improve staff life within the School of Engineering. Courtney led the STEM Ambassadors program this year, providing guidance and support to a group of first-generation college students who become better leaders and communicators through inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers from all backgrounds. As the chair of the Staff Life Committee, Courtney made sure that all staff felt valued by cultivating a buddy system for new employees and advocating for her colleagues at all levels.

Magee Shalhoub, Lynne Ramsey, and Alison Blanchard received a team Distinction Award for taking proactive measures to accommodate and support diverse perspectives within the Center for Engineering Education and Outreach. As the operations team, Magee, Lynne, and Alison fostered a welcoming environment by providing exemplary customer service and support to all CEEO constituents. Colleagues recognized the tireless, collaborative work that this team contributed to strengthen the center’s relationship to students, faculty, staff, and external groups.

Alumna Carolyn Talmadge received the inaugural David J. Kahle Award in recognition of her leadership in the coordination, design, and management of the new Boston Data Lab on the Health Sciences Campus. The new lab is a collaboration between TTS and the Hirsh Health Science Library, designed to promote collaboration and innovation across all schools on the Boston campus. Carolyn earned her M.S. from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in 2014.

The School of Engineering is proud to congratulate our colleagues on their well-earned Distinction Awards.