Our community is doing amazing things, every day!  Take a few minutes to read about the appreciation that colleagues are sharing from across the institution.

Audio Visual Integration & Support

June 1, 2023

Thank you to the Audio Visual Integration and Support team (aka Media Services) for their support of a successful commencement both at MIIS and MIDD campuses.  From providing the equipment and staff resources for multiple events over the span of the weekends to the online presence so those who were there in person, or online, could experience the success of their graduating students.  Great Job!

From: Lisa Terrier

ITS Web Team

May 25, 2023

Congratulations to Aaron Smith and the entire Web Team for their amazing work on the new homepage!  You are all wonderful, thoughtful, responsive colleagues and an absolute pleasure to work with!!

From: Kristina Simmons

Megyn Pitner, Marie Byrne, Patty McCaffrey & Kym Breckinridge

May 15, 2023

Our college catering team is friendly, efficient, organized and just the best to work with.  From approving my event, dealing with my changes, and executing the day of, they showed patience and kindness!

From: Jolene Newton

Matt Mulcahy & Scott Barker (and others who worked on our a/c system)

April 28, 2023

The MAC staff would like to recognize the extraordinary efforts of Scott and Matt to get the Robison Hall a/c system back up and running! We are deeply grateful, and our patrons are very appreciative. You have made their concert-going experience much more comfortable and enjoyable!

From: Christa Clifford

Kara Donor (Language School) & Dianne Baroz (Bread Loaf School of English)

April 14, 2023

Shout out to Kara Donor in Language Schools and Dianne Baroz in Bread Loaf School of English for being great campus partners on preparing student records and coordinating on student account matters to be able to kick off the summer programs billing process successfully!

From: Michele Almeida

Rasaad McDowell (Facilities)

April 14, 2023

Rasaad is truly amazing—so kind, so thoughtful and someone who goes above and beyond his duties, every single day. I have worked here for over 20 years and he is among the most generous and empathetic staff members I know. “Its not my job” is not in his vocabulary….but “how can I help you?” is…every day of the week.   

From: Jessica Holmes

Valerie Nettleton (Student Activities)

April 6, 2023

Three cheers for Valerie!  Thank you for the energy and wisdom that you bring to your work and generously share with us all.  

From: Kristie Skor

Joe Antonioli (DLINQ)

March 31, 2023

Joe is truly one of Middlebury’s most valuable resources. He is always exceptionally patient and helpful when Schools Abroad and Language Schools faculty need help with Canvas, Course Hub and all the other various tools they use to teach. Joe’s knowledge and clear way of presenting information helps solve problems quickly and efficiently. And he always seems to have a smile on his face :)! 

From: Anna Harrington

Sam Flint (Human Resources)

March 29, 2023

Sam is very prompt and professional in her communications.  I really appreciate Sam’s help with my onboarding, as well as for my assistant’s.  I can always expect a quick and clear response, and, thanks to Sam, my transition to Middlebury was very easy and smooth.  I’m grateful we have Sam as a member of our team in human resources at Midd! 

From: Taka Bertrand

Maria Watters (Event Management)

March 29, 2023

Maria is always ready and willing to assist me with any event scheduling/space search questions, She’s my ‘go-to person’ when I’m in a pinch or need to respond to ‘last-minute requests’. She has a delightful attitude, is patient, and always extremely helpful when I call. Maria rocks!

From: Betty Kafumbe

Patty Murray, Melissa Sullivan, Emina Mahmuljin (Printing & Mailing Services)

March 29, 2023

Big shout out to Patty, Melissa, & Emina for their wonderful hospitality, daily willingness to help, their patience, courteousness, and efficiency! It’s always a pleasure working with you all. :) 

From: Betty Kafumbe

Ali Bonenfant (Public Safety)

March 29, 2023

Ali is constantly going above and beyond at the office and while out on patrol. Even though we are only at 50% strength here in Public Safety, Ali is always volunteering for more duties and assignments. The department would not function without him. Ali is by far one of the best officers Public Safety has ever had. A true team player. Always gives and never asks for anything in return. It is an honor and pleasure to work beside him here at Public Safety

From: Thriving Grant

Leeeza Robbins (Box Office)

March 17, 2023

Recently, the box office’s third-party software fell victim to a data breach, which hobbled and then completely shut down our online box office. It caused so many problems— we couldn’t sell tickets, access to previous sales was cut off, and many of our customers had their information compromised to boot. As Murphy’s Law would have it, this all happened during the 2 weeks when Middlebury also hosted 2 NCAA playoff tournaments on very short notice.  Leeeza worked carefully through this stressful situation, going above and beyond expectations, working long hours, managing big new events, and exploring both short- and long-term solutions. I’m thankful to have Leeeza and her deep expertise in all things box office on our team. Her box office savvy and dedication are worth celebrating!

From: Liza Sacheli

Jodi Litchfield (Disability Resource Center)

March 15, 2023

I just want to suggest recognizing Jodi Litchfield because she’s been at Middlebury for close to 30 years (possibly more?) and has specifically been working to ensure equity for students with disabilities since 1999, I believe. That’s a long run. And she still seems to be very much “in the game”—that is, she’s still committed to ensuring an equitable learning environment for students with disabilities and works tirelessly to that end. I’m just impressed with that combo: length of service + unwavering commitment to the cause. (Some folks after 30 years would be “phoning it in/coasting to retirement,” but not Jodi.

From: Cameron Connah

Andrew Hernandez (Facilities Services)

March 15, 2023

Andrew Hernandez served as our eyes and ears during the recent extended power outage in Monterey, keeping everyone informed about which streets had power and which didn’t. He kept tabs on the data centers and powered up power generators and backup cooling systems. Amazing effort during a trying time. We are very grateful to work with a colleague like Andrew!

From: Paul Dicovitsky

Wen Lu (ITS)

March 15, 2023

Despite the challenging weather and extended power outages, Wen rushed to campus to repair multiple pieces of networking equipment over the weekend, so that people returning to their offices on Monday would find everything just as they left. Wen made a lot of people’s day on Monday, and in the “our best work goes unnoticed” fashion. We truly appreciate all of Wen’s efforts.

From: Paul Dicovitsky

Margaret DeFoor (Rohatyn Center for Global Affairs)

March 14, 2023

Margaret is wonderful, super organized, on top of details, and a real pleasure to work with! 

From: Maria Watters

Ethan Murphy (Film & Media Culture)

March 13, 2023

For many year Ethan did an excellent job of programming the Hirschfield Film Series during the fall and spring terms with screening on Saturdays at 3 pm & 8 pm. 

From: Leger Grindon

Christina Bailey (Executive and Custom Programs)

March 13, 2023

Christina has been on our team for just over three months and already she is indispensable! I’m so grateful for her support, especially in the last few weeks, which got pretty, well, crazy.  Thanks, Christina, you’re a gem!

From: Jennifer Peck

Athletics, Athletic Communications, Sports Medicine, Box Office, ITS, Dining

March 13, 2023

Winter sport post-season just wrapped up and spring sports are well underway.  This is the “overlap season” and can increase workload substantially for those who support our teams.  Thanks to all who supported our teams during overlap (and always!), and special thanks to the Box Office and ITS for standing up a ticketing option on short notice and to dining for opening up concessions on short notice!  Too many people to name them all!

From: Erin Quinn

Adela Langrock, Jen Thompson, Pam Ventura, and Paz Rondez (Assessment & Institutional Research, Registrar)

March 13, 2023

I get asked for a lot of reports, and more often than not, I need data from other offices to run my reports. A huge note of thanks to Adela, Jen, Pam and Paz for gathering data I needed with very little lead time.  I am grateful for their assistance in helping me do my job.

From: Regina Garner

Derisa Collymore (Anderson Freeman Center)

March 13, 2023

Derisa is amazing and we, BIPOC members in Middlebury are very grateful for everything Derisa does at Middlebury for us. Middlebury is lucky to have Derisa! She is awesome!

From: Enrique Garcia

Elizabeth Kervick (Luso-Hispanic Studies)

March 13, 2023

As chair, I was able to survive this year thanks to Elizabeth. Sometimes I feel like a dean with the complex infrastructure of Luso-Hispanic Studies but Elizabeth has a lot of agency and initiative and its up to solve any problem and sincerely I just have a pleasant time talking to her. So it helps my psyche in so many ways. I don’t know where I would be without Elizabeth!

From: Enrique Garcia

Mike McLaughlin (Student Financial Services)

March 13, 2023

Thank you to Mike McLaughlin and the entire SFS team for their extraordinarily speedy, accurate, and thoughtful aid awarding to Bread Loaf School of English students during our first round of funding for 2023!

From: Dana Olsen

Wen Lu (ITS)

March 13, 2023

Wen volunteered to go to MIIS campus on 3/11 once power was restored to check on and bring back online a few pieces of infrastructure that were still down. Her efforts allowed for MIIS to return to work on Monday with every office and classroom online.

From: Bill Summers

John Stokes (Language Schools)

March 13, 2023

John continues to support efforts of each Language School with timely and effective communication, advocacy, and organization. Thank you, John!

From: Mimi Clark

Maria Watters (Event Management)

March 13, 2023

Maria is amazing! Incredibly efficient and on top of all the many events on campus, and always responds with grace and a smile no matter how many changes we throw her way. We are lucky to have her!

From: Judy Mayer

Cathy Collins and Emina Mahmuljin (Printing Services)

March 13, 2023

A big shout out to Cathy and Emina, who create whatever we need right away. They are also wonderful people who provide so much kindness and encouragement to everyone who stops in FIC. Appreciate their can-do attitudes and gracious spirits more than they know..

From: Judy Mayer

Academic Affairs & Human Resources

March 9, 2023

There are just so many to thank in Academic Affairs and Human Resources for helping to make the Partner Inclusion Program the success it is today. Only one year in, and both of these departments have been and continue to be instrumental in making sure employee’s spouses and partners get the support they need. Each member of these departments from leadership, chairs, coordinators, assistants, have contributed to making this program meaningful and productive. Thank you for believing in the Partner Inclusion Program and supporting its efforts.

From: Susan Edwards

Linae Ishii-Devine (Institute Graduate Development & Events)

March 8, 2023

I want to take the time to recognize and thank Linae for her hard work and dedication to ensure the 2023 TILM Career Fair was a success. Without her, it definitely would not be a success.
Thank you Linae for always being there to make sure the t’s were crossed and the i’s were dotted. You rock!

From: Bryce Craft

Courtney Conrad (Academic Affairs)

March 3, 2023

You set me up for success from the very first day! Thank you :)

From: Loye Gustafson

Andrew Johnson (Athletics)

March 2, 2023

AJ maintains a fantastic trail around the golf course, accessible for a quick pre-work ski or a lunch break right in our backyards! We appreciate you!!!

From: Nicole Chance

Carol Johnson (Enrollment)

March 1, 2023

Carol has parlayed her passion for international trade and leveraged her extensive trade network to recruit amazing students to attend MIIS. She was able to organize a very successful Women in Trade panel recently featuring 5 MIIS alumnae who all graduated from California schools and are working across the trade industry, with consulting firms, commercial agriculture, and the US Government. She is a friend to the Trade program at MIIS and we’re very grateful for her! Great work Carol!

From: Scott Webb

Human Resources Department, Michael Ulibarri, Jenna Quenneville, Ellen Usilton and Jan Dahlstrom

March 1, 2023

I greatly appreciate all that our HR team has been doing in recent months to support Middlebury, MIIS, and CNS specifically as we have tackled numerous new initiatives, hiring searches, and other matters that require time-sensitive support from HR. A special shoutout to Michael Ulibarri, Jenna Quenneville, Ellen Usilton, and Jan Dahlstrom for being the amazing people I seem to contact nearly daily for advice and support, and who never fail to go above-and-beyond to provide that support. While everyone at HR deserves a shout-out, I want them to know their specific efforts are appreciated by me and CNS on a daily basis. Thank you all!

From: Jessica Varnum

Kristina Simmons and Chad Conant (Marketing & Creative Services)

March 1, 2023

Chad and Kristina are the graceful lifeline that keeps many of our collaborations from becoming lost of sea. Their endless patience, persistence, amazing ability to anticipate, and attention to all of the nuanced details that get tossed in their direction helps make the complex, much easier. Chad and Kristina’s success is frequently behind the scenes - but no less meaningful in its contributions to our community. THANK YOU BOTH. You are amazing..

From: Aaron Smith

Emina Mahmuljin (Printing & Mailing Services)

March 1, 2023

The service Emina provides exceeds all expectations. On more than one occasion, she has gone above and beyond to make sure we get our posters/print materials - even sometimes walking down to Kitchel House to deliver them herself! I so enjoy when I get to see Emina as her smile and personality light up my day. Thank you for all you do.

From: Nicole Veilleux

Amy Collier, Max Troyer, Bob Cole, Tom Woodward, Muchadei Zvoma, Devin Lueddeke and Jeni Henrickson (DLINQ, T&I, Enrollment, Digital Learning & Inquiry)

Feb 28, 2023

Huge kudos to this team for launching the first Canvas Catalog course, a pilot project that enables us to offer short non-degree content to a broader audience. A small course but a mighty effort in innovation that will lead to broader access of our subject matter expertise!

From: Patricia Szasz

Cathy Vincent (Human Resources)

Feb 28, 2023

Because she is super patient ;-)

From: Aaron Smith

Aaron Smith & Blair Kloman (ITS)

Feb 23, 2023

Huge shout out to Aaron & Blair for being such wonderful colleagues.  They have helped HR with the technology needs of the new programs in Rewards and Recognition take shape. 

From: Cathy Vincent