Palo Alto University Celebrates Faculty and Staff Excellence During 2026 Employee Awards Celebration

As Palo Alto University's 50th Anniversary Celebration Week drew to a close, approximately 100 faculty and staff members gathered at the Palo Alto Event Center for the 2026 Employee Awards Celebration. This year's event brought faculty and staff together to recognize the accomplishments, service, and contributions of colleagues across the university. The evening offered an opportunity not only to celebrate individual achievements, but also to strengthen connections across departments and reflect on the collective work that advances PAU's mission.

University leaders opened the celebration by reflecting on the impact faculty and staff have on the lives of students and the future of the institution. President Dr. Farouk Dey also recognized Provost Dr. Christie Chung for receiving the 2026 Chang-Lin Tien Leadership in Education Award from the Asian Pacific Fund, honoring her contributions to higher education leadership and her commitment to expanding opportunities for future generations of students.

One of the evening's highlights was the presentation of faculty and staff-nominated superlative awards. Bringing an element of humor and camaraderie to the celebration, the awards recognized colleagues whose positivity, institutional knowledge, leadership, and support help shape the culture of PAU. Honorees included Krista Kaur, Will Snow, LaToya Smith, Donna Sheperis, and Danielle Li-Song, each recognized by their peers for the impact they have on the university community.

The celebration also recognized faculty and staff members reaching service milestones, from one year to more than two decades at the university. Together, these milestones represented hundreds of years of collective service and reflected the dedication of employees who have helped guide PAU's growth and evolution over the past 50 years.

Several faculty members were recognized for important career achievements, including promotions, tenure appointments, and two-year rolling contracts. Honorees included Dr. Megan Speciale, Dr. Elizabeth McConnell, Dr. Mikael Rubin, Dr. Jonathan Peretz, Dr. Regina Moro, Dr. Rose Wong, and Dr. Wendy Wade. Their accomplishments reflect ongoing excellence in teaching, scholarship, leadership, and service to both students and the broader university community.

The Faculty Senate Excellence Awards recognized outstanding contributions across teaching, mentoring, research, service, and inclusion. This year's recipients included Dr. Jorge Lopez and Dr. Jan Habarth for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring, Dr. Eleanor Palser for Excellence in Research, Dr. Christen Wathen for Excellence in Service, and Dr. Sadaf Saaber as Outstanding Contingent Faculty Member. Dr. Teceta Tormala received the Faculty Inclusive Excellence Award in recognition of her commitment to fostering equity, accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful student mentorship.

Staff excellence was also celebrated through a series of peer-nominated awards recognizing innovation, leadership, community engagement, and compassion. The Office of Faculty Success received the Outstanding Innovation in Advancing the Strategic Plan Team Award for its efforts in supporting faculty success and advancing institutional priorities. Individual honorees included Rein Johnson, Stephanie Montes, Carl Descanzo, and Kelly Coker, whose dedication and leadership continue to strengthen the PAU community.

The Provost Award of Excellence in External Grants and Contracts recognized faculty and staff who have successfully secured external funding in support of research and scholarship. Dr. Elizabeth McConnell, Dr. Yan Leykin, and Dr. Blanca Pineda were honored for surpassing the award's Bronze-level funding milestone, underscoring the important role externally funded research plays in advancing knowledge and expanding PAU's impact.

Provost Chung also presented two special awards recognizing exceptional leadership and innovation. Dr. Christen Wathen received the Outstanding Leadership Award for her service as Faculty Senate Chair and her collaborative approach to leadership. Dr. William Snow was honored with the inaugural Academic Innovation Award, recognizing decades of contributions to academic innovation, program development, and expanding educational access.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the Unsung Hero Awards, which recognize individuals whose behind-the-scenes contributions make a meaningful difference across the university. Sarah Everley received the staff Unsung Hero Award, while Dr. Rose Wong was recognized as the faculty Unsung Hero Award recipient.

Following a week filled with celebration, reflection, service, learning, and commencement, the Employee Awards Celebration provided a fitting close to Palo Alto University's 50th Anniversary festivities. More than an awards ceremony, the event served as an opportunity for faculty and staff to celebrate alongside one another, recognizing the shared commitment, collaboration, and sense of community that continue to shape the university. Together, the individuals honored throughout the evening represent the talent, compassion, and dedication that advance PAU's mission of creating a future shaped by human understanding.

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