Spirit
The Andy Award for Spirit honors staff members who enhance campus life with their enthusiasm, dedication to the university community and commitment to exceptional service. These individuals embody the university's values of growth and excellence. These individuals foster an inclusive, collaborative and welcoming workplace that transcends organizational and professional boundaries through positive and constructive approaches.
Criteria include providing exceptional service to the university community, creating a work climate that fosters diversity, inclusion and cooperation and inspiring university and civic engagement in others.
2025 Award Recipient
Kaycee Palko
College of Engineering
2025 Nominees
Brian Cordon
College of Engineering
Brian is one of the most positive, enthusiastic, kind and inclusive individuals with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working. From the moment I interviewed him, I knew he would bring tremendous energy, heart and commitment to our department. He truly embodies the spirit of this award — enhancing campus life through his dedication to service, his deep care for others and his joyful approach to every task.
Ross Garin
College of Fine Arts
Over the past year, Ross exceeded expectations when he stepped into the role of acting executive director of the School of Music. Ross helped heal a fractured community by creating an environment where everyone’s thoughts, needs, concerns, ideas, contributions and achievements were valued, heard, encouraged and celebrated.
Quinn Guy
Tepper School of Business
Quinn transcends professional boundaries with a positive spirit. She has cultivated a remarkably strong and meaningful network within the Tepper School and across the university. She breaks down silos and fosters a workplace culture that is inclusive, positive and deeply connected.
Kaycee Palko
College of Engineering
Over nearly 20 years, Kaycee has become embedded within the CMU community. Her dedication is evident by her participation in 5 a.m. buggy practices, her role with Staff Council and her work to organize a Thanksgiving basket.
Jesse Posset
Computing Services
Jesse’s enthusiasm, patience and commitment to exceptional service has made him a key individual to the deployment and acceptance of the new budget and forecast system across the university. He lifted the spirits of many overwhelmed end-users with his good humor and timely technical assistance.
Geena Provenzano
College of Engineering
Geena has fostered an inclusive, collaborative and vibrant community through her leadership, creativity and unwavering support of students and colleagues. She exemplifies the CMU spirit and leaves a lasting impact on all who work with her.
Samantha Wessel
College of Engineering
Samantha embodies CMU’s values of community and commitment to exceptional service. She consistently goes above and beyond to make the department, college and CMU welcoming and inclusive through her friendly and thoughtful demeanor.
Julius Yordnoff
Computing Services
Julius is a dedicated member of the CMU community, driven by a passion for enhancing the university in every way he can.