In Memory of Judith A. Pitney
Judith A. Pitney, an executive director of resource planning and management at Michigan Engineering from 1992 to 2006, passed away on January 10, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Mich. at age 79.
Pitney led transformative changes that reshaped the College’s operational landscape. When she retired from Michigan Engineering in 2006, the College established and endowed the Judith A. Pitney Staff Service Career Award to honor her dedication, vision and commitment to excellence. The award recognizes staff with at least 10 years of service at the College who have made significant, measurable and attributable long-term contributions to the mission and goals of Michigan Engineering.
Eligibility
All full and part-time regular, non-faculty employees in the College, who have a minimum of ten years of service at the College of Engineering, are eligible. Previous winners of the Staff Excellence Award Program remain eligible for this award.
Temporary employees, students, faculty, and previous Judith A. Pitney Staff Service Career Award recipients are not eligible for consideration.
Criteria
When reviewing nominations, the Selection Committee will look for examples of sustained excellence in an individual’s service. Consideration will be given to nominees who have made significant contributions or possess special qualities and attributes. Nominees must have:
- A minimum of ten years of service at the College of Engineering
- A sustained record of superior performance
- Made a significant, measurable, and attributable long-term contribution to the mission/goals of the College of Engineering
- Promoted a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for faculty, staff and/or students
Selection of the recipients will be based only on the information provided as part of the nomination process. All nomination materials remain confidential.
The recipients will receive:
- an individual cash award of $5,000
- a framed award citation
- recognition at the CoE Excellence in Staff Service Award event
All recipients will be notified prior to the event.
Who May Nominate
All current members of the College community (students, faculty, staff, and alumni) are invited to submit nominations. The nomination form should be completed and returned by February 6, 2026. If your nominee is selected to receive an award, the nominator is responsible for notifying the other letter writers that endorsed the nomination.
Selection Committee
The Selection Committee is comprised of the Dean, the Sr. Executive Director of RPM, the Director of CoE Human Resources and two other University representatives outside of the College, chosen by the Dean. The members of the selection committee are precluded from submitting nominations or letters of support.
Nomination Guidelines
Complete all information requested on the nomination form.
The nominator must attach a letter/memo of support. In addition, each nomination must be supported by a minimum of four or a maximum of six other letters. Supporting letters will be accepted from faculty, staff, and students. The nominator should gather letters/memos or emails of support and submit them with his or her nomination. Nomination letters must be no more than 2 pages in length and support letters no longer than 1 page in length.
Submitting a Nomination
To submit a nomination, see the Submission Form link to the left of this page.
For questions about an individual’s eligibility or what is required to complete a nomination, contact Dawn Kapalla at [email protected].