This spring, we gathered in Washington, DC to reconnect as a team, share information and celebrate the innovation and impact of our staff and faculty.
The April 17 All Hands Meeting featured Dean Liesl Riddle’s “Year in Review” report, department updates from the Faculty Affairs and Instructional Design teams and presentation of this year’s coveted Catalyst Awards.
The meeting provided in-person networking opportunities, some surprising moments, a few laughs and even a fun round of Jeopardy.
Congratulations to our 2025 CPS Catalyst Award Winners
The GW College of Professional Studies (CPS) annual Catalyst Awards honor members of the College's faculty and staff whose actions and accomplishments align with the CPS goals of People, Learning, and Professional Progress. Congratulations to all six of our Catalyst Award Winners awardees, one faculty member and one staff member in each of the three categories.
Community Excellence
- Faculty: Puja Telikicherla
- Staff: Jessica Hyland
Advancing Innovation and Learning
- Faculty: Dr. Todd Belt
- Staff: Dr. Michelle Lague
Partners in Progress
- Faculty: Elaine Lammert
- Staff: Vanessa Fontana Keszler
- About the Community Excellence Award
This award centers on the College's goal of People, recognizing those who foster a dedication to lifelong learning among students, alumni, faculty, and staff. The award honors individuals who actively contribute to building and nurturing inclusivity and engagement within the college community.
Award Focuses:
- Encourage curiosity and foster lifelong learning
- Build strong team spirit and inclusivity within the college and community
- Promote engagement, collaboration, and networks within the wider college community
- About the Advancing Innovation & Learning Award
This award captures the spirit of the College's goal of Learning and serves as a tribute to those at the forefront of driving innovation and progress in academia. This award honors individuals whose proactive efforts to drive change and improvement in pedagogy, curricula, co-curricular experiences, and research are enhancing the learning experience for our students.
Award Focuses:
- Drive change and improve pedagogy, curricula, and co-curricular experiences for our students
- Reinforce the importance of and improve research efforts, including those that improve processes, enhance the student experience, and drive innovation
- Enhance the learning experience for our students
- About the Partners in Progress Award
This award reflects the essence of the College's goal of Professional Progress, emphasizing collaboration with business and government to expand student market reach and enhance employment opportunities. This award honors individuals who are building successful partnerships that help prepare students and alumni for successful careers.
Award Focuses:- Develop new or expand public or private sector partnerships that help prepare students and alumni for career success
- Create programs or events that extend student and alumni career options
- Expand opportunities for interactions with potential employers and industry stakeholders
This year, the Catalyst Awards Committee has thoughtfully refined the award descriptions to better align with our college’s three Roadmap Goals. We are especially grateful to our 2025 selection committee, composed of the inaugural 2024 Catalyst Award winners:
- Cody House
- Dova Wilson
- John Warren
- Karen Vahouny Mondloch
- Martin Velazquez
- Nicole Mintz
- Sandra Whitehead