University of New Orleans President John Nicklow announced the winners of the annual University Awards on Oct. 6 during his fall 2022 State of the University address.
The winner of the 2022 Cooper Mackin Medallion is Martha Blanchard, assistant dean in the College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development. First presented in 1998, the Mackin Medallion was established to honor the third chancellor in UNO’s history. It is awarded to a faculty or staff member who has made outstanding contributions in support of the University’s mission.
“Throughout Martha’s long service to the University, she has played a vital role in UNO’s education programs as a certification officer and, more recently, provided leadership as we transitioned to a professional advising model,” President Nicklow said. “Her commitment to our students is unmatched.”
Naval architecture and marine engineering professor Vincent Yu is the winner of the 2022 Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller International Leadership Medallion. This award honors an individual who has provided significant leadership toward the internationalization of the University of New Orleans. It honors former faculty member and administrator Gordon “Nick” Mueller.
“Through Dr. Yu’s summer engineering programs with international universities, he has helped generate revenue for the University, promote UNO’s reputation abroad and increase the internationalization of the University of New Orleans,” President Nicklow said.
The President’s Award for Advancement in Diversity and Inclusion recognizes an employee, team or administrative unit that has demonstrated measurable impact and leadership in two ways: improving UNO’s profile as an institution that fosters racial equity and belonging, and advancing the University’s core values of diversity, equity and inclusion. The 2022 award winner is Sam Hoyt, assistant director of student academic success.
“Dr. Hoyt’s work has enhanced opportunities for women and other underrepresented student groups in the STEM fields,” President Nicklow said. “And as a director of Start Smart at UNO, she is providing valuable support to a cohort of Pell-eligible students to make sure they succeed and persist.”
The Presidential Staff Medallion is awarded to the staff member who has demonstrated outstanding service to the University community. The 2022 award winner is LeeAnne Sipe, assistant dean for student affairs.
“In her decade of service to UNO, LeeAnne has built a strong student experience program in Student Involvement and Leadership, as well as showing leadership, innovation and flexibility in other areas of student affairs,” President Nicklow said.
