Employee News
Evening of Excellence Celebrates Outstanding Faculty, Staff and Students
RALEIGH, N.C. (March 25, 2026) – An Evening of Excellence at Wake Tech on Wednesday recognized faculty, staff and students whose leadership, service and academic achievements set the standard for excellence across the college.
More than 20 faculty and staff members were recognized for their exemplary service and dedication to student success. Eight students were also honored with awards celebrating their academic accomplishments and contributions to the college community.
Award recipients enjoyed a special dinner and tribute videos highlighting their impact across the college. Each honoree received a commemorative plaque and a cash award in appreciation of their achievements.
Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls commended this year's recipients, noting the difference their work makes each day.
"This evening is about celebrating the tremendously talented people who bring Wake Tech's mission to life. Your creativity, compassion and commitment strengthen our college in powerful ways, and we are grateful for the work you do to support our students and our community."
Academic Excellence
- Ilona Barbaray, Biotechnology
- Ashley Little, Liberal Arts
- Timothy Mims, Information Technology
- Sehyun Park, Mathematics & Sciences
- Pedro Pasquoto, Nursing
- Andrew Cole Potchak, Transportation Technologies
- Hannah Winspear, Health Sciences
Veteran Academic Excellence
- Thomas Wilkie, Information Technology
Excellence in Teaching
- Shannon Aycock, Academic Support & Learning Resources
- Dr. Katharine Boyes, Liberal Arts
- Dr. Donna Corbett, Workforce Development
- Meghan Foley, Health Sciences
- Erin N. Hall, CPA, Business & Professional Services
- Moira Hughes King, Biotechnology
- Sara Rutzky, Mathematics & Sciences
- Kristen Wood, Nursing
Excellence in Adjunct Teaching
- Jennifer Dunsmore, Academic Support & Learning Resources
- Kristin Lundberg, Liberal Arts
- Adam Wade Matteson, Workforce Development
- Lauren Musolf, Health Sciences
- William Rodriguez, Information Technology
- Calum Russell, Mathematics & Sciences
- Dr. Christopher Shelton, Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Design
- Amanda Slaughter, Nursing
Excellence in Executive Leadership
- Stephanie Lake, College Development
Excellence in Leadership
- Maya Budihardjo, Health Sciences
- Carla McMullen, Sponsored Programs
- Holly Swart, Enrollment & Student Services
Excellence in Service
- Meredith Cruise, Human Resources
- Craig Daigle, Fire & EMS
- Christina Sobrido, Information Technology Services
- Maureen Sanchez, Workforce Development (awarded posthumously)
Volunteer of the Year
- Terry Sawyers
Special congratulations to Instructor of the Year Sara Rutzky and Staff Member of the Year Meredith Cruise, who will represent Wake Tech at the statewide North Carolina Community College System Excellence Competition.
Jennifer Dunsmore is the Adjunct Teacher of the Year. Sehyun Park, who is pursuing Associate in Science and Associate in Engineering degrees, was named the Dwight O. Ryan Outstanding Student of the Year.
The Excellence Awards are sponsored each year by the Wake Tech Foundation, which secures and manages private funding for student scholarships and college initiatives.
