MEMORANDUM
TO: The Rensselaer Community
FROM: The Pillars of Rensselaer
DATE: April 2021
RE: 2021 Pillars of Rensselaer Award
In 1993, Carl Westerdahl provided funding to establish the “Pillars of Rensselaer Award” to honor a long-term staff member. This is the highest and most prestigious award presented by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to a member of the staff.
Criteria for the Pillars of Rensselaer Award
Those who are nominated shall have:
- Been employed at Rensselaer in a staff (non-faculty) role for at least 10 years
- Demonstrated an understanding of Rensselaer’s mission and history
- Served as a role model for other employees
Other factors that may be considered include, but are not limited to:
- Show concern for students and their welfare
- Add to the human dimension of Rensselaer
- Play an active role in his/her community
Additionally, a nominee may not have been named the recipient of this award for at least 10 years. Any members of the Rensselaer community may nominate individuals for this award.
Nomination forms for the Pillars Award will be accepted until June 18, 2021. All nominations MUST be electronic. Nominations and questions can be directed to pillarsnomination@rpi.edu. The list of employees eligible for the 2021 Pillars of Rensselaer Award is available at https://rpi.box.com/v/2021rpipillarlist. The Pillar nomination form is available at https://rpi.box.com/v/2021nominationform.
There is no limit to the number of times an individual may be nominated. However, each year the nomination must be accompanied by a nomination form (see below) and no more than 3 additional letters of support. Letters of support may not exceed 400 words each and should be current for each nomination. Those that do not meet outlined criteria will not be considered. Nominations remain under consideration for two years upon submission. Updates to a previously submitted form are welcome. Due to COVID there was no Pillar Award in 2020,therefore nominations from 2019 will carryover for consideration in 2021.
Since a decision on the 2021 Service Recognition and Retirement Dinner is still pending, information will follow later regarding the announcement of the 2021 Pillar recipient.
