Nominations are now welcome for the 2025 Pillars of Rensselaer Award, RPI’s highest and most prestigious honor for staff. Established in 1993 by Carl Westerdahl, this award recognizes a long-term staff member who has made a lasting impact on the Institute.

Criteria for the Pillars of Rensselaer Award

Nominees shall:  

• Serve as a role model for other employees.
• Show concern for students and their welfare.  
• Contribute to the human dimension of RPI.
• Play an active role in his/her community.
• Have been employed at RPI in a staff (non-faculty) role for at least 10 years.
• Demonstrate an understanding of RPI’s mission and history.
• Not have received this award in the past 10 years. 

Any member of the RPI community may nominate individuals for this award. Nominations for the award will be accepted until October 20, 2025, and must be submitted electronically through the online form. If you have any questions, please email pillarsnomination@rpi.edu.

There is no limit to the number of times an individual may be nominated; however, each nomination must include no more than three additional letters of support.

Nominations remain under consideration for two years upon submission. Updates to previously submitted nominations are welcome.