Every spring semester, UTSA faculty and staff members are invited to celebrate employee excellence at the annual University Excellence Awards Ceremony. This year, two College of Engineering faculty members received university recognition: Mehdi Shadaram received a President’s Distinguished Achievement Award in Community Engagement and Krystel Castillo received a President’s Distinguished Achievement Award in Research Achievement.
“Dean Browning and others did a good job of surprising me,” Shadaram said. “At first, I thought the visit was for a critical case. I was delighted when I saw the balloons and smiling faces. To me, this award means that the university, and particularly the college, value my effort to improve engineering education at UTSA and beyond.”
Bernard Arulanandam, interim vice president for research, opened the program and was followed by Jude Valdez, vice president for community services, who recognized retirees and those with five or more years of service.
Interim President Pedro Reyes and Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs C. Mauli Agrawal presented the awards.
“It is a distinct honor to receive the President’s Distinguished Achievement Award in Research Achievement,” said Castillo. “As a faculty member, the ultimate outcome of my research endeavors is to benefit students as well as the community we serve. I am very grateful for this award and for the opportunity to lead an outstanding research group to such success during my tenure-track.
There is no better way to enjoy the limelight than being surrounded by your group, students, and colleagues. I look forward to bringing more recognition to UTSA nationally and internationally through research efforts.”
The ceremony included a presentation of the University Excellence Awards, President’s Distinguished Achievement Awards, and Richard S. Howe Excellence Awards. In addition, 2016 service milestones and retirees were recognized.
Photos by Deborah Silliman/College of Engineering
