Oregon Tech welcomes faculty and staff back in annual convocation

On Sept. 23, the Oregon Tech community reunited for its annual Convocation ceremony. This event not only celebrated the arrival of Fall Term but also welcomed new faculty and staff members, who met to prepare for a new academic year beginning Oct. 1.

As a tradition marking the start of each academic season, Convocation is an opportunity for faculty and staff to learn emerging trends and improve upon existing procedures. This year, President Nagi Naganathan introduced his theme for 2025-26: Improving the Human Condition.

"At Oregon Tech, I firmly believe this theme captures the spirit of all we do and the essence of higher education," Naganathan described. "The human condition encompasses the experiences, challenges, and aspirations that bind us across time and culture. Guided by this lens, we see every discipline, every classroom, every laboratory, and every collaboration as a chance to uplift lives."

Using inspiration from the Heart and Mind art installation by Ralph Helmick featured in Oregon Tech's Martha Anne Dow Center for Health Professions building, Naganathan emphasized ways that faculty, staff, students, and supporters can work together to elevate Oregon Tech as a destination of choice where the hearts and the minds converge to improve lives.

Coincidentally, the Heart and Mind installation is one of two Oregon Tech pieces highlighted in a statewide campaign celebrating 50 years of Oregon's Percent for Art in Public Places Program, along with the recently installed Shoal of Returning Hope by Kana Tanaka in Boivin Hall.

Honoring the people of Oregon Tech, Convocation is also a time to celebrate the dedication and contributions of Oregon Tech faculty and staff. In recognition of their commitment to both the University and its students, several employees received special recognition during the ceremony.

Awards presented this year include:

• Student Affairs Most Valuable Partner Award: Thomas Cooper, Information Technology Consultant in Information Technology Services
• Oregon Tech Foundation Rising Faculty Scholar Award: Dr. Kangjae Lee, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy
• Oregon Tech Foundation Faculty Achievement Awards: Dr. Kevin Garrett, Associate Professor in Humanities and Social Sciences and Clinical Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy master's degree program, and Professor Kristy Weidman, Marketing Program Director
• Oregon Tech Foundation Excellence in Teaching Awards: Sharon Beaudry, Instructor of Management, and Leah Jolly, Associate Professor of Medical Imaging Technology
• Classified Staff Awards: Karla Lindsey, Administrative Program Assistant in the Registrar's Office, and Brandy Nightingale, Program Representative for Advising and Retention
• President's Staff Awards: Sarah Henderson-Wong, Assistant Director of Benefits in Human Resources; Adria Paschal, Senior Executive Assistant to the President; and Diana Angeli, Executive Assistant in the President's Office

Award recipients were selected based on nomination letters detailing their commitment to the university and their impact on students and colleagues, embodying the spirit of Oregon Tech.

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