On Sept. 29, 15 members of the Harvard Law School community received the Dean’s Award for Excellence at a virtual ceremony hosted by Dean John F. Manning ’85. The award recognizes staff members who embody both the letter and spirit of excellence within the Harvard Law School community. HLS staff members are nominated by their peers for the award.
This year’s honorees represented nine departments, including clinics, student services, and administration, and their years of service at HLS ranged from three to 37 years. Dean Manning cited the common thread of innovation and collaboration that ran through the nominees this year, and reflected on why those attributes were so powerful as HLS adapted to a new normal amidst the pandemic.
“I am deeply grateful for the commitment, creativity, and spirit you all have shown during this time. I really miss seeing you all,” he said. “It’s particularly meaningful to come together as a community, even if by Zoom, to celebrate some of the many, many wonderful people who contribute so much to our mission and to our community.”
2019-2020 Dean’s Award for Excellence Recipients
- Kendra Albert, Clinical Instructor and Lecturer on Law, Cyberlaw Clinic
- Carolyn Hubbard, Assistant Director for Student Support Services, Dean of Students Office
- Mark Jefferson, Assistant Dean for Community Engagement, Equity & Mentoring, Dean of Students Office
- Laura Johnston, Administrative Director, Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation
- Jocelyn Kennedy, Executive Director, Harvard Law School Library
- Mark Lombardi, Senior Operations Manager, Facilities Management Office
- Tammie Lombardo, Managing Director, Information Technology Services
- Gene O’Connor, Project Manager, Facilities Management Office
- Mary O’Rourke, Instructional Technologist and User Support, Learning Experience and Technology
- Dianne Ribeirinha-Braga, Assistant Director of Financial Operations, Dean of Students Office
- Liz Solar, Director of Externships, Clinical and Pro Bono Programs
- Phil Torrey, Managing Attorney, Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program and Director of the Crimmigration Clinic
- Maureen Worth, Faculty & Program Assistant, Faculty Support Services
Team award:
- Ben Watson & Mary Rapala, Information Technology Services
Harvard Heroes:
In addition to the Dean’s Awards winners, Lisa Burns, Assistant Dean and Registrar in the Registrar’s Office and Silvia Vazquez, interpreter, translator, and administrative assistant at the WilmerHale Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School, were named 2020 Harvard Heroes.
Harvard Heroes is an annual program held each spring to celebrate high-performing staff from across every school and the central administration with both local and University-wide recognition. These staff members are nominated and/or selected by their peers and departments.
