Carleton names four employees as recipients of inaugural Impact Awards, honors milestones and retirees during annual Employee Recognition Celebration

Every spring, Carleton hosts an Employee Recognition Celebration, a tradition centered on recognizing the years of service that faculty, staff, and partners at Bon Appétit and Barnes & Noble have dedicated to the College. For decades, this gathering has focused on honoring retiring colleagues and recognizing employees who have completed 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 years of service at Carleton. 

Leading up to the 2026 event, the newly formed Carleton Staff Council (CSC) was invited to contribute ideas for improving the experience, and the group emphasized that, while longevity is an incredible achievement, time alone cannot tell the whole story of a Carleton employee. What resulted was the introduction of the Carleton Impact Awards — a community-generated recognition of colleagues who have gone above and beyond in specific, vital ways.

From a strong pool of nominations, a selection committee of staff, faculty, and members of the President’s Cabinet chose four employees to honor in 2026 in four distinct categories. These honorees’ names will be inscribed on a permanent plaque displayed in a central location on campus as a lasting testament to their extraordinary efforts.

“It was a tough choice,” President Alison Byerly said in her address at the event, “and even as we honor these four individuals, we recognize that their accomplishments are representative of the amazing work done by so many outstanding colleagues across the College.”

Meet this year’s inaugural winners of the Carleton Impact Awards:

Intellectual Engagement Award: MurphyKate Montee, Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Mathematics (5 years)

This award recognizes an employee who has significantly deepened the intellectual life of Carleton’s campus.

“Mathematics is often portrayed as the ultimate ivory-tower pursuit: pure thought wrapped in language impenetrable to all but experts,” one nominator wrote. “Through her work in her first five years at Carleton, MurphyKate Montee has helped puncture this myth. Through many initiatives, she has shown how mathematical ideas and mathematical pedagogy are in fact vibrantly connected to diverse aspects of human inquiry.”

Montee has been active in the Perlman Center for Learning and Teaching (LTC) at Carleton, sharing ideas as well as leading and participating in Reading Circles and Teaching Circles across disciplines. She has also co-presented with faculty from a variety of departments on teaching with archives, maps, and rare books, as well as with Sara Cluggish, director and curator in the Perlman Teaching Museum, on “Object-Based Learning with Art and Exhibitions.”

Recently, Montee co-curated a full-scale exhibition at the Perlman Teaching Museum, “The Manifest, The Hidden: Geometry and Islam in Contemporary Art,” featuring works from 11 diverse contemporary artists. This exhibition fostered intellectual engagement across disciplines, with a nominator noting that one math major even “undertook a rigorous mathematical study of the curvature of leafy greens” under the co-supervision of Raka Mitra, professor of biology.

Montee also has a significant impact on Carleton students’ intellectual community as co-director of the Gender Minorities in Mathematics and Statistics (GeMMS) organization, which provides growth opportunities through reading groups, national conference attendance, in-depth discussions, and community lunches.

“Throughout her work at Carleton,” one nominator wrote, “MurphyKate Montee has demonstrated her passion for weaving mathematics into the intellectual life of the campus and increasing the intellectual engagement of our students.”

Collaborative Spirit Award: Julie Creamer, Director of Enterprise Information Services (25 years)

For an employee who has championed cross-college collaborations that have enhanced opportunities, expanded inclusivity, or improved operations.

Julie Creamer’s nominators describe her as “The Architect of Campus-Wide Connectivity” and “a steadying force through a turbulent transition,” whose Workday migration leadership reached every corner of the College. She champions a collaborative ecosystem that ensures technology serves the people of Carleton, not the other way around.

The success of an enterprise-wide platform relies entirely on the buy-in and coordination of diverse departments, which Creamer has mastered by driving inclusive dialogue across campus; sharing system enhancements to make work more efficient and accessible; and bridging the gap between technical requirements and departmental realities, ensuring that no office is left behind.

“Creamer demonstrates resilience with a celebratory spirit, maintaining team morale during high-pressure times,” Byerly said in her address. “She understands that complex system migrations are as much about people as they are about data, and Julie took the initiative during Workday implementation to set the tone for high-energy teamwork.”

Creamer also sees how functionality can benefit people, which is especially visible in her emphasis on the Workday Journey feature for making processes easier for faculty, staff, and students. The student onboarding and senior graduation journeys, for example, consolidate many campus processes into one place, which led to more consistent follow-through by Class of 2025 seniors.

“Perhaps most notably, Julie has built a legacy of partnership as a true collaborator,” Byerly concluded, relaying remarks from multiple nominators. “Her work has fundamentally improved our operations, expanded our digital inclusivity, and created a more streamlined environment for the entire campus. Not only has she been such a steadying force through the Workday transition, she is the epitome of a leader who brings people together to achieve the extraordinary.”

Student Hero Award: Claudio Gómez Gonzáles, Assistant Professor of Mathematics (5 years)

This recognition focuses on those who have made a transformative impact on the student experience and wellbeing.

“Claudio Gómez-Gonzáles takes to heart the ideal that education at a liberal arts college engages the whole student,” one nominator said. “They curate a very challenging but deeply compassionate environment in their classrooms.”

But as many nominators noted, Gómez-Gonzáles’s teaching and compassion do not end at the classroom door, or even just in the math department. Their office is often filled with students who aren’t even studying math that term, instead sharing stories of family, college life, and concerns over tea.

Gómez-Gonzáles has a passion for creating space for students of color and gender-minoritized students in math, bringing non-European history of mathematical developments into their courses and engaging students in discussions regarding decolonizing and rehumanizing mathematics. They also have students write weekly journal entries, which become fodder for office hour conversations and help cultivate personal growth as well as academic success.

As a creator and supervisor of the Integration-BIPOC affinity group, Gómez-Gonzáles supports students of color with study and social time. They also helped host the Tamalada, a tamale-making festival at Carleton where hundreds of tamales were assembled and distributed to Northfield community members who didn’t feel safe leaving their homes during ICE’s Operation Metro Surge.

“Claudio Gómez-Gonzáles is a leader in our department in organizing events and groups that help students feel included,” one nominator said. “It is clear that they take an individual interest in students and that students feel supported throughout their time in the major due to Claudio’s mentorship.”

“Claudio is not only a skilled and effective teacher, but also a counselor, a community-builder, and a cheerleader,” another nominator concluded. “They are a hero to many.”

Carleton Advocate Award: Phoebe Wilmot, Bon Appétit employee in Dining Services (30 years)

Specifically for behind-the-scenes employees whose work is essential but often less visible. This award recognizes extraordinary efforts that have benefited the College’s operations and community.  

“Perhaps you will not be surprised to learn that Phoebe received many nominations for this award,” Byerly began her speech congratulating Wilmot.

Nominators mentioned that Phoebe Wilmot is “a ray of sunshine” with a “rocksteady” presence who always greets customers with a smile and positive attitude, showcasing her amazing memory by addressing staff, faculty, and students by name.

“Phoebe exemplifies the practice of belonging at Carleton,” one nominator wrote. “Over the years, she has made so many of us, students and employees, feel welcome, seen, and loved… She is part of the fabric of Carleton culture.”

Wilmot always makes time for everyone, nominators mentioned, but she is especially beloved to the students. She is friendly and personable with them, she makes them all feel valued, and her efforts to create a sense of belonging and inclusivity have been very impactful.

“Phoebe has never failed to notice me and chat when I go to Sayles or Schulze,” one nominator said. “When she found out I was half Filipino, she would share recipes and intel about new grocery stores and restaurants in the cities… Having Phoebe’s warm friendly presence makes me feel like I’ve got family on this campus.”

“Have you ever watched Phoebe buttonhole names of students who graduated five years ago?” another nominator asked. “Fifteen years ago? Have you seen her read the tension on the face of a finalist for a position on campus and slow the line down to check in? Have you noticed how Phoebe is seemingly at every single different campus cafe at some point? Phoebe brings a truly astounding level of warmth, presence, and authenticity to her work… She is there for her people (and she has a most expansive definition of ‘her people!’). She is a colleague who exemplifies the art of rising to the needs of her community, whatever those needs might be. She is someone I always think of when I need to remember what makes me proud to work at Carleton.”

Byerly even added a personal anecdote after reading the last remark, showcasing how Wilmot’s personal connections extend to every area of the College. Byerly mentioned that the first time she met Wilmot after arriving as Carleton’s president in 2021, Wilmot immediately asked her, “How’s Laramie?” referring to Laramie Jensen ’15, Byerly’s daughter.

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This year’s 19 retirees have also been stalwart aspects of the Carleton experience, with each of them touching many areas of the College through their work. 

“It reminds us what it takes to run a college like Carleton,” Byerly said during her address. “It couldn’t happen without the wide range of talents and commitment in so many different areas.” 

Bid farewell Carleton’s recent retirees:

Barbara Allen, James Woodward Strong Professor of Political Science and the Liberal Arts, has treated students as collaborators in a “small democracy” for 38 years, pioneering the use of media and creative field experiences long before they were common. Colleagues will remember how she led through listening in order to guide the department toward consensus with kindness, wisdom, and care.

Deborah Appleman, Hollis L. Caswell Professor of Educational Studies, spent 40 years as a transformative force in the field of education. Whether teaching in Carleton’s classrooms or working within prison systems, she has modeled an unwavering belief in the power of literacy to change lives. Her colleagues cherish her “sharp wit and brilliant intellect,” while her students — many of whom are now teachers themselves — carry forward her legacy of compassionate, justice-oriented pedagogy.

Mary Drew, Administrative Assistant to the Director of the Perlman Center for Learning & Teaching and Administrative Assistant to the Director of the Humanities Center, has been a cornerstone of support for the intellectual life of Carleton faculty for over 20 years. Managing the needs of both the Humanities Center and the LTC, she navigated complex programs with professional grace and a genuine heart. Her colleagues describe her as a “calm and tireless advocate,” whose empathy and organizational skill made the work of faculty development possible.

Pamela Feldman-Savelsberg, Broom Professor of Social Demography and Anthropology, has brought to Carleton a combination of intellectual rigor and deep empathy to her research on migration, belonging, and the social lives of families. Her colleagues will miss her unfailingly generous spirit and the thoughtful, nuanced perspective she brought to department discussions. She is also celebrated for being an exceptionally supportive mentor who, over her 33 years at Carleton, encouraged her students to look at the world with curiosity, care, and a commitment to understanding human complexity.

Fernán Jaramillo, Professor of Biology, is appreciated for his high standards for his students. While his courses are challenging, if students put in the hard work to succeed, they leave with an incredible sense of self confidence. He applied these high standards to his work as an associate dean, as well. Among his tasks was to plan for the new integrated science center, and he did so by bringing many stakeholders with understandably strong opinions around the table and working to chart a course that everyone could support.

Chérif Keïta, William H. Laird Professor of French and the Liberal Arts, is a beloved teacher, scholar, and storyteller. Known for his “limitless energy and infectious passion” for Francophone literature and culture, he has been instrumental in expanding the horizons of his students. His work as a filmmaker has “bridged cultures and continents,” bringing the stories of West African history and heritage to a global audience. Colleagues will miss his warmth, vibrant presence, and remarkable ability to find the human heart in every subject he teaches. He leaves a 41-year legacy of cross-cultural understanding and a deep, abiding love for the liberal arts.

Mary Ann Kelling, Costume Designer and Shop Supervisor, will be missed for her kindness, humor, expertise, talent, and community-mindedness. She was the anchor of the theater and dance department for 25 years, designing costumes for hundreds of Carleton students through the decades. She taught students to think about how the elements of design — and especially the use of color — told stories without uttering any words.

Mike Kowalewski, Lloyd McBride Professor of English and Environmental Studies, has an indefatigable belief in the liberal arts and the value of the student experience at a place like Carleton. He has brought to his work an emphasis on connection, “enthusiasm for the good,” and taking every occasion for classes to get outside — whether to the lawn in front of Laird, the McKnight Prairie, or along the Pacific Coast while leading his legendary Visions of California off-campus studies program.

Les LaCroix, Strategic Technologist and Class of 1979 alum, has spent the last 34 years exhibiting true markers of a liberal arts education: he’s adaptable, curious, and perpetually creative. Long before smartphones and Google, he was on the “ground floor” of national networking, serving on advisory groups for Internet2 to build the tools that IT departments across the country now rely on. At Carleton, he was the architect of the College’s Identity and Access Management systems, handling everything from the web directory to Moodle access. Colleagues will miss his ability to remain calm and optimistic during any technical storm.

Melissa Landsteiner, Custodian, has embodied the spirit of care that defines the Carleton experience. As a dedicated member of the custodial team, she has been dependable, kind, and always ready with a smile. She takes great pride in her work and in the relationships she builds with students and colleagues. Whether ensuring a building was ready for the day or offering a kind word to a student worker, her “can-do attitude” and cheerful nature made Carleton feel more like home for everyone.

Tami Little, Administrative Assistant in Chemistry & Geology, has been serving as the glue for multiple departments for over 20 years. When she joined chemistry and geology in 2016, she hit the ground running during the massive transition to the new integrated science complex. She is an authoritative source on how the College works, and known for her ability to connect personally with everyone. Her contagious joy made her a favorite mentor and colleague across campus.

Sara Oster, Enterprise Applications Administrator, has served with a quiet dedication and a meticulous eye for detail for 22 years. While her work often happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt across the College. Known for her reliability and her sunny, helpful disposition, she has been a steady presence through decades of technological evolution. Her colleagues describe her as a “true team player” who consistently went beyond expectations to support the digital infrastructure that keeps Carleton running smoothly.

Rick Penning, Senior Lecturer in Voice, has been a master of his craft and a foundational member of the music department. He has mentored generations of Carleton vocalists, guiding them with patience, precision, and a dry wit. He is known for his unwavering commitment to his students’ artistic growth, and his deep, specialized knowledge and ability to solve the unique challenges that come with vocal performance and instruction. His 38 years of service represent a monumental contribution to the cultural and academic heart of the College.

Russ Petricka, Director of the Math Skills Center and Aerobics Instructor, is truly one-of-a-kind, an icon whose 50-year career at Carleton touched literally thousands of lives with warmth and spirit. Generations of alumni, from the 1970s to today, credit him with their persistence in mathematics; his kindness and patience turned “totally confused” first-years into math majors and successful engineers. He is also legendary for his infectious zest for life and jaw-dropping energy, able to complete an entire high-intensity aerobics routine without a single break.

Sheila Schoenbauer, Custodian, stood out for her unflappable attitude and ability to bring calm to any room during her decades of service. She lived by the motto “get it done someway, somehow,” focusing on the positive in every task. She was also deeply committed to the Carleton community as the chair for the Custodial Scholarship Fund and the organizer of its annual bake sale for many years. Her pride in her craft and her reliable presence on campus will be missed.

Kimberly Sydnes, Custodian, was adored by her coworkers for being an incredibly kind person who could brighten anyone’s day. She spent most of her years in the science buildings and Evans Hall, possessing an unmatched knowledge of those spaces and a dedication to creating the best possible environment for Carleton students. A genuine professional, she leaves behind strong relationships and a legacy of warmth and humor.

Linda Thornton, Comptroller, has left Carleton’s financial house in significantly better shape than she found it. Known for her deep expertise and institutional knowledge, her high expectations elevated everyone’s work throughout her 21-year career. Her commitment to clean audits, clear financial statements, and strong internal controls earned her the confidence of trustees and auditors alike — with one national auditor even calling her “best in class.” Beyond her technical precision, she was valued for her helpful feedback and her willingness to confront challenging issues creatively to improve the College’s operations.

Becky Zrimsek, Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, has an encyclopedic knowledge of Carleton and its alumni. Cultivated over 33 years, this knowledge has proven invaluable. She navigated aggressive campaign targets, global travel, and periods of significant change with patience and directness. Colleagues are profoundly grateful for her thoughtful advice and her deep love for Carleton. As one colleague put it: “You can’t always choose who your colleagues will be, but I would have chosen Becky every single time.”

Andrea Zunkel, Benefits Coordinator, has been a cornerstone of her team, balancing meticulous technical precision with deep empathy. Known for her “above-and-beyond” service model, she ensured that every staff and faculty member felt informed and valued through her facilitation of benefit meetings. Beyond her practical contributions — like her legendary backup files that saved the team many times — she modeled how to approach each day with integrity and a positive spirit.

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Send an eCard to one of these awarded employees and retirees, or any of the other deserving honorees, by visiting the “Congratulate a Colleague” section of the Employee Recognition website!