Award Winners

Adam Pearlstein
Assistant Director of the Little Shop of Physics
Physics Department
Adam Pearlstein is a master of all for the Little Shop of Physics.  He’s tireless in this role—supervising interns, taking the show on the road, managing the web page, coordinating the Twitter and Instagram accounts, and posting videos and photos online all in the name of education.  His passion for sharing science is contagious as he educates CSU students, community members and kids across the Northern Colorado region.  From his willingness to pitch in to cover Descriptive Physics for an entire semester to teaching extra sessions of Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Adam seeks ways to help his department out whenever possible while spreading his love for learning.  Adam hasn’t been here long, but he’s made a huge impact in his short time—ramping up the online presence of the Little Shop, being a tireless supporter of students, an excellent educator, and a caring, human citizen of the Department and the University.  He not only elevates the enterprise by his actions but also by his manner:  kind, caring, supportive, and always willing to pitch in.

Carol Engel-Enright
Internship Coordinator, Instructor
Department of Design & Merchandising
Carol has skillfully drawn on 40 years of industry experience to impart knowledge and skills upon students in the art of designing and creating apparel.   Through her connections she helps facilitates world class internship opportunities for CSU students.  Carol also advises and directs the “Senior Fashion Show” every Spring.  This prized program for both the Campus and Fort Collins community serves as the “grand finale” for graduating Design and Merchandising students.  In addition, she is pioneering a program that is geared towards energizing small town economies across Colorado by introducing cut-and-sew businesses to rural communities.  Carol trains the workers on how to create patterns, professionally sew garments, and how to market items in the most successful way.  She has tirelessly reached out to legislators, industry contacts, and big businesses attempting to secure the necessary financing needed to assist these businesses and ensure that they continue to thrive.  Carol’s selfless work not only supports and energizes the economy in the State of Colorado, but also shines a spotlight on Colorado State University’s heart for supporting and growing communities.

Claire Calhoun
Export Control Analyst
Office of the Vice President for Research
Claire has helped revolutionize CSU’s export controls as she has developed a new Export Control module in Kuali Research that is now available to other universities to utilize.  She’s directly implemented new procedures and processes as well to exceed many federal mandates and standards.  In addition, as Alternate Facility Security Officer, Claire helped identify and create CSU’s new Insider Threat Program working group and coordinated with the FBI for training.   This accomplishment far surpassed the Defense Security Service’s deadline and their standards for creating such a program.  To top it off, Claire somehow finds the time to keep work-life balance in line by participating in three competitive volleyball leagues!  Her energy, professionalism, initiative and humor make her an AP Star.

Dakota Cotner
Academic Success Coordinator
Academic Support Center
Dakota is a tremendous asset for the Academic Support Center and her impact might best be stated directly by students: “Dakota is probably the most efficient and friendliest advisor I’ve ever come across. She has helped me all through college and has cheered me on.” “Dakota was very helpful with helping me look for internship opportunities.” “Dakota provides a great advising experience. She was very clear on what I needed for graduation and that confidence she gave me made a huge difference.”  She also participates within the ASC collaboration, Professional Advisor Network, College of Liberal Arts Academic Support Center Advisory Committee, Orientation and Transition programs, JMC Undergraduate Committee, and serves as an alternate on the APC.  Dakota also assisted in creating the Faculty Mentor Advising Sessions to facilitate career advising between students and professors.  Outside of work, Dakota is a board member of Northern Colorado Riding Club and High Plains Paint Horse Association which she has leveraged both to help CSU students gain real world skills and knowledge through a variety of opportunities.

Sarah Chase
Manager of Graduate Student Advising
College of Business
Sarah has impacted countless students through her dedication and support efforts in advising.  She helped secure a grant for a “Meet the Founders” series for business students that brought Founders from successful companies to campus.  She also secured funding for an Emergenetics “Meeting of the Minds” workshop for graduate students and staff that helped identify strengths and weaknesses in team environments.  Sarah has been a champion of work-life balance efforts and demonstrates it by encouraging her team to have one remote work day per week.  This allows team members to project plan and respond to online student needs more efficiently.  Sarah leads by example as she volunteers at her children’s school, exercises during lunch, and supports her team to have a healthy balance.  Sarah embodies professionalism, diplomacy and her positive attitude is truly infectious which has helped her earn her “Awesome Sarah” nickname among peers.

Lucia Delgado
Director of College Access
The Access Center
Lucia Delgado supports the land grant mission of CSU in providing postsecondary access and support to first generation students.  Lucia administers two federal TRIO grants as well as the CSU Bridge Scholars Program. Over the past two years, she has been required to submit grants to continue funding for both federal grants, and has concurrently doubled the size of the Bridge Program. Bridge now provides funding for 40 incoming first generation CSU students to take summer classes, create community and avoid the “summer melt.” Lucia works to ensure the Access Center will continue to serve over 900 first generation students in 17 Colorado high schools.  On campus here at CSU, she is involved with Latinx, CESDA, the Key Communities, and Adelante Con Nuestra Familia.  Outside of work, Lucia is the Colorado Chapter of ASPIRE president, which leads Colorado’s efforts and initiatives to advocate for underrepresented student populations.  She continually encourages team members to run for leadership positions and keep a healthy work-life balance which she demonstrates through her commitment to her daughters and their activities.  In addition Lucia has now started pursuing a PhD program as well to demonstrate her desire for continued personal and professional growth.