THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE, established in 1990 by President James D. McComas, is an annual recognition of full-time staff for their outstanding contributions and consistently excellent performance for Virginia Tech. 

Twenty-six employees with a collective 277 years of service were nominated for the 2022 President’s Award for Excellence. These employees were recognized during a ceremony on April 12, where President Tim Sands announced the winners. Each winner receives a letter of commendation from the president, a certificate, and a $2,000 pre-tax award. 

This year’s event is part of Virginia Tech’s sesquicentennial, celebrating 150 years of impact and engagement. 

“The President’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding performance, extraordinary contributions, and the highest dedication to the mission and vision of Virginia Tech,” Sands said. “The determination and creativity of these individuals are an example to all of us, and we deeply appreciate their service to the university.” 

Max Ofsa, Prototyping Studio manager for University Libraries, has worked for Virginia Tech since 2013. 

Jonathan Bradley, head of studios and innovative technologies for University Libraries, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Max has been in the process of brainstorming the growth of one of the University Libraries’ most popular services, the 3D Design Studio. The space, which provided free 3D printing for all of campus, enabled numerous projects and hands-on experience with additive manufacturing technologies to students from all majors at Virginia Tech. Max’s proposal provided a strong groundwork for the space, and University Libraries acted on building it. During this time, Max was involved with all the steps of seeing the space come to fruition, including service design, tool selection, space construction consultation, staff hiring and training, and, finally, the actual opening and management of the space.” 

By Mark Owczarski and Laurie Stacy