IWP recognizes outstanding students, faculty, and staff at awards ceremony

On the eve of Commencement, Friday, May 16th, IWP held its second annual Awards Ceremony to honor outstanding students, faculty, and staff. The ceremony was followed by an open house for graduates and their guests.

The event was introduced by IWP President Amb. Aldona Wos. Dr. James Robbins then recognized several outstanding students.

He bestowed the Outstanding Student Service to IWP Award to doctoral candidate Shane McNeil, the driving force behind launching IWP’s Sentinel Research Society, which includes publishing platforms the Sentinel Journal, the Sentinel Review, and a podcast, Common Ground. Shane has also provided research support for the IWP internship program.

Dr. Robbins then recognized Inna Osetrova for this year’s Student Publication Award.  Inna’s article, “Beyond the 49th Parallel: Barriers to the Future of U.S.-Canada Relations” was written this year for Professor Albert Santoli’s course, Counter-Terror through Full Spectrum Cultural Engagement.

Dr. Robbins gave milestone awards to several faculty members. Professor John Sano received an award for ten years of service as an adjunct faculty member educating IWP students about the intelligence community, covert action, and human intelligence.

Dr. Wayne Schroeder was recognized for ten years with IWP as an adjunct professor, teaching classes like Defense Strategy, Planning and Budgeting and International Organizations and Multilateral Diplomacy.

Professor Charles Snyder was honored in absentia for his ten years with IWP as an adjunct professor teaching U.S.-Africa relations. 

Dr. Robbins then recognized Dr. John Callahan, who, although he was not able to be present, was chosen by IWP students to receive the Outstanding Service to IWP and our Students Award. Many of our students have commented on how his classes are enjoyable and his mentorship has helped them excel. 

Captain Chris Glass, IWP Executive Vice President, then came to the podium to honor outstanding members of the IWP team. The first award for staff went to Derrick Dortch for Outstanding Performance on the staff. As Director of Career Services, Mr. Dortch has helped IWP students and alumni secure jobs in their fields of interest. 

Three individuals received the Outstanding Service to IWP Award: Jonathan Jarrett, our operations manager; Shawn Goldstein of Avison Young, who does incredible work in helping manage our beautiful campus; and Michelle Ray, who manages all of the HR functions for our school.

Captain Glass then recognized Alec Bullough, the recipient of the Intern of the Year Award. A peer leader for his intern cohort, Alec has joined the IWP student body and continues to volunteer with the internship program.

Katie Bridges, Senior VP for Alumni Affairs, recognized several outstanding alumni. Three alumni were honored with the Outstanding Alumni Service to IWP Award.

Damian Antonescu (’05) was honored for his years of mentoring IWP students about the Intelligence Community, including welcoming them to his home for Thanksgiving, and individually mentoring 16 students this semester alone.

LTC Andrew Harris (’17) was recognized for organizing countless tours for IWP students of the East and West Wings, where he has been serving in the Office of Management and Budget.

Dr. Curt Klun (’22) was honored for representing IWP on multiple occasions and for leading our interns on incredible tours of the historic Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building, all while conducting important work combatting transnational organized crime.

COL Gavin Rice (’14) then received the Alumni Award of Distinction, whose recipient is nominated by IWP alumni and selected by the IWP Alumni Board for outstanding achievements that embody IWP values. COL Rice is currently working at the Pentagon.

Finally, Amb. Wos returned to the podium to bestow the President’s Award on Captain Dean Lane, IWP Chief Information Officer, who has been going above and beyond his own portfolio to serve the IWP mission in so many ways.

Congratulations to all the honorees!