IWP Honors Outstanding Students, Faculty, Staff, Interns, and Alumni at 2026 Awards Ceremony

On the eve of Commencement, Friday, May 15th, 2026, IWP held its third annual Awards Ceremony to recognize outstanding students, faculty, staff, interns, and alumni for their service, scholarship, leadership, and dedication to the Institute’s mission. 

The event was introduced by IWP President Christoper Glass, USN (Ret.). Dr. James S. Robbins, Dean of Academics, then recognized several outstanding students and faculty members. 

Amber DeWitt was honored with the Outstanding Student Service to IWP Award. Ms. DeWitt is a current Ph.D. student and Director of Research for the Kościuszko Chair of Polish Studies and Center for Intermarium Studies under Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz.

The Outstanding Student Publication Award was presented to Haroon Hakimi for his recent book, Resources, Power, and Nation Building: Afghanistan and the Promise of Minerals, which drew on his doctoral research at IWP. 

This year’s Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Faculty Publication was presented to Dr. Susan Yoshihara for her recent book, Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) in U.S. Security Cooperation. Dr. Yoshihara is a faculty member at IWP and the founder and president of the American Council on Women, Peace and Security. 

Dr. Robbins gave milestone awards to several faculty members. Karina Rollins was recognized for five years of service as an adjunct faculty member. Paul Schilling was recognized for ten years of service as an adjunct professor. Dr. Douglas Streusand was recognized for twenty years of service to IWP as an adjunct professor specializing in international relations and Islamic history. Dr. David Thomas was recognized for twenty-six years of service as a professor of intelligence studies. Dr. Christopher C. Harmon was recognized for twenty years of service to IWP as a scholar and educator in the study of terrorism and great-power competition. 

Dr. Robbins then recognized Dr. Harmon with the Outstanding Service to IWP and Our Students Award after students nominated him for his mentorship and dedication to student success. 

Ariane Sweeney, Executive Vice President of IWP, then came to the podium to honor outstanding members of the IWP staff. The Outstanding Performance Award was presented to Jennifer Alexander, Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment, for her leadership and contributions to IWP’s recruitment efforts and institutional growth. 

Several staff members were also recognized for milestone years of service to the Institute: Dr. James Robbins was recognized for five years of service as Dean of Academics. Sade Nixon was recognized for five years of service in Advancement and Development. Dr. Tim McCranor was recognized for five years of service and his contributions to curriculum development and academic programs. Chris Glass was recognized for ten years of service to IWP, and Jason Johnsrud was recognized for twenty-five years of service to the Institute. 

Ariane Sweeney then recognized Roland Lamoureux with the Intern of the Year Award. Roland served as an Events and Communications Intern during the Spring 2026 semester and was recognized for his professionalism, initiative, and contributions to numerous IWP events throughout the semester.  

Katie Bridges, Senior VP for Alumni Affairs, presented James Gavin (’21) with the Outstanding Alumni Service to IWP Award. James was recognized for his continued support of the Institute in many ways, including student mentorship, alumni engagement, and service on the Alumni Board. 

IWP Alumni Board President Wendell Bryant (’23) then presented the Outstanding Service to IWP Alumni Award to Michael Webber (’12) in recognition of his longstanding service to the IWP alumni community and his leadership in supporting the IWP Alumni Scholarship program. 

Kelly Siwek (’19) then received the Alumni Award of Distinction for her professional achievements that embody IWP’s values. She was also recognized for her dedicated service to the IWP community. 

The ceremony concluded with remarks from President Glass, who thanked the honorees, faculty, staff, family members, and friends for their continued dedication and support of IWP’s mission. 

Congratulations to all the honorees!