Kevin Beattie, associate athletic director for communications and compliance, says that working in Athletics and Student Life at Rensselaer, where the focus is on the students, continues to be a rewarding experience.

Beattie, a Rensselaer employee for 13 years, is the recipient of the 2011 Pillar of Rensselaer Award, the highest honor Rensselaer gives to a staff member. The award was presented to Beattie at the 39th annual Service Recognition & Retirement Dinner held Sept 9.

The Pillar Award is presented annually to a staff member who understands the Institute's mission and history, has been a role model for other employees, has shown concern for students and their welfare, has added to the human dimension of the school, and who has played an active role in his or her home community.

A few days after the event, Beattie still says that he is amazed that he received the award. “To say I was surprised - and still am - is an understatement. I am extremely grateful to be recognized as a Pillar and very thankful to colleagues, specifically Karen Hansen, for submitting my name for consideration. Knowing many of those who have been so honored in the past, it is hard to believe I could be listed among such hard-working, dedicated individuals. It's a privilege to be honored and one that is very much appreciated.”

Beattie was cited for his demonstrated understanding of Rensselaer's mission and history, and was praised as a role model and mentor for other employees and students, and for his active role in the community, according to Secretary of the Institute and General Counsel Charles Carletta. During his tenure at Rensselaer, one nominee noted that Beattie “has been instrumental in allowing our department to reach new heights.”

“This employee understands The Rensselaer Plan and vision, and has worked tirelessly to incorporate all that we do to support the Institute's mission,” said one nominee.” “On a daily basis, this employee tells the story of our Department, highlighting present-day accomplishments, those of our employees and students, while also educating visitors on the accomplishments of those alumni from the recent and distant past.”

Carletta shared additional quotes from several of the nominations received for Beattie. “This employee's biggest attribute is being a role model.”Another nominee said that Beattie is a “silent leader who leads by example not only our staff but also our student workers. He puts in countless hours and will do whatever it takes to provide the best possible experience for our staff and students. He is a positive mentor for our staff and a true teammate.”

“This employee's primary concern is always for the students of Rensselaer,” wrote one nominator. “This employee has so much passion for what they do, and goes above and beyond the call of duty if they feel that their efforts will allow a student to gain additional recognition, or Rensselaer to attract more positive exposure.”

“Beattie does his job with quiet confidence, inspiring respect and admiration from all who know and work with them,” said one student. “This employee demonstrates a genuine interest in and concern for Rensselaer students, coworkers, and as I know quite well, student workers in this office. Because of this employee, I am pursuing a career for which I am truly passionate. This employee has set the perfect example by constantly exhibiting passion for the job, coworkers, and the entire Rensselaer community.”

Reflecting on his contribution to the human dimension at Rensselaer, a nominator said “[Beattie] has an outstanding rapport with all areas of campus and likes to take the time to gain an understanding of each area. He always volunteers to help out in any way and never shies away from a challenge.”

In addition, one student noted that [Beattie] “undoubtedly makes the lives of the students easier and is always looking to improve our experience at Rensselaer. Rensselaer is very fortunate to have someone like this employee who cares so much about the Institute and truly makes Rensselaer a better place.”


Noting Beattie's commitment to community service at Rensselaer and within the local community, one nominator said, [Beattie] is a big advocate and supporter of the green initiative on campus and kindly suggests to all of our staff members to recycle paper, supplies, and donate their personal possessions no longer needed to other staff members to make use of.

Another nominator shared highlights of Beattie's activities to support various initiatives, including Beattie's volunteer efforts to “regularly donate blood plasma to the American Red Cross, coach a little league baseball team, and also serve as a mentor and evaluator for the Professional Development Three courses for the Archer Center for Student Leadership Development.”

“[Beattie] is a leader in our department as well as on campus and is committed to all that makes our 'pillars' exemplary members of the campus, with their unfailing passion for the Institute that is contagious to all with whom he interacts.”

The Pillar of Rensselaer Award was established in 1993, through the support of Carl Westerdahl, former dean of students and director of alumni relations, who also attended the Sept. 9 event. The annual award consists of a gift of $500 and a sterling silver pin by Tiffany & Co. The winner's name also is inscribed on the base of a Tiffany crystal award that is permanently displayed in the President's Suite in the Troy Building.