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School of Engineering staff receive 2026 Infinite Mile and Mandigo Awards

By Jordan Silva

Three women stand smiling in front of an MIT School of Engineering banner; two hold red diploma folders. They are dressed in business attire.

Each year, the MIT School of Engineering celebrates the accomplishments and dedication of its staff by honoring them with the Ellen J. Mandigo Award for Outstanding Service and the Infinite Mile Award. Recipients were honored at an awards ceremony on June 15, 2026.

A group of fifteen adults pose indoors in front of large windows with a city skyline and river in the background. They are dressed in business casual attire, and all are smiling at the camera.

“The Infinite Mile and Mandigo Awards recognize staff whose contributions make an enormous difference, even when much of their work happens quietly behind the scenes,” said Paula T. Hammond, Dean of Engineering and an Institute Professor. “At MIT, we often talk about innovation, discovery, and impact. But none of those things happen in isolation. Every breakthrough, every successful program, every thriving department or research group depends on talented and deeply dedicated staff working together across this institution.”

A smiling woman stands among a seated crowd, holding a colorful sign that reads You keep the SCM plane aloft, while others around her cheer and clap enthusiastically.

The 2026 Mandigo Award recipients are:

Brandy Baker, the Director of Academic Programs in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering.

Sue Liang, the Human Resources Operations and Data Administrator in the School of Engineering.

The 2026 Infinite Mile Award recipients are:

Rachael Aitchison, the Academic Programs Specialist and Graduate Administrator in the Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics.

Melissa Bunker, a Senior Research Administrator and Finance Officer at MIT’s Institute for Medical Engineering and Science.

Alexandra Cabral, the Administrator for Support Staff Training and Onboarding in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Aren Ghazarians, the Supply Chain Management/SCALE Program Manager in the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics (CTL).

Amanda Holley, the Manager of Human Resources in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Daria Levear, the Event Planner in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Conor McArdle, the Digital Communications Specialist in the School of Engineering Dean’s Office.

Katey Provost, formerly the Project Program Coordinator in the School of Engineering Dean’s Office and currently the Program Administrator in the Office of the Provost.

Amanda Stack, a Research Engineer II at the K. Lisa Yang Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Center.

Seven people smile at an indoor event. Two hold handmade signs: one says Congratulations Rachel, and another says Congrats. The group stands together, posing happily for the photo.

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