“These awards recognize the highest achievements in teaching and service to students — the most prestigious faculty-staff honor we bestow at Quinnipiac,” said President Marie Hardin during her welcome. “Our honorees truly represent the best of us.”

Family members joined Quinnipiac coworkers and students for a celebratory dinner honoring: John Bau, School of Computing & Engineering assistant dean for student experience and career development; Dawn Colomb-Lippa, MS ’98, senior instructor of biology and adjunct professor in physician assistant studies; Sarah Driscoll, director of international students and scholars; Emily McCave, professor of social work and associate chair of social work; Christie Soltys, Learning Commons assistant director of academic development and outreach; and Nita Prasad, professor of history and concentration director.

Vice President of Human Resources Anna Spragg presented the 2025 Staff Excellence Awards and Provost Debra Liebowitz presented the 2025 Faculty Excellence Awards. Together, the honorees embody Quinnipiac’s enduring commitment to teaching, mentorship and service.

“One of the things that's really special about this place is the extent to which that commitment to education permeates all who are here,” said Liebowitz. “And that's actually not something that's true, believe it or not, at every university.”

As a Staff Excellence award recipient, Bau has built his career at the intersection of engineering and student success, preparing Quinnipiac’s computing and engineering students for meaningful careers. Serving as assistant dean for student experience and career development, he’s known for helping students translate technical skills into professional confidence while building lasting industry connections. Colleagues praise his innovative programs, leadership in the field and unwavering commitment to student growth — qualities that have made him a driving force behind the school’s 99% career placement rate.

“This is a community. This is a family. And the wonderful thing about working at this university is that there's literally nothing any of us do by ourselves,” said Bau. “Everything we do, whatever it is, it touches the lives of these young people.”

For Faculty Excellence award honoree Colomb-Lippa, her journey from struggling anatomy student to award-winning biology professor has shaped her empathetic and story-driven approach to teaching. Known for transforming complex material into engaging narratives, she fosters a welcoming and collaborative environment where students thrive. Her innovative video exams and focus on personal connection have transformed the learning experience for countless students.

“I'm not afraid to try new things, and I'm not afraid of failure. I like to encourage students to have the courage to try, sometimes scary, new things, and to have the resilience to get up when they stumble,” said Colomb-Lippa. “Failure has really been my greatest feature, and it has motivated me more than anything to learn. And I really appreciate that you think that makes me excellent.”

For Driscoll, recipient of a Staff Excellence award, her own study abroad experience in Spain sparked a lifelong passion for international education and supporting students as they navigate new cultures. Since joining Quinnipiac in 2020, she has become a catalyst for positive change, building an inclusive community, guiding students through challenges and helping them feel at home. Colleagues praise her as a dedicated advocate whose leadership and compassion have strengthened the international student experience across campuses.

“My journey in international education is much more than a career. It's one of the greatest gifts of my life,” said Driscoll. “I want to celebrate our international students and scholars. They are the heartbeat of why I do what I do. Their courage, determination and openness inspire me every day, and they show us what it means to be brave enough to build a life in a new place and share their culture with all of us with generosity and pride. Tonight, my heart is full.”

Presented with a Faculty Excellence award, McCave is a founding member of Quinnipiac’s social work faculty, where she has helped shape a thriving Master of Social Work program grounded in compassion, ethics and advocacy. As professor and associate chair of social work, she’s known for creating an environment where students feel supported, challenged and inspired to make a difference. Through her innovative teaching and deep personal commitment to the profession, McCave was praised for empowering future social workers to lead with empathy, resilience and purpose.

“It's really an honor to be recognized, given just how many talented educators we have here in our QU community,” said McCave. “I would like to acknowledge our outstanding social work students who are the reason I show up to work energized each semester. I try to model that adversity can be a source of strength, empathy and passion for the work that we do as social workers, and that this work can also be part of our healing.”

Soltys, honored with a Staff Excellence award, said her own challenging transition to college inspired her to help students navigate theirs. Now, as assistant director of academic development and outreach in the Learning Commons, she draws from that experience to connect with students who may be struggling to find their footing. Soltys is known for her dedication to helping students build confidence, develop academic skills and reach their full potential. Through her compassionate leadership and commitment to student success, she fosters a culture of growth, connection and continuous learning across the university.

“I'm lucky to be the person these students grow to trust and rely on as they navigate transformation. I'm drawn to this population because I know deep down, they're capable,” said Soltys. “I believe one of the reasons I'm standing here today is because of my genuine interest in the person sitting across from me in my office. I assume their best intentions and believe that with the right support, they can become the best version of themselves."

As a Faculty Excellence award recipient, Prasad’s own research on British colonial India and her dedication to experiential learning have fueled a lifelong passion for helping students engage deeply with history. Since joining Quinnipiac in 2007, she has become a driving force in the classroom and beyond, designing dynamic courses, guiding students through challenging discussions and creating an environment where all voices are heard. In their nominations, students praised her as a collaborative mentor whose creativity, care and commitment have strengthened both student learning and the academic community across campus.

“There's just never a dull moment with Quinnipiac students. They are wonderfully curious, genuinely open-minded, and I feel privileged each day that they welcome me into the classroom. They keep me on my toes, always motivating me to do my best,” said Prasad. “Because without them, I'm just a history geek standing in front of a room. But with them, sometimes I feel like we can change the world, or at least our little corner of it.”