The CLASSE community came together last week for our annual Holiday Party, a moment to reflect on a year of scientific achievement, teamwork, and shared purpose. It was also an opportunity to recognize the people who make this work possible.

We began the celebration by acknowledging the strength of our community: the staff, students, researchers, engineers, operators, technicians, and support teams who push our mission forward every day. CLASSE’s success is driven by its people, and we are extremely grateful for the dedication, creativity, and perseverance shown across the organization this past year.

Distinguished Service Awards

This gathering also marked the latest presentation of the CLASSE Distinguished Service Awards, continuing the tradition we launched this summer. The response to the call for nominations was remarkable—so many thoughtful submissions that we were again reminded of the extraordinary talent and generosity across our labs.

Each awardee received a certificate and a fleece jacket in appreciation of their work and contributions.

We are proud to congratulate the following recipients:

• Karl Smolenski — for enduring leadership and support of the TFPX project for the CMS Upgrade, and for fostering student and staff success throughout the initiative.
• Greg Kulina — for his extensive technical expertise supporting the SRF group, including efforts on SRF furnace commissioning, B-cell cryomodules, and the redesign of the Newman Lab SRF Test Pit.
• Mike Ryan — for his effective leadership of CLASSE’s software development team and for building BeamPass from the ground up—now a critical tool across business, user facility, IT, and research operations.
• Tom Krawczyk — for designing and implementing the High-Resolution Monochromator for the HMF beamline, a key contribution to the next generation of CHESS capabilities.
• Bob Meller — for his deep and broad expertise in accelerator physics, electronics, RF, and software, and his dedicated stewardship of the linac and CESR fast timing system.
• Eric Edwards — for his inventive spirit and technical achievements, including the development of MDCP motor control units, MOSTAB feedback boxes, and core components of the PLC-based CHESS safety circuit.
• Aaron Lyndaker — for his trusted engineering leadership during conceptual and feasibility phases of major projects including CHESS-U, and his unwavering commitment to “getting it right.”
• Ian Stilwell — for his readiness to tackle unexpected challenges, his curiosity and support for colleagues, and his impact on development and maintenance of the CESR control system.
• Aimee Kellicutt — for advancing CHESS user support, maintaining leadership during staffing shortages, and chairing the CHESS Safety Committee with professionalism and dedication.

• Katerina Malysheva — for her dependable, steady support of faculty, staff, and students—and for serving as a key administrative liaison during major NSF visits, events, and VIP engagements.
• Cryogenics Group: Colby Shore, Kurt McDonald, and Dan Sabol — for their creative, reliable approach to designing and maintaining cryogenic refrigeration while avoiding service interruptions.
• CHESS Operators Team: Paula Crock, Greg Godwin, Amy Hampton, Nathan Dann, and Arastina Rumsey — for their resilience, flexibility, and exceptional work during the demanding 2025_3 Fall Run Cycle.

Honorable Mentions

We received many additional nominations—so many that not all could be recognized at this event. Those nominees will continue to be considered for the next cycle of Distinguished Service Awards, and we thank everyone who took the time to honor a colleague.

Recognizing Our Retirees

We also celebrated several colleagues who recently retired or are approaching retirement after long and meaningful service to CLASSE:

• Terri Gruber-Hine
• Florianna Blanton
• Ron Yeager
• John Conrad

These individuals have devoted years—often decades—to our mission, and we extend our sincere appreciation for their commitment, expertise, and mentorship. They leave a legacy we aspire to continue, and we hope many more of you will choose to build a career with us here at CLASSE.