June Gritty Award Winner: Khalil Alston

Khalil Alston of the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) has been named the recipient of the June Gritty Award for exceptional technical support and outstanding professional service across multiple high-stakes university events.

Complex Virtual Event: Middle States Self-Study Community Event

Khalil's remarkable performance was highlighted during two critical campus initiatives. Most notably, he played a pivotal technical role in the April 23 virtual Middle States Self-Study Community Event, where he managed a complex virtual platform that engaged the entire campus community.

Khalil provided excellent technical support and training. This virtual event invited the entire campus community to share feedback on UMBC’s draft Self-Study. Kahlil arranged and led training sessions for senior university administrators in the weeks leading up to the event. The event involved a main session, multiple breakout rooms, chat, a timed activity, and individual user support. During the event, he served as the lead technical support of the DoIT Classroom Technology team, which included Dave Souder and Steve Anderson. His clear instructions, attention to detail, and calm demeanor demonstrated DoIT’s professionalism at its finest. Event organizers were pleased with the results!

"His clear instructions and calm demeanor demonstrated DoIT professionalism at its finest," said event coordinators.

Onsite Crucial AV Support for UCM at OCA Mocha

In addition to the self-study event, Khalil has consistently provided crucial audiovisual support for University Communications and Marketing (UCM), including challenging off-campus events. During one OCA Mocha event, he remained on-site after initial assessments, ultimately preventing a potential technical disruption.

Event organizers praise Alston's technical expertise and commitment, as well as his ability to quickly resolve equipment challenges and create hybrid meeting environments where standard technologies were unavailable.

“Again, Khalil saved the day! Khalil’s technical skills and commitment to excellence are second to none. His pleasant disposition, too, is worthy of praise. DoIT and the UMBC campus as a whole are fortunate to have him.”

The Gritty Award recognizes UMBC employees who go above and beyond their standard job responsibilities, with Khalil emerging as a standout performer this month.

"UMBC and DoIT are fortunate to have such a dedicated professional," said a UCM nominator, Leslie Kruger.

For all of your exceptional efforts and commitment to excellence, we are proud to present you all with the June DoIT Gritty Award. Congratulations! 

Thank you, Khalil for all of your hard work!

The DoIT Community & The DoIT Gritty Committee

Erica D’Eramo

Ally Hepp

Carlos McKinney

David Toothe

Dondre Hatef

Kashka Donaldson

Mariann Hawken 

Nick Beech

Tony Finneran

Roy Prouty