Each spring SA+P’s Infinite Mile committee evaluates many nominations and selects awardees — teams or individuals — for significant accomplishments in its departments, labs, or centers. The award is considered the most prestigious staff award given in the School. ACT’s Technical Instructor – Media, Gearóid Dolan, was one of them. The two other honorees were Tessa Haynes (Architecture) and Janine Marchese (DUSP). Full article by Maria Iacobo can be found here.
Gearóid Dolan (they/them) joined MIT in the fall of 2021….Moving from New York City to the Boston area, looking for a place to live, and starting a new job would be stressful circumstances for many people. But Dolan says they felt a vibe about the department.
“Even in the interview process, I immediately felt welcomed,” they say. “I knew there was an interesting group of people at this place. I immediately felt at home and that has proven itself to be true a hundredfold.”
Dolan quickly stood out for their many contributions to the department, their colleagues, and their students. Said one nominator, “There have been many times that I have needed help and Gearóid has been the first person I have turned to. For instance, recently I panicked when receiving an unexpected massive shipment in the loading dock, something well outside of my normal duties. I found Gearóid in their office and without complaint, they left their lunch to help me unload a truck….”
Another wrote explaining that Dolan spends nights, weekends, “and whatever it takes to see our students thrive in their journey. They are always willing to be of service, whether it is last-minute asks from faculty, triaging emergencies, being available for after-hours events, assisting student with making their art possible….”
“Gearóid has become a friend and confidant,” wrote another nominator. “To my great joy and benefit, we have yet to have a one-on-one meeting that doesn’t grossly go over time. They are a well-spring of wisdom and life experience that is not easily quantifiable but vitally important to my own success. They have taught me so much about acceptance, variable viewpoints, work ethic, attention to detail, and integrity.”
Dolan says they were overwhelmed to hear the compliments and commendations from their colleagues. “It was amazing,” they said. “It brought tears to my eyes. Everybody was just so nice and so kind. Just positive in every direction. I’d no idea of the depth and volume of the nomination inputs. It was truly awesome.
“I have to say that there isn’t one of my colleagues that doesn’t deserve this award. Everyone is very targeted in the application of their work. It’s a very integrated team. We all cross each other’s borders and help each other out. As a functioning mechanism it thrives on friendship and respect and that makes for a great team.”
