Tucson Standard

Karen Ivy, a professor and assistant dean at the University of Arizona Global Campus, has been recognized by the White House with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honors her contributions to various communities and industries, including aerospace, manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare.

The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest level of the President's Volunteer Service Award, established in 2003 to acknowledge "the important role of volunteers in America's strength and national identity." The award recognizes individuals whose service "positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action." Recipients must have contributed at least 4,000 hours of service and be nominated with a letter documenting their contributions.

"Volunteering is just a part of who I am," said Ivy. "It is a part of the family, culture, and community I grew up in. To be recognized for my giving and what I do to support others – that is so precious to me."

Ivy, originally from St. Louis, Missouri, earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from St. Thomas University. She completed her doctorate in organizational management at Capella University in 2006.

Her career includes significant roles in technology development for health care at 3M and major manufacturers like Honeywell and Lockheed Martin. She has also been actively involved in mentoring young professionals through various organizations such as NASA's Apollopalooza, Women in Technology International, and the Colorado Career and Technical Education Aviation Pathways Advisory Board.

In 2013, Ivy launched the U.S. to Uganda Connections Program to develop leadership skills among students from Entebbe, Uganda, and Denver, Colorado. As a Fulbright Specialist, she is currently working on a higher-education project in Uganda.

Since beginning her teaching career in 2010, Ivy now directs new technology solutions implementation for the Forbes School of Business and Technology® at the University of Arizona Global Campus.

"Dr. Ivy's dedication to advancing technology education and her impact on students' lives is truly inspiring," said Maja Zelihic, dean of the school.

Ivy continues to help UAGC students connect with industry professionals through groups like Girls Who Code. She also hosts workshops promoting business and technology skills development.

As part of receiving the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Ivy had several options for recognition ceremonies but chose to be honored alongside seven other recipients at an astronaut reunion hosted by SHADES OF BLUE on July 27th at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

Rev. Kenneth Curry honored Ivy along with retired astronauts and NASA administrators during this event.

"I feel honored to receive this prestigious award," Ivy stated. "My goal is to inspire others to achieve their educational and career goals."