Kevin Rogers honored with 2025 Infinite Mile Award
Kevin Rogers, facilities manager in MIT’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE), has received a 2025 Infinite Mile Award, one of MIT’s School of Engineering’s highest honors for staff. Colleagues describe him as a steady problem solver and a vital presence behind the scenes.
“Whether managing complex renovations, navigating space allocations, or resolving urgent issues before most colleagues arrive for the day, Kevin consistently delivers results with positivity and integrity. More than a facilities expert, Kevin is a trusted collaborator, morale booster, and the go-to person for everything from operational strategy to a light-hearted joke,” said Macall Zimmerman, assistant dean for finance and administration in the School of Engineering. “He is, in the words of many nominators, the backbone of DMSE.”
The award was presented at a June 16 ceremony at the Samberg Conference Center, where family and co-workers cheered on recipients with noisemakers and handmade signs. Rogers’ supporters waved placards reading “Infinite Mile, Infinite Kevin” and “One word: Kevincible.”
Dean Anantha Chandrakasan, who also serves as MIT’s chief innovation and strategy officer, congratulated 13 staff award winners from various departments, including 11 Infinite Mile recipients and two winners of the Ellen J. Mandigo Award for Outstanding Service.
He called the event a moment of gratitude in a year marked by uncertainty for colleges and universities nationwide.
“There is no question this has been a challenging year for higher education broadly, and MIT is no exception,” Chandrakasan said. “Against a backdrop of change, uncertainty, and complexity, our staff have remained a source of strength and continuity. They have continued to show up with creativity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, and for that, I’m truly grateful.”
Launched in 2001, the Infinite Mile Awards recognize administrative, support, research, and academic staff for exceptional contributions that demonstrate excellence or promote collaboration, diversity, and community across the school. The Mandigo Award honors the legacy of Ellen J. Mandigo, a School of Engineering staffer from 1942 to 1991. Recipients are nominated by their departments and endorsed by their colleagues.
Other winners of the Infinite Mile Awards included:
- Molly Chase, MIT Climate & Sustainability Consortium
- Yuvie Cjapi, formerly of the Dean’s Office, School of Engineering
- Michele Harris, Dean’s Office, School of Engineering
- Oltiana Kacori, Center for Transportation & Logistics
- John Mayo, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Saana McDaniel, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Caitlin Stier, Department of Chemical Engineering
- Magdalah Wesh, Institute for Medical Engineering & Science
- Anne Wilson, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Lili Zhu, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
The winners of the Mandigo Award were:
- James Hardsog, Department of Chemical Engineering
- Gerri Powers, Department of Biological Engineering
“The 13 individuals we honor today exemplify what makes our staff community so exceptional,” Chandrakasan said. “They lead through collaboration, meet challenges with ingenuity and grace, foster inclusive and warm environments, and find smarter, more efficient ways to help us all succeed.”
