Karen Ivy, a professor and assistant dean with the University of Arizona Global Campus, was honored by the White House with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to several communities and industries, including aerospace, manufacturing, information technology and health care.

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

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"Volunteering is just a part of who I am," said Ivy, assistant dean and professor of technology studies for the Forbes School of Business and Technology® at the University of Arizona Global Campus. "It is a part of the family, culture and community I grew up in. To be recognized for my giving and recognized for what I do to support others – that is so precious to me."

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Ivy earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Washington University in St. Louis before completing a master's in business administration at St. Thomas University. She went on to earn her doctorate in organizational management from Capella University in 2006. 

Amid those academic achievements was a burgeoning career in technology development and integration that saw Ivy lead the way in introducing new technologies and strategic plans in health care for 3M, and for major manufacturers like Honeywell and Lockheed Martin. She also began giving back to those around her. 

Once she moved into leadership roles, Ivy found plenty of opportunities to meet with up-and-coming professionals and help guide them along their own journeys. From leading brainstorming sessions with students to speaking at seminars, Ivy has volunteered her time and professional expertise to dozens of organizations, including NASA's Apollopalooza, the Aerospace Frontiers Education Committee, the national Women in Technology Mentor Protegee Program, Women in Technology International, the University of Arizona Global Campus Women in STEM Club, and the Colorado Career and Technical Education Aviation Pathways Advisory Board.

Ivy's passion for volunteerism reached across the globe in 2013, when she launched the U.S. to Uganda Connections Program, which paired students from schools in Entebbe, Uganda, and Denver, Colorado, to develop leadership skills, educational exchange and international awareness. Now a Fulbright Specialist, Ivy is developing a Fulbright project at the higher-education level in Uganda.

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

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"Dr. Ivy's dedication to advancing technology education and her impact on students' lives is truly inspiring," said Maja Zelihic, dean of the school. "Her work embodies the spirit of service and excellence that this award represents."

Ivy has maintained her passion for helping others by ensuring that UAGC students have ample opportunities to form personal connections with industry professionals, both in person and online. Many of those connections are made through UAGC student groups, including the campus branch of Girls Who Code, which Ivy founded. Ivy also hosts community learning workshops and seminars to promote the development of business and technology skills and to encourage the pursuit of careers in STEM.

As a winner of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Ivy was allowed to choose how she would be honored. She could opt for a ceremony at the White House or recognition at NASA Headquarters or one of the airline and aerospace symposiums that take place around D.C. every year. Or she could receive her award in her own community.

While she said a trip to the White House was tempting, Ivy chose to receive her award alongside seven other recipients of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award at the July 27 astronaut reunion hosted by SHADES OF BLUE, a nonprofit with which Ivy volunteers that is dedicated to providing students with educational opportunities, training and employment assistance to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace. The organization helps educators develop curricula that prepares students for careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and design.

Rev. Kenneth Curry, a certifying agent for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, honored Ivy and the other recipients, which include retired astronauts and NASA administrators, at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

"I feel honored to receive this prestigious award and very proud to be recognized with outstanding U.S. astronauts and aviators," Ivy said. "My goal is to inspire others to achieve their educational and career goals, and to explore their passion to the fullest."