Merritt Lennox Receives 2025 Libraries Distinguished Service Award
A selection panel representing the Syracuse University Libraries Assembly (SULA) chose Merritt Lennox, Senior Data Systems Administrator, as the 2025 recipient of the Libraries’ Distinguished Service Award. The award was presented at the Libraries’ holiday and recognition event on December 16, 2025. The award is a three-decade tradition recognizing Libraries staff who have made a significant contribution to both the Libraries and the broader Syracuse University community. A cross-departmental panel of Libraries staff judged nomination entries and selected the recipient based on outstanding service to Libraries’ users, excellence in professional skills and significant contributions to the Libraries’ community. The Distinguished Service Award, which is open to all Libraries employees, allows peer recognition based on nominations, a recommendation from the person’s supervisor and recommendations from at least two members of the University community.
Merritt Lennox was selected as this year’s winner based on his flexibility, collegiality, quality of work and dedication. Lennox served as the Technology Team Lead on the Libraries’ Integrated Library Services Platform, a once-in-a-generation transformation of the Libraries’ digital infrastructure for acquiring, discovering and safeguarding its collections and integrating across platforms. As one nomination letter described, Lennox’s work has enabled the Libraries to “provide consistently high-quality services through his behind-the-scenes role,” noting that he worked with members across almost all departments in the Libraries to complete a highly technical and long-term project while maintaining a “steadfast and calm presence.”
Letters in support of Lennox came in from multiple departments, including the Law Library, Department of Research and Scholarship, Acquisitions & Cataloging and Access Services, a testament to the Libraries-wide impact that he has had. As Lennox’s supervisor noted, “when Merritt identifies an opportunity to improve a system, service or task for the Libraries’ patrons or colleagues, he commits himself fully to making it happen. The results are often remarkable.”