Three recipients of the University of New Orleans’ annual awards were announced Friday. The presentations were part of President John Nicklow’s State of the University address given to faculty and staff in the University Center’s Sen. Ted Hickey Ballroom.

The recipients of the three awards are:

•    Parviz Rastgoufard, professor of electrical engineering, was awarded the Cooper R. Mackin Medallion. The Mackin Medallion was established to honor the third chancellor of the University of New Orleans and was first presented in 1998. It is awarded to a faculty or staff member who has made outstanding contributions in support of the University’s mission.

“Dr. Rastgoufard is an eminent scholar, researcher and teacher,” Nicklow said. “He has served as a principal investigator on more than 50 research projects and his mentorship of junior faculty members ensures his legacy is a lasting one.”

•    Margaret Davidson, resident director and faculty member of the UNO Innsbruck Academic Year Abroad program, was awarded the Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller International Leadership Medallion. The medallion is named for Mueller, who spent 33 years at UNO as a professor, dean, vice chancellor, the founding president of the UNO Research & Technology Park and co-founder of The National World War II Museum. It is awarded to an individual who has provided significant leadership toward the internationalization of the University.

Davidson, who was in Austria and was unable to attend the ceremony, has worked for 30 years to enhance the internationalization of the University, Nicklow said. “Colleagues cite Dr. Davidson for her passion, ingenuity and tenacity,” he said.

•    Karen Thomas; associate dean for STEM recruitment, retention and outreach in the College of Sciences; received the Presidential Staff Medallion. It is awarded to the staff member who has demonstrated outstanding service to the University community.

“Dr. Thomas is an outstanding communicator who works closely with academic advisers to improve student success,” Nicklow said. “She supports undergraduate students groups with a special focus on women in STEM. And she plays a key role in bringing young people and community organizations to campus for events.”