MIT Campus Police Sergeant Cheryl Vossmer, an MIT police officer for 17 years, received a President's Community Service award in 2000 and the Gordon Y Billard award for distinguished service to the MIT community in 1998.

As a longtime member of the President's Committee on Campus Race Relations, Vossmer demonstrated a commitment to better communication and understanding between MIT's various communities.

"I have often felt firsthand Cheryl's warmth and empathy regarding the feelings of others and have been buoyed by her support," said Professor Ellen Harris, former chair of the race relations committee. "Though her tasks as a police officer in a large and busy community could easily overwhelm her attention to individuals, she never neglects the emotions of the people she deals with, whether they be student, faculty or staff."

Vossmer leads a holiday effort each December to collect toys, food and clothing for the Salvation Army and its day care center for homeless children, the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House and Shelter Inc. She has also been MIT coordinator for Community Servings' annual Pie in the Sky fundraiser at Thanksgiving to benefit people homebound with AIDS.