Congratulations to Kito Covington and Lynn Sullivan-Harmon, two friends of the ISM who are recipients of this year’s Linda Lorimer Award for Distinguished Service. Now in its tenth year, this award recognizes staff members who exemplify Yale’s spirit of leadership, innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
Kito Covington is the stage manager for Woolsey Hall, where many of the ISM’s concerts are performed. He won the award for his efforts to provide “a welcoming, positive experience for members of our campus and local community.” According to musicians who perform in Woolsey, the citation barely begins to describe Kito’s contributions to Yale.
Jeffrey Douma, the Marshall Bartholomew Professor in the Practice of Choral Music at the ISM and School of Music, and conductor of the Yale Glee Club, says “Nothing we do in Woolsey Hall would be possible without Kito’s hard work and dedication. His very demanding job requires patience, adaptability, and the ability to solve unforeseen problems on the spot. He genuinely cares about the people and events he supports, and we are fortunate to have had him as a collaborator these past many years.”
Aric Isaacs, concert production coordinator at the ISM says “Kito is a rock who makes all of our jobs and lives easier! A well-deserved accolade!”
Lynn Sullivan-Harmon, associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Yale Divinity School also won a Lorimer Award. Among countless other initiatives Lynn has begun or championed, she was a co-convener of Emerge at Yale, a career development program designed to increase the diversity of Yale’s leaders and to prepare staff members for leadership positions across campus.
Lynn commented about the award, “During her time at Yale, Linda Lorimer was a trailblazer, an exemplary woman of leadership who continues to be held in the highest esteem. To hear my name alongside hers, the entire Emerge team and other recipients, will replay in my mind for years to come. I am so honored and so grateful.”
“Both Kito and Lynn have supported the ISM and its students for many years now. We are so glad that their work and commitment is being acknowledged in this way” said ISM director, Martin Jean.