“Jack’s consistent vision and collaborative approach have helped transform how institutions leverage cloud technologies, creating lasting impact across the community,” Damian said. “This award reflects not only Jack’s vision in supporting innovation in the cloud but also his dedication to mentorship and community-building.”
Sean O’Brien, associate vice president, NET+ at Internet2, echoed these sentiments. “I want to thank Jack for his support of NET+ and me personally,” he said. “I appreciate his leadership and contributions to the cloud community.”
Jack’s contributions to the cloud community include co-chairing the EDUCAUSE/Internet2 Security Task Force, chairing the REN-ISAC Advisory Group, chairing the InCommon Steering Committee, serving on both the Internet2 and EDUCAUSE boards, and serving on both the NET+ and Community Engagement professional advisory groups. In 2020, Jack received the EDUCAUSE Leadership Award in recognition of his enduring impact on the higher education IT community. He was also recognized with the inaugural Internet2 Presidential Leadership Award in 2011.
The list of Jack’s accolades and contributions to the R&E community is long and noteworthy. “No one I can think of has shared more of themselves with the higher education IT community than Jack,” said Kevin Morooney, vice president of Trust and Identity and NET+ at Internet2. “I know and have benefited from many of his contributions firsthand, but they are so many and varied that I’m sure I don’t know them all – that’s how much he’s given.”
“Jack has been helping NET+ succeed since its beginnings over a decade ago, and there’s no way we’d be where we are without his thoughtfulness and guiding hands,” Kevin continued. “Both Jack’s executive and technical insights have been invaluable not only for NET+ but also for the more than 500 colleges and universities that leverage NET+ every year.”
During a career at UMBC that spans four decades, Jack has put the community first in all his endeavors. As he prepares for retirement from UMBC, this cloud superhero can’t think of a higher note on which to end his career at the university.
“I am thrilled to accept this award because I’ve been involved in the community since the very beginning. I chaired the Applications, Middleware and Services Advisory Council (AMSAC) for three years, which beget NET+,” he said. “To see where the community has taken it over the last 10+ years is amazing, and I am honored to be receiving this award on behalf of so many people who have contributed to this community’s work. I can’t think of a better award on which to conclude my career at UMBC.”
About the Cloud Superhero Award
Internet2 NET+ launched the Cloud Superhero Award in 2022 to recognize community members who possess cloud superpowers and share them with the research and education community. Previous recipients include Erik Lundberg (2022) and Sarah Christen (2024).
About NET+
The Internet2 NET+ Program brings together the collective expertise, influence, and buying power of research and education institutions to thoughtfully accelerate cloud adoption by enabling programs and services that act as a workforce multiplier for the community we serve. Powered by a higher ed peer community, NET+ makes the cloud work better for research and education.
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