3 W. P. Carey staff members honored with Matt Carter Staff Spirit Award

Annual award recognizes staff who embody dedication, kindness, and community impact.

Each year, as a part of W. P. Carey's Sun Devil Service Awards, select staff members are recognized with the Matt Carter Staff Spirit Award.

Established in honor of Matt Carter, a beloved member of the W. P. Carey facilities team who died in December 2023, the award celebrates his dedication, kindness, and unwavering spirit — qualities that made him an integral part of the W. P. Carey community.

"Today, as we gather to celebrate these recipients, we carry forward Matt's legacy with gratitude and remembrance," said Tim McLaughlin, director of facilities management and planning at W. P. Carey, during the award presentation.

Nominations open each spring for W. P. Carey employees to nominate W. P. Carey staff who exemplify these qualities through their contributions to the school and Arizona State University.

This year, 29 staff members were nominated. A selection committee — including school leadership and past recipients — reviewed the nominations and selected three awardees.

The 2026 recipients are:

Valerie Boyce, student support specialist
Boyce was recognized as a dependable presence at the W. P. Carey West Valley campus, known for her care, responsiveness, and people-first approach. She creates a welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff and often serves as a trusted first point of contact.

"I am so truly honored to be recognized and even more humbled to receive an award that carries Matt's legacy forward," said Boyce after receiving the award. "In this moment, I can almost hear my mom's voice from when I was growing up: ‘You treat others the way you would like to be treated.' Those words have guided me throughout my life, and they feel especially meaningful today."

Melanie Butters, associate director of events
Butters was recognized as a skilled and dependable leader within the W. P. Carey community, known for her professionalism, composure, and solutions-oriented approach. She plays a key role in executing high-profile events with precision, while fostering a collaborative, supportive environment. Butters is known for leading with confidence and adaptability, ensuring those around her feel prepared and supported.

"Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful because it reflects the spirit Matt brought to this community every day," saidButters after accepting the award. "It's a reminder of the importance of supporting one another and showing up with kindness in the work we do."

Jeffrey Hough, manager, multimedia operations
Hough was recognized for his genuine care, collaborative leadership, and people-first mindset. He creates an environment where colleagues and faculty feel supported and valued, combining technical expertise with empathy and approachability.

As a close friend of Carter, Hough said the award carried special meaning. "Like Matt, I've always believed in the importance of the relationships we build in our professional lives — the genuine connections we share with colleagues and teams. Not out of obligation, but because those connections truly matter. They bring meaning to our work and enrich our experience here at W. P. Carey and ASU. Being recognized for something so personal was incredibly moving. I'm deeply grateful."

Each honoree receives a $1,000 award and commemorative certificate.