Celebrating excellence in stewardship

Each year, the UC Davis Foundation honors faculty and staff who go above and beyond to engage donors and nurture relationships. Created in 2015, the Faculty and Staff Stewardship Awards recognize individuals who demonstrate a key part of the foundation’s mission—highlighting the impact of philanthropy and stewarding gifts to the university.

The 2025 awards were presented at a ceremony on October 17 by UC Davis Foundation Chair Deborah J. Neff ’76. The recipients are:

• Faculty Stewardship Award: Ben Montpetit, Marvin Sands Department Chair & Professor; Richard E. Kunde Endowed Chair in Viticulture and Enology
• Staff Stewardship Award: Michelle Linenberger, UC Davis Health Children’s Hospital Nurse Educator; Support U Peer Responder Program Coordinator

“The Faculty and Staff Stewardship Awards shine a light on what makes UC Davis so special—our people,” said Shaun B. Keister, vice chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations and president of the UC Davis Foundation. 

“Our awardees show how stewardship strengthens UC Davis and inspires continued support for the university’s mission. Their dedication ensures that every gift, large or small, has a lasting impact on our students and programs.”

Connecting through science and service

Ben Montpetit joined UC Davis in 2016 and has served as chair of the department of Viticulture and Enology since 2021. In addition to teaching courses, leading innovative research in cell biology and mentoring graduate students, he has made donor engagement and partnerships a personal priority. 

Under his guidance, the department’s Executive Leadership Board has evolved into an essential partner in philanthropy, with volunteers actively connecting new donors to UC Davis. Montpetit also launched creative stewardship efforts, including the International Internship Luncheon, which brings together donors with students who are embarking on global learning experiences.

From co-hosting alumni events with other top wine programs to virtual listening sessions with donors, Montpetit ensures supporters are part of the department’s journey. His dedication has helped elevate programs and unlock transformative gifts that will benefit UC Davis for generations.

Inspiring generosity in health care

An employee of the UC Davis Health Medical Center for nearly 30 years, Michelle Linenberger oversees the education and training of nurses at the Children’s Hospital and serves as the director of the Support U Program, which provides peer-to-peer support for caregivers experiencing trauma or stress from an adverse care experience.

Linenberger is passionate about supporting children’s health initiatives—her stewardship efforts range from providing heartfelt hospital tours, attending key events and sharing inspiring stories that connect donors to the difference they make.  

She also mentors nurses in donor engagement, joins fundraising visits to local businesses like Walmart and Costco, and represents the hospital at community events such as the SacTown Run. In every setting, she brings warmth, authenticity and a deep understanding of how generosity fuels care and innovation.