Robert L. Dellinger, assistant director of utilities in the Facilities Department, has received the university’s 2018 President’s Award for Excellence.

The President’s Award for Excellence is presented annually to up to five Virginia Tech employees who have made extraordinary contributions by consistent excellence in the performance of their job or a single incident, contribution, or heroic act. Each recipient is awarded a $2,000 cash prize.

Dellinger was instrumental in developing the basic architecture of the distribution system of Virginia Tech Electric Service (VTES). The dual feed capability incorporated into the system enhanced the reliability of electric distribution to all customers, including those with important research interests, on campus.

“Over the years, he has served as an invaluable technical resource providing solutions to technical problems related to substation design, duct bank issues throughout campus, power outage issues, design improvements, and champion to the improvement of the system at every chance he was presented,” wrote C. Matt Hagy, electrical engineer at VTES, in a letter of nomination.

When the incumbent director of VTES unexpectedly retired in 2017, Dellinger assumed the position of acting director in addition to his engineering duties. He performed this role for more than a year and made sure that VTES never missed a beat in providing electrical distribution services to its full spectrum of clients. He stepped up to lead and provided continuous direction and support.

During his 40 years at Virginia Tech, Dellinger has played an integral role in helping the utility infrastructure develop to accommodate expansion of instruction, discovery, and outreach.

— Written by Lindsey Grooms, Class of 2019

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