Graduate receives DOD award for outstanding employees with disabilities

A graduate of RIT is one of about two dozen Department of Defense employees who received a 2018 Secretary of Defense Award for Outstanding Service Members and Civilians with Disabilities.

Tracy Tao-Moore ’92 (graphic design), who is hard of hearing, is the lead graphic artist for the Mission Support Branch, Technology Division, U.S. Army Human Resources Command at Fort Knox, Ky.

She received the award Oct. 4 during the 38^th Annual Disability Awards Ceremony at the Pentagon. The ceremony is part of DOD’s annual observance of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month, held each October. 

The award recognizes personnel with disabilities for their contributions in support of the DOD mission and recognizes exemplary department organizations for their efforts to advance a diverse and inclusive workforce.  

“I am shocked and totally surprised. I feel humbled to be selected for this prestigious award,” Tao-Moore said. “It never occurred to me that I would receive it. This is probably my proudest achievement.”

HRC’s graphic arts office produces more than 500 printed and designed products each year. Tao-Moore collaborates with customers to ensure visual presentations, training aids, briefing resources and other graphics-oriented materials meet their needs. 

Tao-Moore uses a variety of computer hardware, software products, peripherals, drawings, page layouts, color separations processes, signs, sketches and original artwork. During her 21 years of government service, she has often been the only graphic artist in the locations where she has worked. 

Kevin Kelly, deputy director of the Office of Force Resiliency for the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, presents Tracy Tao-Moore ’92 (graphic design) with the award. Dave Vergun, U.S. Army