Academics

Penn State Altoona announces spring 2020 faculty and staff award recipients

Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

ALTOONA, Pa. — Penn State Altoona this spring recognized outstanding employee contributions with the 2020 faculty and staff awards. Nominated by the college community, and selected by various award committees, several faculty and staff members received awards.

Award recipients included:

Athleen J. Stere Teaching Award

  • Tulay Girard, professor of marketing

The Athleen J. Stere Teaching Award recognizes dedication to students, passion and enthusiasm for teaching, innovative teaching methods, and demonstrated, sustained excellence in teaching.  The award honors Dr. Stere who offered nearly four decades of distinguished teaching and service to Penn State Altoona.

Outstanding Lecturer Award

  • Elizabeth Happeny, part-time lecturer in English

The Outstanding Lecturer Award recognizes excellent teaching by members of the Penn State Altoona adjunct faculty.

Fred Allen Womack and Frances Sue Zimmerman Womack Book Award

  • Brian Black, distinguished professor of history and environmental studies

This award was made possible by contributions from Steve Sheetz and Kenneth Womack. Each year, Penn State Altoona seeks to recognize and honor distinguished contributions of the faculty through presentation of the Fred Allen Womack and Frances Sue Zimmerman Womack Book Awards. The awardees receive a plaque and a $500 cash prize.

Outstanding Achievement in Research and Creative Activity

  • Karl Lorensen, professor of mathematics

Rather than a career achievement award, the Outstanding Achievement in Research and Creativity Award recognizes distinctive research, scholarship, or creative activity of a faculty member in any field or discipline achieved in the recent past, i.e., during the prior two to three years.

Grace D. Long Faculty Excellence Awards

  • Corien Bakermans, associate professor of microbiology
  • Laurencio Ruiz, assistant teaching professor of theatre arts

The Grace D. Long Faculty Excellence Award was created to recognize two faculty members who, by their performance as teachers and their work in the areas of advising, scholarship, research, and service, demonstrate excellence in their profession.

Ted J. Long Staff Excellence Awards

  • Scott Bonsell, facilities and operations maintenance worker
  • Lynn Dalby, science lab coordinator
  • Sheri Harper, assistant director of Admission

The Ted J. Long Staff Excellence Award was created to recognize three members of the Penn State Altoona staff who, by their job performance, exhibit outstanding professionalism, dedication, and enthusiasm in support of the college.

Barbara Long Beck Endowed Excellence Awards

  • Elizabeth Gatchell, assistant teaching professor of nursing
  • Christina Wyrwas, SIMS lab operations specialist

The Barbara Long Beck Endowed Excellence Award was created in 2006 to honor and recognize outstanding achievement by a faculty member and staff member of Penn State Altoona who represent the field of nursing. The award was established by Kimberly M. Kennedy in memory of her mother, Barbara, who was a loyal friend and devoted supporter of Penn State Altoona.  The award celebrates Barbara Long Beck’s commitment to higher education and the nursing profession.

Last Updated May 7, 2020

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