Penn State Laureate
An annual faculty honor established in 2008, the Penn State Laureate is a full-time faculty member in the arts or humanities who is assigned half time for one academic year to bring greater visibility to the arts, humanities and the University, as well as to their own work. In this role, the laureate is a highly visible representative of the University, appearing at events and speaking engagements throughout the commonwealth.
Penn State Altoona Laureates
- Rebecca Strzelec, 2016
- Kenneth Womack, 2013
The Milton S. Eisenhower Award for Distinguished Teaching
The Eisenhower Award for Distinguished Teaching was established in 1992 and is named for the thirteenth president of Penn State (1950-1956). Two awards are presented to outstanding teachers, one each from a Commonwealth Campus and a University Park college. Awardees have a career-long commitment to teaching excellence, share their teaching expertise with others, and serve as a teaching mentor to other faculty. To be considered for the Eisenhower Award, nominees must be tenured faculty members, employed as a full-time faculty member for a minimum of ten years, and have undergraduate teaching as a primary responsibility. Research faculty, administrators, and those who primarily teach graduate students are not eligible for these awards.
Penn State Altoona Award Recipients
- Carolyn Mahan, 2010
- Roger Zellner, 1994
- Donald Fahnline, 1986
- Athleen Stere, 1980
- Louis Goodfellow, 1967
- Hayden Oliver, 1965
George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching
The George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching is named for the seventh president of Penn State (1882-1906). The award is presented annually to six faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching. To be considered for an Atherton Award, a nominee must have served as a full-time faculty member for at least three years at Penn State and have undergraduate teaching as a primary responsibility. Both tenure-line and teaching faculty are eligible to receive the Atherton awards. Research faculty, administrators, and those who primarily teach graduate students are not eligible for these awards.
Penn State Altoona Award Recipients
- Nicholas Rowland, 2016
- Laura Palmer, 2012
- Sandy Petrulionis, 2008
- Peter Shull, 2005
- Roselyn Costantino, 2004
- Michael Weiner, 2004
- Lee Ann De Reus, 2003
- Dinty Moore, 2000
- Douglas Brown, 1998
- Lori Bechtel-Wherry, 1993
- William Engelbret, 1992
- John Lennox, 1984
The Penn State Teaching Fellow: Penn State Alumni Association Award for Excellence in Teaching
This award, made possible by the Penn State Alumni Association, the Undergraduate Student Government, and the Graduate Student Association, recognizes distinguished teaching and provides a forum for encouraging effective teaching. Recipients will be asked to share their talents and expertise with others throughout the University system. Year-long responsibilities may include participating in workshops and symposia, giving lectures or presentations on teaching techniques for new faculty and graduate assistants, taking part in discussions or seminars with students in the Schreyer Honors College, or teaching honors courses.
Penn State Altoona Award Recipients
- Laura Rotunno, 2014
- Erin Murphy, 2011
- Rebecca Strzelec, 2009
- Kenneth Womack, 2006
- Ian Marshall, 1999
The Penn State Excellence in Advising Award
The Penn State Excellence in Advising Award, established by the Undergraduate Student Government’s Academic Assembly and sponsored by each college, annually honors one full-time faculty member and one full-time professional advisor from any Penn State location who have at least two years of advising experience. Selection criteria are based on excellence in general advising, academic guidance, career guidance, enthusiasm, and assistance in decision-making and goal-setting. Award recipients are expected to share their successful advising techniques and expertise with other faculty and graduate assistants by participating in lectures, workshops, and symposia throughout the year.
Penn State Altoona Award Recipients
- Beth Seymour, 2015
- Irene Ferrara, 2012
The President’s Award for Engagement with Students
The President’s Award for Engagement with Students is presented to a faculty member who goes beyond their responsibilities to engage and encourage students in learning, demonstrating deep caring and involvement with students’ learning. The honoree will have taken specific actions to be involved in student growth and learning—academic, social, and professional. The recipient will have been available to interact with students outside class, link students to opportunities, and help them build their confidence as learners and potential contributors to society.
Penn State Altoona Award Recipients
- Richard Bell, 2010
Dr. James Robinson Equal Opportunity Award
The award is sponsored by the Penn State Alumni Association and given in honor of Dr. James Robinson ’49, a devoted alumnus and former Alumni Council member. The award is designed to recognize a University faculty or staff member who promotes equal opportunity through affirmative action and/or contributes to enhancing the educational environment of the University by improving cross-cultural understanding. The award is a $1,500 stipend and a certificate.
Penn State Altoona Award Recipients
- Harriett Gaston, 2008
The McKay Donkin Award
The McKay Donkin Award was established in 1969 in honor of the late McKay Donkin, who served as vice president for finance and treasurer of the University from 1957 to 1968. The award is presented to a full-time member of the faculty or staff or to a retiree who has contributed to the “economic, physical, mental, or social welfare of the faculty” of the University. The contribution of the nominee should be for duties or services that are above and beyond their regularly assigned duties.
Penn State Altoona Award Recipients
- Valerie Stratton, 2006
The Spirit of Internationalization Award
The Spirit of Internationalization award acknowledges women from Penn State and the local community who excel in academic achievements, artistic excellence, volunteerism in international organizations, or dedication to advancing the status of women.
Penn State Altoona Award Recipients
- Roselyn Costantino, 2014
W. LaMarr Kopp International Achievement Award
The awards are designed to recognize those at Penn State who make extraordinary contributions to the advancement of the international mission of the University. Four awards are given annually in the categories of undergraduate student, graduate student, staff member, and faculty member. Criteria for the awards include leadership and support for international education, service to the international community, and research with a significant international component. Nominees and applicants must be full-time faculty members, staff members, or students at Penn State.
Penn State Altoona Award Recipients
- Mandy Reinig, 2011
- Marieta Staneva, 2007
