Penn State Altoona faculty and staff members were honored for their exemplary work and outstanding contributions during the annual Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony held May 2 on campus.
ALTOONA, Pa. — Penn State Altoona faculty and staff members were honored for their exemplary work and outstanding contributions during the annual Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony held May 22 on campus. Nominated by the college community and selected by an awards committee, several faculty and staff members received awards unique to Penn State Altoona. Retirees were also recognized.
Athleen J. Stere Teaching Award
- Jeffery Stoyanoff, assistant professor of English and women’s, gender and sexuality studies
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 Athleen J. Stere, who offered nearly four decades of distinguished teaching and service to Penn State Altoona.
Outstanding Achievement in Research and Creative Activity
- Kim S. Ménard, professor of criminal justice and women's, gender and sexuality studies
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.
Outstanding Achievement in Research and Creative Activity Mentoring Award
- Cairsty DePasquale, associate professor of biology
The Excellence in Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Mentoring Award recognizes mentors of undergraduate students who have demonstrated excellence in the mentoring process, as evidenced by their impact on, and the outcomes of, their mentee’s personal and professional development in the discipline.
Grace D. Long Faculty Excellence Award
- Christopher L. Oliver, assistant teaching professor of mathematics
- Elizabeth Gatchell, assistant teaching professor of nursing, simulation lab coordinator
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
- Greg Nileski, maintenance mechanic in Facilities and Operations
- Cathy Kozak, academic adviser in nursing
- Amanda Lynch, administrative assistant in the Student Success Center, school certifying official for Veterans Affairs
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
- Jeffery Reid, information technology support specialist
- Rebecca Weaver, instructor in nursing
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 Long Beck, who was a loyal friend and devoted supporter of Penn State Altoona. The award celebrates Beck’s commitment to higher education and the nursing profession.
