Celebrating excellence

Twenty-Five-Year Service Award

In 2023, we celebrate 25 years of service from:

• Kenneth O. Haug, associate professor of chemistry
• Thomas C. Hampsey, senior executive director, research and special projects
• Elaine R. Reynolds, professor of biology
• John S. Shaw, professor of psychology
• David H. Shulman, professor of anthropology and sociology
• James Toia, director, community arts program

Administrator Retirees

• Allison Quensen Blatt, director of operation and patron services, Williams Center for the Arts
• Annette Diorio, vice president, campus life
• Janemarie Duh, Identity Management Systems architect, ITS
• Bruce Ferretti, executive director of facilities
• Thiana Kitrilakis, administrative coordinator, ITS
• Rachel Moeller, executive director of diversity initiatives, development
• Leslie Muhlfelder, vice president of human resources and general counsel, who also is a faculty emerita, with this title confirmed earlier today in recognition of her teaching record
• Christopher Nadovich, lab director in engineering
• Brad Orey, manager, print shop
• Debra Peterson, assistant supervisor, facilities
• David Woglom, public service director in government and law

Faculty Retirees

• Deborah Byrd, professor, English
• Ian Smith, professor, English
• Chun Wai Liew, associate professor, computer science
• Suzanne Westfall, professor, theater

Cyrus S. Fleck Jr. ’52 Administrator of the Year Prize

The Fleck prize recognizes outstanding contributions to the campus community by members of the Lafayette administrative team.

Melissa Dalrymple, associate director of student involvement

President Hurd shared: “Melissa embodies Lafayette spirit and community. As a member of a student-facing office, Melissa’s role is to support students in establishing campuswide events and creating the foundation of some of Lafayette’s most student-celebrated traditions. On top of this, she integrates herself into as many committees as possible to support the student experience in general.”

Gary A. Evans Administrative Prize

This award is presented to an administrator or staff member who has provided a high level of service to the College, our alumni, or students over a substantial period of time.

Leslie Muhlfelder, vice president of human resources and general counsel

President Hurd shared: “Leslie is not only a caring person; she is also a smart and driven colleague and leader. She is passionate about Lafayette College, is thoughtful about advancing the mission of the College, and is known to support our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. She has mentored countless students and staff members. She is a true asset to Lafayette, with a record of serving beyond what is asked. Her dedication is endless, and she has worked diligently to make Lafayette the special place that it is.”

The Daniel H. Weiss Award for Leadership & Vision

The Daniel H. Weiss Award for Leadership and Vision is presented annually to a Lafayette-related individual or group of individuals who have demonstrated leadership and vision.

Tracie Addy, associate dean of teaching and learning

President Hurd shared: “As associate dean of teaching and learning, Dr. Addy has made remarkable, mission-focused contributions to the campus. Highlights of her achievements include: creating the Inclusive Instructors Academy; supporting various communities of practice, including the visiting and adjunct faculty group at Lafayette and the LVAIC contingent faculty community of practice; and serving as a confidential resource for colleagues who seek to improve their teaching. Her co-authored book What Inclusive Instructors Do is valued among national conversations.”

Lafayette College Distinguished Service Award 

Introduced in 2008, this award is presented annually to one or more employees from among the administration, support staff, or plant operations.

• Terrence Haynes, associate director of residence life
  • President Hurd shared: “Terrence has been noted for care, compassion, and dedication to our students that is unmatched. Terrence manages each part of his role with professionalism and kindness. By giving 100 percent of himself and his heart to everything he does for Lafayette, he inspires those who work around him to do the same.”
• Matthew Hammerstone, supervisor, environmental health and safety, finance and business administration division
  • President Hurd shared: “Matthew is one of the hardest-working members of the College community. He is always willing to work with students and families on emerging issues within our residence halls to reach fast and successful resolutions. As such, he consistently greets Lafayette students with kindness and care. He treats his colleagues with consideration and is quick to assist in any way needed.”
• Alan Johnson, desktop engineer, ITS
  • President Hurd shared: “As a newer staff member of User Services and ITS, Alan sets the bar for professionalism. He is known for his skills and expertise, which he ensures are up to par. Alan is a solution-driven employee, ready to manage challenges and exceed expectations in each task. Alan is a valued colleague and a mentor to newer members of the department.”
• Megan Kintzer, senior director of donor relations, development, and college relations
  • President Hurd shared: “Megan is a go-to colleague, manager, and administrator, and not in just one area. She is the go-to for alumni and campus events, for where to find information on campus, for historical knowledge about alumni and donors, and a go-to for excellence in stewardship projects. She is a bridge across campus departments and has earned great respect from her colleagues. Megan does not tire, and her ability to manage a million details is innate. She brings steadiness and a strong work ethic to her division; and through countless events and projects each year, she seamlessly meets Lafayette’s highest level of excellence.”
• Jody Poniatowski, executive assistant, general counsel and human resources division
  • President Hurd shared: “All who have had the privilege of working with Jody will confirm that she personifies each of the seven traits associated with this award. Jody is a valued colleague. Her tasks are met with a consistent level of unwavering excellence. She is known for extraordinary kindness and respect—which is shown toward each member of the Lafayette community. Her model of professionalism is appreciated.”  

The Maroon Club Athletic Staff Achievement Award

This honor is awarded to a full-time Athletics Department staff member who has demonstrated outstanding service to Lafayette College and our athletics program. This award is the highest honor the Maroon Club can bestow upon an athletics staff member.

Andrew Foster, senior associate athletic director for facilities and operations

Beth Mowins ’89 shared: “From setup to breakdown, Andrew has done it all for the Athletics Department. His steadfast commitment to the department’s excellence in facilities and operations has been instrumental in the growth of the department. His guidance has helped create a positive work environment for all staff while simultaneously managing multiple projects, sport programs, and serving on a number of different committees. Andrew provides strong leadership, and his contributions have been invaluable. The department is grateful to have Andrew on its team.”

Joseph Johnson Hardy Award

This recognition goes to the five members of the faculty who have achieved the longest continuous service, without regard to rank.

• In his 50th year at Lafayette, Howard Schneiderman, professor in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology
• In his 49th year at the College, Ilan Peleg, Charles A. Dana Professor of Government and Law
• In her 43rd year at the College, Rosie Bukics, Thomas Roy and Lura Forrest Jones Professor of Economics
• A tie for fourth place, in their 42nd year at the College, Deborah Byrd, professor in the Department of English, and Robert Mattison, Marshall R. Metzgar Professor of Art

The following eight faculty members have been promoted to associate professor with continuous tenure effective AY 2023-24.

• Melissa Gordon, chemical and biomolecular engineering
• Katherine Groo, film and media studies program
• Matthew Larsen, economics
• Han Luo, languages and literary studies
• Monica Salas Landa, anthropology and sociology
• Katherine Stafford, languages and literary studies
• Brooks Thomas, physics
• Joseph Woo, chemical and biomolecular engineering

In addition, the following members of the faculty have been promoted to the rank of professor, also effective at the start of the next academic year.  

• Michael Butler, biology
• Benjamin Cohen, engineering studies
• Brett Hendrickson, religious studies

The Student Government Association Superior Teaching Awards  

• In the humanities and social sciences divisions, the award went to Professor Mark Crain of economics.
• In the natural sciences and engineering divisions, to Visiting Assistant Professor and soon-to-be Lecturer Rebecca Miller of chemistry.

The John T. McCartney Excellence in Diversity Education Award went to Assistant Professor Carlos Tavares of anthropology and sociology.

The recipient of the Faculty Award for Excellence in Community Engagement Pedagogy is Visiting Assistant Professor and soon-to-be Lecturer Tara Gilligan of the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program.

The Distinguished Leadership in Community-Based Teaching and Research Award went to Assistant Professor Andrew Clarke of government and law.

Thomas Roy and Lura Forrest Jones Faculty Lecture Award

Melissa Galloway, associate professor, chemistry

Provost Meier shared: “Prof. Galloway has established a strong research program in atmospheric chemistry that involves Lafayette students. In fact, in the past two years, eight of her students have been co-authors on journal articles.”

Mónica Salas Landa, soon-to-be associate professor, anthropology and sociology

Provost Meier shared: “Prof. Salas Landa’s research is centered in the multidisciplinary field of Latin American studies, and in the subfields of political anthropology, historical anthropology, and visual anthropology. She effectively engages and challenges students to think more deeply about issues such as immigration, racism, and violence.”

Thomas Roy and Lura Forrest Jones Award

Robert Kurt, professor, biology

Provost Meier shared: “Since Prof. Kurt’s arrival at Lafayette, he has been a PI or co-PI on seven external grants that brought in over $1.5 million, and has 46 peer-reviewed publications and 110 student co-authors.” 

Carl R. and Ingeborg Beidleman Research Award

Dana Cuomo, assistant professor, women’s, gender, and sexuality studies

Provost Meier shared: “A feminist human geographer whose interdisciplinary research focuses on social injustices rooted in overlapping systems of oppression, Prof. Cuomo is particularly skilled at bringing  theory to practice.” 

Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award

Jennifer Kelly, associate professor, music

Provost Meier shared: “Prof. Kelly encourages deliberate risk-taking by her students and found ways to make choir possible, meaningful, and impactful during the COVID pandemic.”

B. Vincent Viscomi Engineering Prize for Excellence in Mentoring and Teaching

Joseph Woo, soon-to-be associate professor, chemical and biomolecular engineering

Provost Meier shared: “He excels at experiential learning, deftly applies humor, and brings creative energy to the design of all of his courses. Prof. Woo earned the Aaron O. Hoff Superior Teaching Award in 2017.”

Dr. James P. Crawford Award

Hongxing Liu, assistant professor, economics

Provost Meier shared: “Hongxing not only talks the talk but also walks the walk. Her co-authors include natural scientists, social scientists, economists, and members of the College faculty. She has published seven articles in the past three years, along with a book chapter and conference proceedings article.”  

Delta Upsilon Distinguished Mentoring and Teaching Award

Carlos Tavares, assistant professor, anthropology and sociology

Provost Meier shared: “Prof. Tavares goes above and beyond in mentoring students, providing them the support they need to succeed. Prof. Tavares is the faculty adviser to the Association of Black Collegians; he has been described as a caring, engaging teacher whose approach is characterized by flexibility, responsiveness, and commitment to creating inclusive learning environments; and his thesis students benefit from his mentorship while working with him and after graduation.”

Ann V. McGillicuddy-DeLisi Faculty Academic Adviser of the Year

Amauri Gutiérrez-Coto, associate professor, languages and literary studies

Provost Meier shared: “This award honors Ann V. McGillicuddy-DeLisi, a beloved member of the Lafayette faculty who had a tremendous impact on her students and colleagues. Prof. Gutiérrez-Coto is a wonderful selection as the first recipient of the McGillicuddy-DeLisi award. He has been very instrumental in the supporting and inviting of new students into the Spanish program, and he is a committed, enthusiastic, and passionate adviser in both formal and informal settings.”

James E. Lennertz Prize for Exceptional Teaching and Mentoring

Rebecca Kissane, professor, anthropology and sociology

Provost Meier shared: “Prof. Kissane has an extensive record of effective teaching and inspiring mentorship. Her thesis students praise her for her support and for helping them achieve goals they weren’t sure they could meet, and she also challenges, engages, and inspires her students in 35-person sections of Intro to Sociology.”

Mary Louise Van Artsdalen Prize

Mary Jo Lodge, professor, theater

Provost Meier shared: “Prof. Lodge exemplifies the teacher-scholar model. She published the co-edited volume Dueling Grounds: Revolution and Revelation in the Musical Hamilton with Oxford and has a new sole-edited volume, Milestones in Musical Theater, forthcoming from Routledge. Prof. Lodge received a Fulbright Lecturer/Researcher Award at the University of Roehampton. Colleagues have described Prof. Lodge’s scholarship as ‘field-defining work’ and ‘simply outstanding.’ Prof. Lodge’s wide range of ambitious and well-written scholarship constantly breaks new ground.”

Marquis Distinguished Teaching Awards

This year’s Marquis Distinguished Teaching Award goes to four professors: Joaquín Gómez-Miñambres, economics; Chip Nataro, chemistry; Ryan Van Horn, chemical and biomolecular engineering; and Katherine Stafford, languages and literary studies.

Provost Meier shared:

• “Associate Prof. Gómez-Miñambres is a remarkably engaging professor who has an infectious love for economics that is truly inspiring to the point of being ‘life changing.’”
• “Prof. Nataro is an outstanding teacher who provides individual research experiences for the many students who have worked with him. Prof. Nataro and his students have an exemplary record of publication.”
• “Associate Prof. Van Horn is a Lafayette alum, and now an engaging and passionate professor who develops students’ problem solving skills using real-world examples.”
• “Assistant soon-to-be Associate Prof. Stafford is an energetic teacher who is adept at creating new approaches and an inclusive and positive atmosphere that engage students in learning. Prof. Stafford is purposeful in her use of effective pedagogy, always looking for a new approach to teaching that will benefit her students. Prof. Stafford’s students enthusiastically praise her knowledge of the subject matter and are excited about her classes.”

Endowed Chairs and Endowed Scholar

• Monika Rice, Russian and east European studies program, has been reappointed as the Robert Weiner and Ilan Peleg Scholar in Jewish Studies.
  • Provost Meier shared: “Prof. Rice teaches on the Holocaust, Jewish humor, Jewish studies, Jewish-Christian relations, and Jewish culture. She initiated and supervised a student-led book club in preparation for a meeting with the acclaimed American writer Dara Horn. Prof. Rice organized three international seminars on Jewish and Holocaust studies to help further the realization of the mission of Lafayette.”
• Lauren Anderson, William Jeffers Director of the Engineering Division and professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, has been reappointed for a three-year term as the James T. Marcus ’50 Scholar of chemical and biomolecular engineering.
  • Provost Meier shared: “The current William Jeffers Director of the Engineering Division, Prof. Anderson’s teaching has been recognized with the Marquis Distinguished Teaching Award and the B. Vincent Viscomi Award for Excellence in Mentoring and Teaching. A highly productive scholar, Prof. Anderson has demonstrated a strong commitment to the College’s educational mission by strategically involving students in her research and her extensive track of mentoring through the Claire Boothe Luce Scholars program.”
• In 2010, Dr. Peter C.S. d’Aubermont ’73 established a permanent endowment to support a chair in the Health, Life Sciences, and Society Program. As a young man, Dr. d’Aubermont immigrated to the United States from Argentina in order to study medicine. Lafayette College provided him a full-tuition scholarship, and he went on to become a highly regarded micrographic skin cancer surgeon.
  • Megan Rothenberger, biology
  • Provost Meier shared: “A conservation biologist, Prof. Rothenberger aims to evaluate human impacts to biodiversity and also to develop practical approaches to prevent extinction and conserve and restore species and ecosystems. Prof. Rothenberger was the recipient of the Marquis Distinguished Teaching Award in 2017 and the Mary Louise Van Artsdalen Prize in 2021. Her dedication and love of her students and the College is always visible.”
• The James Renwick Hogg Professorship in Mental and Moral Philosophy was established by the Board of Trustees in 1905 upon receipt of funds from Trustee James Renwick Hogg.
  • Joseph Shieber, philosophy
  • Provost Meier shared: “A clear and precise communicator, Prof. Shieber was a recipient of the Thomas Roy and Lura Forrest Jones Lecture Award for excellence in teaching and scholarship. Prof. Shieber has an impressive scholarly record that includes a set of ‘Great Courses’ videos on epistemology. There is a cranky comment on the webpage for those videos stating that this is not an introductory course, to which I would respond that we here at Lafayette have high expectations for our students.”
• Established in 2007, with a major gift from David and Linda Roth, the purpose of this fund is to enable Lafayette to invest in outstanding faculty who are exceptional teachers; who successfully mentor students by directing activities such as honors, independent study, and EXCEL Scholar projects; and who also are recognized as leading scholars in their disciplines.
  • Justin Hines, chemistry
  • Provost Meier shared: “Prof. Hines is a dedicated teacher with a strong commitment to mentoring and creating a ‘student centered’ classroom who provides well-crafted and innovative assignments to students and has a passion for teaching Introduction to Chemistry. Prof. Hines’ teaching and scholarship has been recognized by the Thomas Roy and Lura Forrest Jones Faculty Lecture Award. Prof. Hines’ research focus is on yeast prions and chaperone proteins, and he has been an invited speaker in several prestigious and selective professional venues. He is a prolific author, publishing articles in top-tier journals, almost always with student co-authors. Prof. Hines is active in departmental, College, and professional service, including being a meeting organizer for the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the American Chemical Society.”
• The Frank Lee and Edna M. Smith professorship was created in 1964 with the intention that it support “the Department of English and/or the Department of Economics.” The underlying endowment has grown over time, to the point where the income can support a second Smith professorship, which given the donors’ intent, should appropriately be in the Department of Economics.
  • Julie Smith, economics
  • Provost Meier shared: “Prof. Smith is a macroeconomist who also works in the field of applied health economics and frequently collaborates with other College colleagues in her prolific scholarly activity, which includes various media outlets. She was the recipient of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award in 2021.  Prof. Smith is associate editor of Eastern Economic Journal.”
• The Richard H. Jr. ’60 and Joan K. Sell Chair in the Humanities was established by Richard’s family in 2010 in recognition of his lifelong love of music.
  • Robin Rinehart, religious studies
  • Provost Meier shared: “A recipient of the Lindback Award, Prof. Rinehart works with students using principles of ‘authentic assessment’ and helps them develop skills such as overcoming fear of speaking, writing, and effectively engaging with materials to help maximize their potential at Lafayette. A prolific scholar, just in 2022, she had eight publications, three conference presentations, and participated in a weekly webinar hosted by Oxford. Prof. Rinehart has written four books and has a new monograph underway. She has served many years on the Promotion, Tenure, and Review Case Committee. Prof. Rinehart served as the dean of the faculty from 2014 to 2018 and the chief diversity officer from 2015 to 2018.”

Trustee and Board Service Recognitions

• Trustee Associate Robert C. Delaney ‘12 is rotating out of this position after having served for the past three years. The Trustee Associate position was created in 2015 for the purpose of ensuring that the Board heard the voices of young alumni on important matters.
• Matwos Tadesse ‘24, president, Student Government; Margaret Watters Rodriguez ‘84, chair, Midwest Advisory Council; The Honorable Paula A. Roscioli ‘87, chair, Northeast Advisory Council; and Kamaka R. Martin ‘04, chair, West Coast Advisory Council, also will conclude their service to the Regional Councils, and we thank them for having served in these positions.

The Board also is pleased each year to have the support of a number of alumni, students, and faculty associates who serve as members of the various Trustee committees. 

• Amy P. Ahart ‘97 (alumni associate, development, alumni and community relations committee)
• John J. Fistner Jr. ‘00 (alumni associate, financial policy committee)
• Michael C. Fox ‘99 (alumni associate, student life committee)
• Kyara M. Gray ‘11 (alumni associate, grounds and buildings committee)
• Shana M. Hennigan ‘01 (alumni associate, financial policy committee)
• Marc M. Merlin ‘86 (alumni associate, development, alumni and community relations committee)
• Deborah N. Rhebergen ‘03 (alumni associate, educational policy committee)
• K. Matthew Rutt ‘97 (alumni associate, grounds and buildings committee)
• John C. Santos, Jr. ‘87 P’23 (alumni associate, investments committee)
• Brian R. Sliwinski ‘08 (alumni associate, investments committee)
• Megan Fernandes (faculty associate, development, alumni and community relations committee)
• Alessandro Giovannelli (alternate faculty associate, development, alumni and community relations committee)
• Erin Cottle Hunt (faculty associate, committee on audit)
• David Nice (faculty associate, student life committee)
• Bryn Cranswick ‘23 (student associate, student life committee)
• Olivia Lattanzi ‘23 (student associate, educational policy committee)
• Tyler Osipower ‘24 (student associate, development, alumni and community relations committee)
• Louisa Rose ‘23 (student associate, grounds and buildings committee)
• Nicholas Tufano ‘23 (student associate, financial policy committee)
  

• Kirsti Wells Goodwin ‘96, Quincy L. Miller ‘97, and John C. Santos Jr. ‘87 P’23 were elected to the Board of Trustees.
• This year, two distinguished Trustees are stepping down from the Board: Lisa J. Kassel ‘79 and Barbara Levy.