Recognizing excellence

On May 22, members of the Lafayette community came together to recognize the exceptional work and dedication of faculty and administrators over the past academic year. The dinner featured remarks and award presentations by President Nicole Hurd, Provost Laura McGrane, Dean of Faculty Ingrid Furniss, Trustee Chris McCumber ’89, and Director of Athletics Sherryta Freeman.

“In this very room, there’s a spirit of collaboration, of shared goals and shared success with our faculty, staff, and members of our Board of Trustees,” said President Nicole Hurd during her remarks. “As we gather together in this space tonight, I think about partnership and possibilities…Your dedication and your passion for Lafayette is unmatched. I see it in your classrooms, your research and publications, and in the ways you support and mentor our students—and I am so grateful for it.”

Below is a selection of images from the event and details about those who were honored.

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Sixteen administrators were congratulated for their retirement during the 2024-25 academic year:

• Margie Cherry, Gateway Career Center
• Eugene Gabay, Admissions
• Dr. Jeffrey Goldstein, Bailey Health Center
• Karen Haduck, Skillman Library
• EJ Hudock, IT
• Alana Klass, Gateway Career Center
• Maurice Luker, Advancement
• Mary Ellen Nunes, Advancement
• Cynthia Pursel, Public Safety
• Thomas Pursel, Facilities
• Lisa Rex, Human Resources
• Grace Reynolds, Residence Life
• Gail Salter, Chemistry Department
• Jill Snyder, Finance and Administration
• Robert VanBlargen, Advancement 
• Darlene Yost, Finance and Administration

Five faculty members were congratulated for their retirement during the 2024-25 academic year:

• H. David Husic, John D. & Frances H. Larkin Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
• Arthur Kney, Professor Emeritus of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Mary Roth, Simon Cameron Long Professor Emerita of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• James Schaffer, Professor Emeritus of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
• Eric Ziolkowski, Helen H.P. Manson Professor Emeritus of the English Bible

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ADMINISTRATOR AWARDS

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

The Cyrus S. Fleck Jr. ’52 Administrator of the Year Prize recognizes outstanding contributions to the campus community by members of the Lafayette administrative team. 

James Meyer, chief of police 

President Hurd shared: “Jim is a consummate professional who is always working to keep our campus safe and secure. He has dedicated much of his career to Lafayette, its students, faculty, and staff. Often Jim’s days are not planned, and he is required to think and act quickly to ensure our safety and to make sure we can all return home to our loved ones, while he stays here on campus away from his. Jim has meaningful interactions with many of our students, staff, faculty, and parents. He has been praised for his partnership, care, empathy, and compassion.”

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.

Tim Cox, dean of advising and co-curricular programs

President Hurd shared: “Tim has established the Office of Advising and Co-Curricular Programs as a trusted resource for students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Tim offers our students kindness, genuine care, creativity to solve issues, tough-love conversations when needed, and a chance to celebrate their victories.”

Daniel H. Weiss Award for Leadership and Vision

This award is presented annually to a Lafayette-related individual or group of individuals who have demonstrated leadership and vision. 

Melissa Garrison, director, Counseling Center 

President Hurd shared: “Melissa has built and sustained a world-class counseling center operation meeting the highest standards of practice in higher education. While other colleges have struggled to maintain services, Melissa has attracted a diverse and highly qualified staff who deliver services and care to a student body of 2,700 without keeping a waiting list.”

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. 

Amy Badillo, animal care technician, Academic Division

President Hurd shared: “Amy has gone above and beyond to help keep the animals in Oechsle Hall healthy and happy since she arrived in late 2019. You’ll note Amy’s start date, which means just a few months into the job, campus shut down and faculty were told to stay home, leaving her alone to keep the animals in Oechsle Hall going, which she did. Since her arrival, she has not just handled all the animals’ day-to-day care, she has helped to better organize the facility, keep records, and address emergent issues.”

Jacob Beltz, plumber, facilities operations

President Hurd shared: “We say Lafayette is about people and Jake Beltz is one of the people who make this place operate smoothly every day. The value he brings as a plumber for the College is unmatched. His knowledge and expertise are incredible. Every job he has done over the years, whether in the football building or in the residential homes, has been done to perfection. He takes pride in his work and always does it with a smile on his face. Jake is valuable to the Facilities department and to the College, and is deserving of this special recognition.”

Andrea Bohn, assistant vice president and controller, finance 

President Hurd shared: “Andrea is constantly striving to improve processes and functions that impact the entire campus with regard to our financial systems. This year, Andrea succeeded in implementing a new travel and expense solution with Emburse/Chrome River. She is a team player and has been in constant contact with campus constituents while rolling out this new product. Andrea remains thorough in her approach to this large undertaking, from development of the tool, to training end users, and addressing concerns as they arise.”

Jill Heilman, associate director, Academic Resource Hub 

President Hurd shared: “Jill is the primary administrator of the Academic Support Programs that the Academic Resource Hub offers. These programs support an average of 44% of our enrollment and provide students the opportunity to enhance their academic success. Jill consistently strives to improve our programming and has built meaningful relationships with faculty, students, and colleagues in other departments that have been vital to the success of our work. She is focused on the students who access support, and also develops a distinct rapport with the student leaders who assist the program sessions.”  

Alana Klass, senior associate director and coordinator for access, equity and inclusion initiatives at Gateway Career Center

President Hurd shared: “Alana is focused on creating a welcoming space for our students. She is a selfless and thoughtful member of our community. Her name is synonymous with Gateway, but we see her in many other capacities within the College. She goes out of her way to support our students and connect them with the resources that aid in their success. Her willingness to always show up and be a team player is admirable. Students share that they truly love working with Alana, that she makes them feel heard and seen on campus. Her work with access, equity, and inclusion initiatives is seen not just through the projects and committees she serves, but also through her caring nature to push our community forward.” 

Scott Morse, assistant vice president, communications and marketing

President Hurd shared: “Scott has an unwavering commitment to Lafayette and has established connections with teams across the College. For three decades, Scott has served in several roles, earning the respect of colleagues and building relationships with staff and faculty. Scott is always levelheaded—even in the midst of a crisis. He looks for collaborative solutions and takes all opinions into account. Scott seems to be everywhere, at all times, and is quick to lend a hand or offer advice. For the last several years, he has carried an increased workload, doing so with grace and without complaint. He supports each team member’s career growth. Scott’s positive attitude is evident in everything he does, and he inspires those around him.”

Jennie Pinho, instrument technician, Academic Division

President Hurd shared: “Jennie is only half-time in the department, and yet it seems like she is here all the time. In addition to the exceptional job she does teaching several General Chemistry labs each semester, she is an amazing colleague, particularly with her organizational skills. She works closely with our instrument specialist to keep everything orderly and is very appreciated. Jennie served on the committee that hired our new General Chemistry lab coordinator and has served a key role in safety in the department.”

Mike Summers, associate vice president, Gateway Career Center

President Hurd shared: “Without a doubt, Mike has served thousands of Lafayette students during his tenure as AVP for Gateway Career Center. And he continues that dedication by serving alumni as well. He is always willing to speak to small groups of parents and students at large events like XLC. Regardless of what is going on around him and around his office, Mike’s focus has been on what is best for the institution and our students. He is a great colleague to faculty and mentor to his staff. Mike, we are excited for you to continue your career at Davidson, but before you go, please know your passion has made a mark at Lafayette.” 

Director of Athletics Sherryta Freeman presented the Maroon Club Athletic Staff Achievement Award to Jennifer Stone ’04, head coach, field hockey. 

Freeman shared: “Jennifer has guided Lafayette field hockey for 12 seasons and has always put the program first. This year, her mentorship of student-athletes helped translate to the Leopards’ first Patriot League title since 2012, bringing with it an NCAA Tournament berth. Her dedication and persistence have elevated the sport. Jennifer develops great student-athletes, witnessing the program’s first-ever first-team All-American in 2024, great leaders, and great humans in the students on her teams.”

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TRUSTEE AND BOARD SERVICE RECOGNITION

Five members of the Board of Trustees were recognized for their contributions as they conclude their service this spring: 

• Harry S. Cherken Jr. Esq. ’71
• Harold N. Kamine ’78
• Judson C. Linville ’79
• Pamela S. Passman ’83
• William H. Spence P’11

Two trustee associates concluded their board service this spring—Laura Ipsen P’25 and Edwin Liriano ’14—and Mark Suffredini ’93 concluded his service as an alumni associate. 

The College also welcomed four new trustees and three trustee associates:

Trustees: Josh Green ’92, Heidi Hanson ’91, Alex Karapetian ’04, and Kevin Mandia ’92

Trustee Associates: Donald Kendall P’28, Andrew Frucht ’20, and Madeline Hart Bloom ’16

In addition, three trustees were reelected: Kimberly Benston, Laneta Dorflinger ’75, and Kamaka Martin ’04.

FACULTY BOARD SERVICE RECOGNITION

The following faculty associates served on board committees and completed their terms this year:

• Michael Senra, Development, Alumni, and Community Relations Committee
• Andrew Dougherty, Development, Alumni, and Community Relations Committee
• Rachel Goshgarian, Student Life Committee
• Kylie Bailin, Student Life Committee

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FACULTY AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Ten faculty members have been promoted to associate professor with continuous tenure effective in academic year 2025-26:

• Pedro Barbeito, art
• Adam Biener, economics
• Lindsay Ceballos, Russian and East European studies 
• Andrew Clarke, government and law
• Dana Cuomo, women’s, gender, and sexuality studies 
• Jennifer Gilmore, English
• Heidi Hendrickson, chemistry
• Mathieu Smith-Perrot, languages and literary studies
• Caroline Séquin, history
• Tamara Stawicki, neuroscience 

Eight members of the faculty have been promoted to the rank of professor, also effective at the start of the next academic year:

• Il Hyun Cho, government and law
• Nestor Gil, art
• Amauri Gutiérrez Coto, languages and literary studies
• Jennifer Kelly, music
• Michael McGuire, civil and environmental engineering
• Owen McLeod, philosophy
• Manuel Ospina-Giraldo, biology
• Kristen Sanford, civil and environmental engineering

The following four members of the faculty have been promoted to the rank of senior lecturer:

• Jonathan Dahl, computer science
• Tara Gilligan, women’s gender, and sexuality studies
• Rebecca Miller, chemistry
• Kathleen Parrish, English 

Joseph Johnson Hardy Awards

This honors the five faculty who have achieved the longest continuous service, without regard to rank:

• Howard Schneiderman, professor, anthropology and sociology (52 years)
• Ilan Peleg, Charles A. Dana Professor of Government and Law (51 years)
• Clifford Reiter, professor, mathematics (42 years)
• Nancy Waters, associate professor, biology (40 years)
• H. David Husic, professor, chemistry (39 years) (tied for fifth place)
• Joshua Miller, professor, government and law (39 years) (tied for fifth place)

Thomas Roy and Lura Forrest Jones Lecture Awards

These awards are presented annually to faculty in recognition of their teaching and scholarship. Each recipient presents a lecture on their research during the upcoming academic year.

Caroline Séquin, assistant professor (soon to be associate professor), history 

Provost McGrane shared: “Professor Séquin, a historian of Modern Europe, inspires critical thinking, with individualized mentorship and innovative courses. Her groundbreaking book, Desiring Whiteness, explores race and colonialism, and is earning widespread acclaim. She is an impeccable researcher and sought-after speaker and collaborator. Her service efforts are carefully intertwined with her teaching and scholarship efforts, making her a valuable asset to both her students and the Lafayette community.”

Tamara Carley, associate professor, geology and environmental geosciences 

Provost McGrane shared: “A passionate and innovative teacher, Professor Carley inspires students through engaging on- and off-campus courses and hands-on research. A prolific scholar as well, she has done groundbreaking work in magma evolution and volcanology, supported by two NSF grants, earning her national recognition. She involves students in her research and continues to demonstrate development, accomplishment and promise.”

Thomas Roy and Lura Forrest Jones Award

This award is presented to a member of the faculty judged by colleagues to be a superior teacher/scholar.

Seo-Hyun Park, professor, government and law

Provost McGrane shared: “Professor Park, a dedicated educator, fosters critical thinking and mentorship across multiple disciplines. She is a reflective teacher, and continues to innovate her courses. Her scholarship, including a Cambridge University Press book and numerous peer-reviewed articles, is both rigorous and influential, and she is recognized among the top scholars in her field. With a distinguished record of contributions and a strong leader on campus as well as in her profession, she is truly deserving of this recognition.”

Carl R. and Ingeborg Beidleman Research Award Fund

Michael McGuire, associate professor (soon to be professor), civil and environmental engineering

Dean of Faculty Ingrid Furniss shared: “As a geotechnical engineer, Professor McGuire conducts applied research that advances the design of sustainable geotechnical infrastructure. His work, demonstrative of the teacher-scholar model, informs the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and buildings, and is widely disseminated to civil engineering practitioners. Professor McGuire also engages in hands-on research with students and continues to mentor students after they graduate, preparing them for careers in industry and academia.”

Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching 

Trent Gaugler, associate professor, mathematics 

Dean Furniss shared: “Professor Gaugler embodies dedication to mentorship, advising senior theses and EXCEL Scholars. He leads independent studies, mentors Posse students, and supports data associates. Additionally, he serves as the faculty mentor for the women’s basketball team. His exceptional commitment to student development makes him a true model of teaching through mentorship.”

Vincent Viscomi Engineering Prize for Excellence in Mentoring and Teaching

This award is given to a member of the engineering faculty who has most exemplified outstanding mentoring and teaching.

Lindsay Soh, associate professor, chemical and biomolecular engineering

Dean Furniss shared: “Professor Soh, who is at a conference this week, is a dedicated educator whose research embodies utilizing green engineering to develop and evaluate sustainable improvements to chemical processes. Her work manifests itself in collaborations across disciplines exemplifying the “and” of Lafayette. Her innovative teaching, leadership, and important NSF-supported work represents her deep commitment to excellence in STEM education and mentoring.”

James P. Crawford Award

This award honors a professor demonstrating a high standard of classroom instruction.

Jonathan Bloom, associate professor, mathematics

Dean Furniss shared: “Professor Bloom is an exceptional educator and mentor, known for his dedication to modernizing his course content and updating student learning outcomes. He provides innovative opportunities to engage students and develop their ability to think and communicate mathematically. He maintains an outstanding record of scholarship with publications all appearing in excellent journals in his field. His impactful work in community-based projects and extensive mentorship, such as serving as a Posse mentor, exemplifies an excellent teacher-scholar.”

Delta Upsilon Distinguished Mentoring and Teaching Award

This award recognizes faculty members for distinctive and extraordinary teaching through mentoring.

Rachel Goshgarian, associate professor, history

Dean Furniss shared: “Professor Rachel Goshgarian (who is on leave this year) is a highly respected and beloved teacher, known for her exceptional dedication to students. She frequently meets with students to discuss coursework, research, and broader life topics, creating a supportive and intellectually engaging environment. Professor Goshgarian is a dedicated Posse mentor, a demanding and impactful role.”  

Ann V. McGillicuddy-De Lisi Faculty Academic Adviser of the Year

This award honors Ann V. McGillicuddy-DeLisi, a beloved member of the Lafayette faculty who had a tremendous impact on her students and colleagues. 

Mary Roth, professor, civil and environmental engineering

Dean Furniss shared: “Professor Mary Roth of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. This award honors Ann V. McGillicuddy-DeLisi, a beloved member of the Lafayette faculty who had a tremendous impact on her students and colleagues. Students praise Professor Roth, who has advised students across the decades, for her thoughtful and committed advising across every facet of their experience at Lafayette. Her guidance has been crucial for them in the classroom, in the lab, and in their discernment about trajectories post their Lafayette experience, in part because she knows them so well. She is truly one of a kind.”  

Ilan Peleg Excellence in Faculty Mentoring Award 

Nancy Waters, associate professor, biology 

Dean Furniss shared: “The Peleg Award honors faculty who show exceptional dedication to mentoring Lafayette students through teaching, scholarship, and advising. Professor Nancy Waters exemplifies these qualities, having mentored students for nearly four decades. She has guided numerous research projects in ecology and environmental biology, many resulting in conference presentations and co-authored publications. Her mentorship has profoundly shaped students’ career paths. A three-time recipient of the Student Government Superior Teaching Award, she has supported many students as a health professions adviser.”

James E. Lennertz Prize for Exceptional Teaching and Mentoring

Yingying Huang, lecturer, languages and literary studies 

Dean Furniss shared: “Dr. Huang brings extraordinary energy and innovation to teaching and advising. Through engaging language instruction, interdisciplinary courses, and deep mentoring relationships, she fosters cultural understanding and student growth, playing a vital role in revitalizing the study of Chinese language and culture, and enriching the campus community.”

Mary Louise Van Artsdalen Award

Rebekah Pite, professor, history

Provost McGrane shared: “Professor Pite is an internationally recognized historian whose prolific scholarship engages academic and public audiences across the Americas and Europe. Her award-winning book, Sharing Yerba Mate, and related projects exemplify a deep commitment to rigorous research, cultural history, and transnational dialogue. Professor Pite’s innovative work is of the highest quality and will continue to shape our understanding in the future.”

Marquis Distinguished Teaching Award(s)

• Pedro Barbeito, art 
• Il Hyun Cho, government and law/Asian studies
• Stephanie Douglas, physics 
• Gabrielle Kelenyi, English

Provost McGrane shared: 

“Associate Professor Pedro Barbeito, a master printer, integrates both individualized and collaborative teaching demonstration strategies, engaging his students in projects connected to current events. His work with students and alums reflects the kind of critical engagement we value at the College. He also serves as the director of the Experimental Printmaking Institute, providing students with access to the artists and the art world well beyond Lafayette.” 

“Associate Professor (soon to be full professor) Il Hyun Cho is a dedicated professor whose courses are built on clarity, rigor, and inclusion. He fosters critical thinking and active engagement through thoughtful pedagogy. Beyond the classroom, he is an exceptional mentor of EXCEL Scholars and independent researchers. Known for building lasting relationships with students, he continues to guide and support them long after graduation, exemplifying the deep commitment that defines distinguished teaching.”

“Assistant Professor Gabrielle Kelenyi has shown exceptional dedication to community-based learning early in her career, designing courses that challenge students intellectually and also engage the community with a pedagogical approach that emphasizes inclusivity and community building.”

“Assistant Professor Stephanie Douglas brings exceptional creativity and dedication to teaching. She has revitalized Lafayette’s astronomy curriculum, developed engaging, hands-on learning experiences, and successfully integrated flipped classroom methods. Her campus-wide solar eclipse event exemplified her ability to blend course content with co-curricular engagement. She creates inspiring, accessible learning environments that deepen student understanding and spark lasting interest in astronomy.”

John T. McCartney Excellence in Diversity Education Award

This recognition is sponsored by the Office of Intercultural Development and the dean of Advising and Co-Curricular Programs, and is presented to a faculty member or an administrator whose commitment and service to diversity on campus promotes awareness and a positive learning environment for all students. 

Abbey Mann, assistant professor, psychology

Student Government Association Superior Teaching Awards

Humanities and Social Sciences 

Dylan Groves, assistant professor, government and law

Natural Sciences and Engineering 

Trent Gaugler, associate professor, mathematics 

Faculty Award for Excellence in Community Engagement Pedagogy 

Gabrielle Kelenyi, assistant professor, English

Distinguished Leadership in Community-Based Teaching and Research 

Hannah Stewart-Gambino, professor, government and law

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ENDOWED CHAIRS AND SCHOLARS

Christa Kelleher, assistant professor, civil and environmental engineering, has been appointed as the Kate and Walter A. Scott ’59 Scholar in Engineering for a three-year term. 

Provost McGrane shared: “Professor Kelleher’s research examines how hydrologic processes and measures of water quality are influenced by human activity—and, in turn, how we can mitigate our environmental impact. A Lafayette alum and a recipient of an Early Career Award from the Hydrogeology Division of the Geological Society of America, she promotes learning through teamwork and collaboration, empowering students to learn problem-solving skills as they develop content-based knowledge.”

Melissa Galloway, associate professor, has been appointed as the John D. & Frances H. Larkin Scholar of Chemistry.

Provost McGrane shared: “Professor Galloway’s research focuses on atmospheric chemistry, specifically on understanding individual reactions within aerosols to gain insight into the more complex processes occurring in the atmosphere. She has produced high-quality original works of scholarship and participates in scholarly discourse with professional peers through her collaborations and co-authored publications. An exemplary teacher-scholar, Professor Galloway uses active learning techniques to engage her students. She ensures that all students feel invested and thrive in her classes.”

Alessandro Giovannelli, professor, philosophy, has been named the James Renwick Hogg Professorship in Mental and Moral Philosophy.

Provost McGrane shared: “Professor Giovannelli’s original, influential scholarship and strong publication record in aesthetics and the philosophy of art and film have earned him a strong reputation in the field. A passionate and engaging teacher, Professor Giovannelli has also provided dedicated service to the Department of Philosophy, the College, and the profession through various academic planning initiatives and leadership roles, including serving as a representative to the Board of Trustees this year. He is already off leading an interim program with our students. And I send my congratulations across the ocean!”