The College of Arts and Sciences gathered to celebrate the start of a new academic year and to honor nine members of the faculty and staff.
The College of Arts and Sciences gathered to celebrate the start of a new academic year and to honor nine members of the faculty and staff whose work exemplifies Santa Clara University’s commitment to teaching, research, service, and community. At the annual Convocation Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 16, the College also welcomed new colleagues, reflected on the accomplishments and challenges of the past year, and looked ahead with renewed purpose.
In his remarks, Dean Daniel Press emphasized that the heart of the College lies in the dedication of its faculty and staff: “It’s the daily College of Arts and Sciences that I want to celebrate today. It’s how you all come to your work with discipline, high standards, creativity, and compassion so frequently that it might seem unremarkable, even unreportable.” He noted that the College remains steadfast in respecting faculty and staff as academics, prioritizing the academic mission even in times of limited resources, and advancing excellence in research and teaching across disciplines.
This year’s honorees were recognized not only for their outstanding contributions, but also for embodying the Jesuit values of intellectual curiosity, social justice, and care for the whole person. Their achievements serve as a reminder of the vital role faculty and staff play in shaping the College’s future and inspiring its students and community.
Award Winners
Emily Reese, Communication
Marquette Jones Award
In recognition of a faculty or staff member whose creative projects and advocacy in the arts or law have empowered and advanced women in those fields. The award alternates between the College and the Law School; this year, the College gave the award.
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David Gray, Religious Studies
Professor Joseph Bayma, S.J., Scholarship Award
In recognition of having established among colleagues and students a well-deserved reputation for productive, meaningful, and rigorous scholarly or creative work, and for having demonstrated the ability to motivate other scholars or artists, teachers and learners.
Read more about David
Dan Turkeltaub, Classics
Dr. John B. Drahmann Advising Award
In recognition of having established among colleagues and students a well-deserved reputation for extraordinary dedication to student welfare through wise, informed, effective, and caring counsel, and having demonstrated the ability to motivate other teachers and learners.
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Laura Nichols, Sociology
Francisco Jiménez Reaching Out Award
In recognition of faculty and staff who, through their actions and contributions to our local and global community, strive to serve society’s most disadvantaged and under-served members.
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Michelle McCully, Biology
Bernard Hubbard, S.J., Creative Collaboration Award
In recognition of having established a well-deserved reputation for excellence in educating students by including them in professional research projects or creative activity, thereby transcending traditional teaching models to reach the heart of the research and creative process.
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Tamsen McGinley, Mathematics and Computer Science
Dr. David E. Logothetti Teaching Award
In recognition for having established among colleagues and students a well-deserved reputation for an energetic, engaging, and effective teaching style, and having demonstrated the ability to motivate other teachers and learners.
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Elyse Raby, Religious Studies
Public Intellectual Award
In recognition of the effective, far-reaching, and timely use of scholarly expertise to address issues of major public concern in a way that promotes reasoned analysis and humane understanding.
Read more about Elyse
Cory Gong, Environmental Studies and Sciences, Public Health Science
Nancy Keil Service Excellence Award
In recognition of staff having established a well-deserved reputation for sustained excellence and initiative in providing technical or administrative support service, and for consistently approaching one’s responsibilities with a professionalism that demonstrates dedication to the welfare of students and others and that leads by example.
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Andrew Hedges, Art and Art History
Dean's Service Award
In recognition of exemplary service in support of the College of Arts and Sciences. By honoring such leaders, the College demonstrates its commitment to College, University, community, and/or professional service as essential to our mission, governance, and enhancing our community of teaching scholars.
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