The College of Arts and Sciences kicked off the academic year with its annual Convocation and recognized the work and dedication of nine faculty and staff who are recipients of the 2026 College Awards.
On September 15, the College of Arts and Sciences marked the beginning of a new academic year with its annual Convocation Awards Ceremony, celebrating the faculty and staff whose contributions further Santa Clara University’s commitment to teaching, research, service, and community. The gathering also offered a chance to welcome new colleagues, reflect on the past year, and look ahead to the work shaping the College’s future.
In his remarks, Dean Daniel Press spoke about the College’s values and the community’s dedication amid a year of change. He highlighted ambitious University projects, including revisions to the core curriculum and the development of a new School of Medicine, and emphasized the importance of mutual care in navigating uncertainty. “You nurture a culture of care,” Press states. “You wield the tools…to turn the university into a second home.”
Eight College awards recognized nine honorees for their work in scholarship, creative collaboration, teaching, service, advising, public engagement, and community outreach. These individuals embody Santa Clara University's Jesuit values, and their success reminds us that faculty and staff shape the College's future and inspire our entire community.
Award Winners
Chris Bacon, Environmental Studies and Sciences
Professor Joseph Bayma, S.J., Scholarship 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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Cara Chiaraluce, Sociology
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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Omar Davila, Child Studies
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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Lissa Crofton-Sleigh, Classics and Ancient Studies, and Em Dang, Imaginarium
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.
Read more about Lissa
Jessica Szyndrowski, English
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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Karen Peterson-Iyer, Religious Studies
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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Rohit Chopra, Communication
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.
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Linda Burks, Mathematics and Computer Science
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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