Faculty, staff recognized for achievements

 

ANGOLA, Ind. — Faculty and staff were treated to some inspirational thoughts from Hall of Fame football coach and ESPN analyst Lou Holtz during Trine University’s annual commencement breakfast May 7, which was held before the school’s 126th commencement ceremony.

Holtz said he admired the dedication of employees and of alumni. He gave special recognition to trustee John J. McKetta Jr., Ph.D., who helped present the awards named in honor of his family.

 

Trustee John J. McKetta Jr., Ph.D., left, and Trine's vice president for academic affairs David R. Finley, Ph.D, right, present A. Allen Hersel, Ph.D., the Professor Gerald H. Moore Overall Excellence in Teaching Award. Hersel received a cash stipend, development grant and plaque for the honor.

David R. Finley, Ph.D., Trine's vice president for academic affairs, presents Michael Blaz, Ph.D., the Barrenbrugge Faculty Excellence Award. He received a cash stipend and framed certificate.

 

Trustee John J. McKetta Jr., Ph.D., left, and Tom Tierney, Ph.D., right, present Timothy A. Hopp, Ph.D., the Jannen Renaissance Faculty Scholar Award.

 

Trine's director of athletic development J. Michael Ferrell, left, presents the Pete Hippensteel Athletic Service Award to Bill San Giacomo.

 

Trine president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., presents Renee Van Wagner the President’s Awards for Excellence in Performance. She joined the university in 1997 as an administrative assistance in the alumni and development office. She then moved to the information technology department to assist with the help desk and telephone system. “She soon became an expert technician,” Trine president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D. said of Van Wagner.  “She provides valuable assistance, always gives selflessly of her time, talent and resources, day or night, weekend or holiday breaks, sacrificing without complaint for the students, colleagues and the university and always with a smile on her face.”

 

Trine's president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., presents Matt Brockington the President’s Awards for Excellence in Performance. Brockington joined the university in 2007 as an academic technologist. He currently has been working on a plan to incorporate all of the audio visual activities into the help desk. “Matt is known as “the man behind the scenes” and has an uncanny way of knowing just what needs to be done to make the special events on campus run without a hitch,” Brooks said. “He is a very dedicated, highly skilled and talented employee who goes about his excellent work without recognition and fanfare.”

 

John J. Shannon, Ph.D., received the Faculty Scholarship Award, and Vicki D. Moravec, Ph.D., received the Faculty Service Award.

Linda H. Conley received the Trine University School of Professional Studies Outstanding Adjunct Award. Cheryl L. Skiba-Jones received the Trine University Main Campus Outstanding Adjunct Award.

Several faculty members were awarded McKetta-Smith Excellence in Teaching Awards. They included Karen S. Hamilton, Ph.D., Sarah E.F. Young, Anthony R. Layson, Ph.D., John C. Milliken, J.D., Stephen G. Carr, Ph.D., Darryl S. Webber, Will D. Lindquist, Ph.D., and Sherry L. Shipley, Ph.D.