(left to right) Drs. Bruce Burnham and Cynthia Newman

Dr. Bruce Burnham, associate professor of chemistry, and Dr. Cynthia Newman, assistant professor of marketing, were named recipients of Rider University’s Distinguished Teaching Awards at the University’s 142nd Commencement. The awards have been presented annually since 1961.

The two faculty members, nominated by their colleagues and students and judged by the University Honors Council, have been honored as two of Rider’s most talented, effective and dedicated teachers.

Dr. Bruce Burnham

Dr. Burnham earned a Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1994. He was a visiting assistant professor there for four years, before joining the faculty of Rider University in 1998. In 2001, Dr. Burnham was promoted to the rank of assistant professor II, and in 2004, he achieved the rank of associate professor with tenure.

On campus, Dr. Burnham is known for possessing an extraordinary ability to teach complex topics in the field of chemistry in ways that students understand. He maintains high standards to prepare his students for success in advanced courses and graduate studies. In addition to teaching, conducting scientific research, and supervising students’ independent research, Dr. Burnham is a valued and respected colleague within his department and is widely respected by members of the scientific community.

Dr. Burnham received nominations from faculty, colleagues, students and staff. His students praised his ability and commitment to bring out their full potential in a very challenging area of study. Comments from student nominators included: “He is truly dedicated to student success;” “Even though he is so busy, Dr. Burnham always finds the time to help students;” and “His belief in me has motivated me to excel beyond academics.”

Dr. Cynthia Newman

Dr. Cynthia Newman received both her bachelor of science in business administration degree and master of business administration degree from Rider University. In 1998, she earned a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Newman joined Rider in 2001 as an assistant professor, and in 2004, she was promoted to the rank of assistant professor II. Dr. Newman has been promoted to the rank of associate professor with tenure, effective in September.

Dr. Newman has taught a variety of introductory and upper level classes in creative and dynamic ways. Besides developing new courses and improving existing ones, she has mentored a broad spectrum of students at Rider.

Students cite Dr. Newman as an innovative, excellent, involved teacher and adviser. They praise her for her concern for them inside and outside of the classroom. One student wrote that “besides challenging her students to think creatively, she is passionate, helpful, and funny” and, perhaps the highest compliment a teacher can receive, “never dull or boring!”

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