Friday, Dec 15, 2023
Contributions across all facets of the University were celebrated at a ceremony on Dec. 14
by Adam Grybowski
Rider University’s annual Faculty & Staff Awards Ceremony took place on Dec. 14 in the Theater in the Bart Luedeke Center. The awards honored the outstanding contributions of employees to the University.
The Frank N. Elliott Award for Distinguished Service is named in honor of Rider University’s fourth president and is presented each year to a faculty member, administrator and support staff member who has demonstrated distinguished service to the University.
This year's faculty recipient was Dr. Ron Cook, professor of entrepreneurial studies. The support staff recipient was Jeanette Friscia, certification coordinator, and the administrative recipient was Christine Mehlhorn, dean of students.
Eileen Gurwitz, assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, received the Nancy Gray Award. Named in honor of former Vice President of Development Nancy Gray, the award is bestowed upon a staff or faculty member or administrator who exemplifies the ideals of institutional leadership, school pride and community service.
The President’s Inclusive Excellence Award recognizes faculty and staff who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion. Dr. Pearlie-Mae Peters, professor of English and director of the Multicultural Studies Program, and Clarissa Gilliam, director of talent management and employee relations, are this year's recipients.
The Dominick A. Iorio Faculty Research Award, named after the dean emeritus, is presented annually to an outstanding researcher within the University. Recipients have been recognized as contributing meaningfully to their discipline through their published work. This year's honoree was Dr. Catrinel Tromp, associate professor of psychology.
Each year, two faculty members are selected to receive the Distinguished Teaching Award. This year's awardees were Dr. Andrea Drewes, assistant professor of in the Department of Graduate Education, Leadership and Counseling, and James Wojtowicz, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology.
Tom Shelton, associate professor of sacred music and chair of the Department of Choral Studies, Music Education and Sacred Music, received the Faculty Academic Advising Award for outstanding advising qualities, which help students develop their educational and career goals.
Dr. Anubha Mishra, associate professor of marketing and chair of the Department of Marketing, received the Chairperson Leadership Award. The award highlights the many aspects that contribute to successful departmental leadership.
Baseball Head Coach Dr. Barry Davis received the Coach of the Year Award. He led the team to its fourth MAAC Championship this year, its second in the past three seasons.
The Ziegler-Gee Award is given to a member of the University who demonstrates exemplary support for gender equality and focuses on ending gender-based discrimination. Dr. Allison Weidhaas, associate professor in the Department of Communication, Journalism, and Media, received this year's award.
Jessi Oliano, assistant professor-lecturer in the Department of Communication, Journalism, and Media, was named the recipient of this year's Michelle McCormack Award, which honors a student organization adviser who has served as an outstanding mentor.
The Mazzotti Awards in Women’s Leadership, funded through the generosity of Joan Mazzotti ’72, chair of the Rider University Board of Trustees, and her husband, Michael Kelly, were established in 2006 with the purpose of providing external leadership development opportunities to women faculty and staff. This year’s recipients were Patricia Adams, Dr. Lan Nygren and Dr. Lisa Rufer. All three hail from Rider’s Norm Brodsky College of Business, where Adams is manager of business operations, Nygren is associate dean of business programs and Rufer is an associate professor of sport management.
Commander of Emergency Management and Preparedness David Burns received the Public Safety Director's Award, which honors one officer’s distinguished service to the community and Rider University Department of Public Safety.
The Provost’s Initiative Award recognizes individuals who have played significant roles in advancing a number of important initiatives aimed at preparing graduates for life and work in the 21st century. This year's winners were:
- Jim Conlon, assistant vice president for Academic Success and Student Financial Services
- Shane Conto, director of the Academic Success Center
- Cristian Vergara, director of the Student Navigation Office