Faculty and staff recognized for excellence

Faculty member recognized for teaching excellence

Dr. Jessica Schocker, Assistant Professor of Social Studies Education and Women's Studies, was awarded the Outstanding Full-Time Teacher Award. In her social studies education classes, Schocker teaches her students that as teachers, they have the power to either perpetuate structured inequalities or affect profound social change. She regularly involves Berks students in service-learning projects with children in urban Reading elementary schools. This award recognizes a full-time faculty member who has worked at the college for at least three years and has demonstrated exceptional commitment to teaching.

Part-time faculty member receives outstanding teaching award

Kathleen Hauser, Instructor in Engineering Mechanics, was awarded the Outstanding Part-Time Teaching Award. She was described in her nomination as bringing industry experience to the classroom and being dedicated to student learning. This award recognizes a part-time faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to students and effectiveness of instruction that exceeds normal expectations.

Faculty member recognized for outstanding advising

Jenifer Shannon, Lecturer in Engineering, received the Outstanding Advising Award. She is cited as being a thorough and conscientious adviser who consistently exceeds expectations to meet the needs of students. This award recognizes a full-time faculty member who has worked at the college for at least three years and has demonstrated exceptional commitment to students.

Faculty member recognized for outstanding research

Dr. Daniel Litvin, Distinguished Professor of Physics, has been awarded the Outstanding Research Award. His current research interests include symmetry-based predictions of physical properties of crystals and group theoretical applications in physics and crystallography. Among his accomplishments, he has received sixteen years of research grant support from the National Science Foundation. Throughout his academic career, Litvin has produced 111 publications and journals?20 with undergraduate students at Penn State Berks. This award recognizes a full-time faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in academic research, creative activity, scholarship, and mastery of a special subject.

Faculty member recognized for outstanding service

Dr. Michael Fidanza, Professor of Horticulture, was awarded the Outstanding Service Award. His division head stated, ?I believe that the most impressive and commendable aspect of Dr. Fidanza?s service in 2013 lies in his commitment, motivation, and success in fundraising efforts that greatly help our students and his academic program at Penn State Berks.? In 2013, he served on multiple college, community, and professional committees. This award recognizes a full-time faculty member who has worked at the college for at least three years and has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community service.

Police Sergeant receives Outstanding Staff Award

Mark Groff, Sergeant in Police Services, received the Outstanding Staff Member Award. In addition to his duties, he is the lead instructor in the Rape Aggression Defense System course and supervises the Student Patrol/Escort Program. For the past few years, he has served as adviser to the Christian Student Fellowship. Each year, he travels with the club to perform community service. During these trips, he uses his vacation time and works alongside the students and their pastor, Dave Hershey. This award recognizes a full-time staff member who has demonstrated excellence. Individuals are nominated by the college committee and chosen by a committee.