Ann Clements, associate professor of music education in the School of Music, wins the first annual Open Innovation Challenge, which is a high-profile speaking opportunity to present new innovative ideas about anything that enhances teaching and learning in higher education. Clements, whose idea involved creating a 3D Virtual Teaching Lab, was one of six finalists chosen from a pool of nearly 40 innovative ideas submitted to the Challenge.
For Belén Rodríguez Mourelo, author of "Encounters in Exile: Themes in the Narrative of the Cuban Diaspora," writing about Cuba is personal. The introduction to her book describes her grandfather’s experience in Cuba over a 40-year span, from 1912–1952.
David Sanford, associate professor of horticulture, was recently honored for 25 years of service to Penn State Berks. During that time, he has seen many changes at the campus but the one thing that has not changed is his love for teaching.
The Committee on Institutional Cooperation's Academic Leadership Program has gained five additional fellows from the Penn State ranks. The CIC is the academic consortium of the Big Ten universities plus the University of Chicago. Through its leadership program, participants who have demonstrated exceptional ability and administrative promise are aided in further developing their leadership and managerial skills.
David Aurentz, associate professor of chemistry at Penn State Berks; Frederick Haag, associate professor of visual arts at Penn State York, and Mark Maughmer, professor of aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering, have received the Alumni/Student Award for Excellence in Teaching and have been named 2012 Penn State Teaching Fellows. The Penn State Alumni Association, in conjunction with undergraduate and graduate governing bodies, established the award in 1985. It honors distinguished teaching and provides encouragement and incentive for excellence in teaching. Recipients are expected to share their talents and expertise with others throughout the University system during the year following the award presentation.
