Anderson, Pierotti, Pentz recognized with annual awards
Listen
DuBOIS, Pa. — As part of the commencement ceremony held in the spring, three faculty and staff members were recognized with annual awards, the Educator of the Year award, the Staff Excellence Award and the Adjunct Educator of the Year award. These awards highlight the extraordinary impact that these individuals have on students, the campus and the communities that it serves.
Kristen Vida, president of the DuBois Educational Foundation, announced the Educator of the Year award, which is given each year to recognize outstanding teaching. This year the award was presented to Sarah Pierotti, assistant professor of human development and family studies. Nominators noted her passion, her aid in assisting students to achieve personal success, how she fosters inclusion, seamlessly incorporating diversity into her curriculum, continuously looks for real-world examples to relate to students to their coursework and that she is an excellent educator.
Jungwoo Ryoo, chancellor and chief academic officer, announced the recipient of the staff excellence award. Given annually to a staff member who goes above and beyond regularly assigned job responsibilities, makes outstanding contributions to their work unit, campus and university, and embodies Penn State values, this year’s award was presented to Laura Pentz, assistant to the chancellor and chief academic officer. Those who nominated her expressed her exceptional work ethics, inclusiveness and respect for everyone. She is also always interested in learning more and filling in when there is a gap, a hard worker, a kind co-worker and an integral part of the campus.
The final award presentation was the adjunct educator of the year award. This award is given to an outstanding adjunct faculty member for their accomplishments and campus service over the past academic year. This year, the award is presented to Robert Anderson, adjunct lecturer of history and political science. His nominators mention that he is a gifted educator who makes his lectures more engaging by developing unique in-class learning activities as well as providing solid, accurate information per curriculum. It was also noted that Anderson makes students feel comfortable, is devoted to diversity and inclusion and has an evident commitment to academic excellence.
