UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 33, Page UD FACULTY 1
May 28, 1992
UD Faculty
Faculty excellence in teaching, advising recognized

     This special insert recognizes University of Delaware faculty who
have excelled throughout the year-in the laboratory, in the classroom
and in the community.
     This supplement is divided into three sections, to present
faculty who have been cited by students for excellence in teaching and
excellence in advising and to present those recently approved for
promotion by the Board of Trustees.

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
     At Honors Day ceremonies May 14, four faculty members were
presented $2,500 excellence-in-teaching awards made available by the
Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation and the University Alumni
Association.
     Two graduate students also were honored for excellence in
teaching: James Crowley, English; and Rhonda Eller, computer and
information sciences.

Gabriella Finizio, foreign languages and literatures
     "Contrary to popular myth, the fact that teaching is probably the
oldest, and certainly the biggest profession in the world, gives an
idea of the significance of the same in history and society.
     "I think that college professors are privileged in that they
interact with the segment of students that, traditionally, has been
the bearer of new ideas and attitudes.
     Therefore we, college professors, have a greater responsibility
in looking for individual potential, and in making sure that
individual growth takes place.
     I strongly believe that students are a mirror of our attitudes
and a reliable indicator of the effectiveness of our teaching.
     "For language professors, the rapport with students is more
distinct and intense, due to the fact that they must move individuals
fully established linguistically to a less satisfying language
ability, at least in the beginning courses.
     "It is, therefore, essential to establish a rapport of true
respect and genuine interest and trust, while on the way to a new
linguistic identity.
     "I feel really privileged by the fact that my students feel the
respect that I have for them, and they reciprocate it. I feel
particularly privileged by the fact that they are letting me know,
through the excellence-in-teaching award, that we work well together.
My promise is 'Ad Maiora,' which translates into 'To even better
results.' "

Kenneth C. Haas, criminal justice
     "My most satisfying teaching experience is an ongoing one.
Nothing has given me greater enjoyment than watching my students
successfully pursue careers in which they are making a genuine
contribution to the public good. Many of my best students are making
names for themselves in law enforcement, court administration,
correctional counseling, social work, research and planning, education
and other public-service areas.
     "I am also proud that over the past 12 years, more than 200
criminal justice majors have gone on to law school. Many of these
students already have earned excellent reputations in their chosen
area of legal practice. As one might expect, a good many of these
students are now serving as prosecutors or as defense attorneys.
     "The University Criminal Justice Program is still relatively
young, and we can't yet claim credit for any judges, or for that
matter, justices. But I am confident that this, too, is just a matter
of time."

Bernard L. Herman, urban affairs and public policy
     "Teaching represents the free and creative exchange of
information and perspectives both in and out of the classroom.
Graduate teaching combines instruction with original student research
in an effort to help students find their own voice and to articulate
their own perspectives. Success is measured by the ability of students
to develop their own insights and to implement their views, both in
their scholarship and the ways in which they wish to shape positively
the world they inhabit.
     "Teaching, thus, entails a stewardship ethic for faculty and
students that is tempered by the ability to listen and communicate.
Ultimately, because teaching functions as a dialog, I learn as much as
my students."

Kevin Kerrane, English
     "My own best teachers, some of them gone now, still serve as
models. I remember-and often try to imitate-O.B. Hardison's geniality
and zest, Harry Russell's gentle wisdom, Dougald MacMillan's
tough-mindedness, Paul Orr's patient interrogation and Edward Gannon's
engaging wit.
     "All of these teachers saw the forest as well as the trees. All
asked questions about major values. All cared about good writing.
     "Coincidentally, I heard three of these teachers cite the same
quote from Confucius: 'If you pick a job you love, you will never work
a day in your life.' "

EXCELLENCE IN ADVISING
     Two faculty were presented $2,500 awards for excellence in
undergraduate academic advising.

Joseph Pika, political science and international relations
     "Teaching, I have often heard colleagues say, provides a way to
touch people's lives. Advising is an extension of that opportunity.
     "For those attracted to an academic career by the prospect of
making a difference in the lives of their students, advising provides
the chance to develop a more personal, ongoing relationship, one that
sometimes extends well beyond graduation and becomes particularly
special when former students come back to renew old ties.
     "Nor are students the only ones
     to benefit form this relationship. Advisers, in reflecting on
their own experiences in making career choices and sorting through
life's dilemmas, gain perspective on themselves."

Georgia B. Pyrros, mathematical sciences
     "Advising makes one aware of the many problems that students
face. Being in a position to guide and encourage is not only a
rewarding experience but also a great privilege."