University of St. Francis faculty earn awards
The University of St. Francis has recognized exceptional contributions of faculty members with awards for service and scholarship, presented at the annual Academic Honors and Awards Convocation, May 8, by USF President Michael Vinciguerra.
Two
faculty members received the Excellence in Teaching
Awards: Margaret Lewandowski, R.N., assistant
professor of nursing, and Virginia Matthews, associate
professor of education.
Lewandowski
was recognized for innovative development of online
courses for the bachelor of science and master
of science in nursing programs. She is "commended
for her interactive and collaborative style of
teaching that exemplifies her enthusiasm for teaching
and learning," said Vinciguerra.
Lewandowski
of Calumet City holds a master of science degree
from Purdue University and is a certified nurse
practitioner. She joined the USF faculty in 1993.
Matthews,
of Plainfield, was recognized as an exceptional
teacher of pre-service teachers. She has "served
as a model professor for 33 years at USF and consistently
sets high standards for herself and her students,"
said Vinciguerra. She is a leader in the university’s
College of Education team approach to instructional
coordination.
Matthews
holds a master’s degree in education from
Northern Illinois University. She joined the USF
faculty in 1970.
The Achievement of Scholarship Award was presented to Jeffrey Chamberlain, professor of history. Chamberiain, of Joliet, is recognized as an exceptional scholar, evidence by publication of his book, The National Church in Local Perspective. The Illinois Humanities Council selected Chamberlain as a 2003-04 Road Scholar. He is also recognized for a body of articles published in the New Dictionary of National Biography over a period of years.
Chamberlain
joined the USF faculty in 1992, and holds a Ph.D.
from the University of Chicago. He has received
USF’s Achievement of Distinction Award and
Excellence in Teaching Award.
The
Achievement in Service Award was also presented
to two faculty members. Connie Litwiller, R.N.,
assistant professor of nursing, was recognized
for "her outstanding service to the institution
and her equally outstanding service to the community,"
said Vinciguerra.
Litwiller, of Plainfield, joined the USF faculty
in 1989 and holds a master’s degree from
Northern Illinois University.
Joy
Thompson, associate professor of training and
development, was recognized for "outstanding
professional involvement in her college and the
university," said Vinciguerra. Thompson has
developed three training management programs,
most recently the master of science in training
and development.
Thompson
of New Lenox, joined USF in 1992, and holds a
doctorate degree from Northern Illinois University
The University of St. Francis in Joliet serves more than 4,300 students nationwide, including 1,800 at its Joliet campus. The university offers more than 60 areas of undergraduate study in the areas of arts and sciences, business, nursing and education. Ten graduate programs are offered in health care, education and business.