Thirteen Faculty Recognized at Spring Convocation
The annual spring convocation at Le Moyne recognizes faculty from all disciplines with awards that recognize academic excellence in a variety of ways, from teaching to mentoring and advising. Recipients are nominated by their colleagues, with awards named in honor of some of the most respected faculty in the College’s nearly 80-year history.
Maureen Patterson, Ed.D., the Caroline Fitzgerald Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Member of the Year
"Maureen Patterson is a distinguished leader in the PreK-12 education field throughout New York state, known for her unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching, leadership and service. In every aspect of her work, Maureen is focused on empowering the next generation of educational leaders, inspiring them to make lasting contributions to the field of education."
H. John Sharifi, Ph.D., the Louis D. DeGennaro, Ph.D., Undergraduate Research Mentor Award
"To say that H. John Sharifi hit the ground running when he came to Le Moyne would be an understatement. It would be more accurate to say that John’s feet barely touched the ground because he took off flying. John’s dedication to student research goes beyond his own students as he is a member of Le Moyne College’s Student Research Committee and reviews student research applications from diverse disciplines across campus."
Kathryn Compagni, MPAS, PA-C, the Graduate Mentor of the Year Award
"Through exemplary mentorship, Kathryn 'Katie' Compagni has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the academic and professional growth of Le Moyne’s physician assistant studies students. Katie serves as a strong role model for her students, illustrating the importance of engagement and advocacy in their professional careers. Her impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the next generation of PA professionals.
Keith Wolfe, M.S., the Beatrice B. Robinson, Ph.D., Adviser of the Year
"Keith Wolfe has served as an undergraduate academic adviser for a mere two years. However, that is all the time it has taken for students to recognize the qualities that make Keith an outstanding guide and mentor. In mentoring students from a broad variety of backgrounds, Keith has brought to bear, and further honed, the skills necessary to rise to one of our most important responsibilities as faculty: to meet our students where they are."
Holly Rine, Ph.D., the Rev. Robert E. O’Brien, S.J., Service Award
"For Holly Rine, however, generosity is a habit and the willingness to serve an instinct. If there is a problem to be solved, an issue that needs to be clarified, or some difficult – often complicated – question to be answered, Holly steps up with tenacity and purpose. She may be more comfortable working behind the scenes than standing in the spotlight receiving an award. That is one more reason that she deserves one."
James Enwright, Ph.D., the Rev. Msgr. A. Robert Casey Teacher of the Year
"Jim’s superpower as a teacher lies in his innate ability to foster community among his students. By creating an environment of mutual respect in which students feel they belong and are valued by their peers, Jim provides them with a safe place to learn and grow. Jim’s spirit of community building is reflected in two on-campus organizations he helped to create: the Cybersecurity Club and the Women in Cybersecurity Club. 'These opportunities allow students the ability to further their learning in a fun and relaxed environment outside of the classroom.'”
Matt Chiorini, M.F.A. ,the Rev. Richard McKeon, S.J., Scholar of the Year
"Over the years, we have witnessed many of Matt Chiorini’s remarkable play adaptations brought to life through passionate research, collaboration and artistic ingenuity. More than just a creator, Matt is an inspiration. He challenges every collaborator to dig deeper, explore further and engage fully with every choice, every word and every character. His scholarship extends beyond expectations, enriching the collaborative process and elevating the educational experience for our students."
Endowed Chairs, Professorships & Faculty Fellows
At the convocation ceremony, six faculty members were named as endowed chairs, professorships and faculty fellows:
- The Dr. James J. Carroll ’66 Endowed Professor in Arts and Sciences: Theresa White, Ph.D., professor, Department of Psychology
- The Mary A. Carroll Endowed Professor in Arts and Sciences: Kathleen Costello-Sullivan, Ph.D., professor, Department of English
- The John “Jack” Collins ’60 Endowed Chair in Accounting: Mitchell Franklin, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Accounting
- The Francis J. Fallon, S.J. Professorship: Devon Keeney, Ph.D., professor, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
- The John T. Lillis ’77 and Jeffrey F. Bailey Faculty Fellowship in the Humanities: Karmen MacKendrick, Ph.D. professor, Department of Philosophy
- The Robert F. Reklaitis ’75 and Patricia L. Mahar Endowed Faculty Fellowship in the Liberal Arts: Delia Popescu, Ph.D., professor, Department of Political Science
