May 13, 2016
Trine University honored a number of faculty and staff members with awards during its annual commencement breakfast on May 7.
Several faculty received the McKetta-Smith Excellence in Teaching Awards, established for the faculty by Trustee Emeritus and 1937 alumnus Dr. John J. McKetta in 1989:
The 2016 Barrenbrugge Award for Faculty Excellence was presented to Haseeb Kazi, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Informatics. Established in 1984 and endowed by 1932 aeronautical engineering alumnus Charles C. Barrenbrugge, the award recognizes all-around excellence in teaching, scholarship and service to the university.
The Jannen Renaissance Scholar Award was presented to Amy Sayler-Nicholls, professor of English in the Department of Humanities and Communication. The award — endowed by Robert L. Jannen, chair emeritus of the board of trustees and TSU alumnus, and his wife Dolores — recognizes faculty members who best represent the ideals of the Renaissance, showing both breadth of interest and accomplishment.
Retired professor Jeanine Samuelson, Ph.D., of the Department of Humanities and Communication, and Karen Hamilton, Ph.D., retiring dean of the Franks School of Education, were conferred the rank of professor emeritus.
The Outstanding Faculty Scholarship Award was presented to Jamie Canino, Ph.D., associate professor in the Wade Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Kimberly Beran-Shepler, P.T., of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, received the Academic Service Award.
Thomas Smead received the Outstanding Adjunct Award in the School of Professional Studies. Jessica Sapp in the Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences and Gregory Shull in the Ketner School of Business were recognized with Outstanding Adjunct Awards for the main campus. Robert Doolin received the Outstanding Adjunct Award in the graduate school.
President’s Awards for Excellence in Performance were given to staff members Jason Cable in Information Technology, Chuck Stommel in Campus Operations and Julie Pfafman in Academic Affairs.
Young Professionals of DeKalb County (YPDC) is expanding professional development options for its members by partnering with Trine University to offer unique learning opportunities.
Trine University students Isaac Braun, a senior chemical engineering major from Portland, Indiana, and Ryan Sederstrom, a junior electrical engineering major from Cedar Lake, Indiana, placed 15th in the collegiate pairs tournament at the North American Bridge Championships.
Trine University has been selected to be part of a national program to help campuses respond to the challenges and opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) presents for courses, curricula and higher education in general.