Vicki Moravec retiring May 12

Vicki Moravec, Ph.D., is retiring as chair and professor in the Department of Science, effective May 12.

Dr. Moravec has taught at Trine since 2002, receiving the Robert Andrew & Anne Ewing Smith Excellence in Teaching Award in 2016.

In addition, she launched the university’s honors program in 2006 and led it until 2022. The program was recently named in her honor.

“I think Vicki's biggest accomplishment during her time at Trine was starting and leading the honors program,” said Jennifer Staude, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Science. “Serving as the honors program director, department chair and full-time teaching faculty is like being an octopus. You have so many arms/legs doing different things all at the same time. For Vicki to do that for so many years is beyond impressive. She always handled the workload with grace and truly made it look easy, and I can confidently say it is not.”

“She led our science department through numerous curriculum changes and always sought to improve both student and faculty experiences. She was always willing to stand up and advocate for our students and faculty, and that was always appreciated.”

“She always tried hard to propel the department forward, sacrificing her evenings and weekends,” said Hong Park, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Science. “Some of my favorite memories of Vicki as a colleague include her positive attitude. No matter the circumstances, she always maintained a cheerful disposition and approached every situation with optimism.”

"Vicki’s impact on our department, our school and our university was tremendous.  Much of our current and future success is a direct result of her dedication to education and the university," said Sam Drerup, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Science. "She guided our department through big changes in structure at a time of unprecedented growth. She started the honors program and helped design two additions to Best Hall and renovations of the existing structures."

"Her biggest impact, though, was on the faculty. She was a calm and consistent presence, always willing to help us professionally or personally and a fierce defender of what she thought was in the best interest of her faculty and her students."

Impact on students

Alumni from the Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences recalled the impact Dr. Moravec had on their education and careers.

“She held her students to high standards because she believed in us,” said Jamie Meegan, Ph.D., a 2013 chemistry alumna who recently accepted a tenure-track faculty position at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. “One of my fondest memories is a women's luncheon we had with a few other faculty and students. It was wonderful to connect with other successful women scientists. She often kept her door open for one-on-one conversations for professional and personal advice and guidance. Dr. Moravec was one of the greatest influences I had in deciding to pursue a Ph.D. and embark on a scientific research career.”

“She knew I was aspiring to attend medical school after my graduate studies, and she consistently met with me to ensure I was on the right track to graduate as a competitive applicant,” recalled Braeden Pearl, a 2019 biochemistry alumnus who is now a medical student at McGill University. “I wouldn't currently be in medical school if it wasn't for all her help.”

“Dr. Moravec was always so willing to help me, even on issues I ran into in classes she wasn’t teaching,” said Chelsea (Sanders) Raupfer, a 2012 biology and forensic science alumna who now works as a forensic scientist for the Indiana State Police. “By the time I made it to Instrumental Analysis, I had enlisted the help of any of the professors on any of the science floors to help me troubleshoot my project, which felt like it was actively falling apart at the seams. Dr. Moravec didn’t even hesitate to step in and offer the advice and reassurance I needed. This made a lasting impression on how I approach issues that arise in my current laboratory work environment, while also impacting how I treat others when I sense that same panic and helplessness setting in. I’m so grateful that Dr. Moravec was part of my time at Trine University, and I will continue to carry the lessons she taught me through the rest of my career.”

Adam Tuttle, a 2011 chemistry and forensic science alumnus who serves as a supply chain manager at Parkview Health, says Dr. Moravec was a motherly figure who “had an unwavering dedication to seeing that I got the most out of my experience at Trine University. Under her guidance, I, as well as many other students, experienced breakthrough moments that molded us into resilient learners.”

“Dr. Moravec took a chance on me to run some of the first-year chemistry labs due to the size and growth of the school at that time. While I’m sure a part of it was an effort to cover some of the labs, another part was maintaining contact and continuing to care past graduation, which I feel is challenging for professors to do. Congratulations, Dr. Moravec, on an incredible career in which you blazed a trail to those you’ve taught.”