Celebrating Faculty and Staff Achievement
The College of Arts and Sciences honored faculty and staff for their outstanding contributions in teaching, research, and service to students and the community.
As the new academic year began, nine individuals from the College were recognized for their exceptional efforts in exemplifying Santa Clara University’s Jesuit values. These individuals were announced at the College’s annual Convocation Awards Ceremony during a time of excitement and new beginnings.
“Teaching is about collaborative bridge-building,” said Daniel Press, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, in his Convocation remarks. “It is a privileged act to invite students to explore new topics, cultivate their ability to connect seemingly unrelated events, foster curiosity to delve deeper, consider big and small impacts before taking actions, and develop flexibility when interacting with those whose backgrounds differ from our own.”
Over the past year, many staff and faculty members have excelled in “bridge-building”—whether with students or others on campus. However, these individuals were specifically honored for their exceptional dedication to the College and our community.
Award Winners
Justen Whittall, Biology
In recognition of having established among colleagues and students a well-deserved reputation for productive, meaningful, and rigorous scholarly or creative work, and for having demonstrated the ability to motivate other scholars or artists, teachers, and learners.
Matthew Harrigan, Political Science
In recognition of having established among colleagues and students a well-deserved reputation for extraordinary dedication to student welfare through wise, informed, effective, and caring counsel, and having demonstrated the ability to motivate other teachers and learners.
Sarita Tamayo-Moraga, Religious Studies
In recognition of faculty and staff who, through their actions and contributions to our local and global community, strive to serve society’s most disadvantaged and under-served members.
Molly King, Sociology
In recognition of having established a well-deserved reputation for excellence in educating students by including them in professional research projects or creative activity, thereby transcending traditional teaching models to reach the heart of the research and creative process.
Vicky Gonzalez, Religious Studies
In recognition of staff having established a well-deserved reputation for sustained excellence and initiative in providing technical or administrative support service, and for consistently approaching one’s responsibilities with a professionalism that demonstrates dedication to the welfare of students and others and that leads by example.
C.J. Gabbe, Environmental Studies and Sciences
In recognition for having established among colleagues and students a well-deserved reputation for an energetic, engaging, and effective teaching style, and having demonstrated the ability to motivate other teachers and learners.
Ryan Carrington, Art and Art History
In recognition for having established among colleagues and students a well-deserved reputation for an energetic, engaging, and effective teaching style, and having demonstrated the ability to motivate other teachers and learners.
Elsa Chen, Political Science
In recognition of the effective, far-reaching, and timely use of scholarly expertise to address issues of major public concern in a way that promotes reasoned analysis and humane understanding.
Omid Ahmadi-Gorgi, Physics
In recognition of exemplary service in support of the College of Arts and Sciences. By honoring such leaders, the College demonstrates its commitment to College, University, community, and/or professional service as essential to our mission, governance, and enhancing our community of teaching scholars, student advocates, and University citizens.
2024 College Convocation