Faculty, Staff Recognized for Service, Contributions

As part of the All Companions Assembly on Aug. 19 that kicked off the academic year, Rockhurst University recognized faculty and staff for both outstanding contributions and their years of service.

The Rockhurst University Teaching Excellence Award is given to faculty members who, according to peers, exemplify excellence in classroom instruction. This year's recipients are Hilary Logan, Ph.D., associate professor of education, and Leslie Merced, Ph.D., associate professor of Spanish.

Sue Willcox, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs, said Logan had been recognized for her particular influence in shaping future leaders in education through her instruction.

Merced's leadership has led to a redesigned Spanish curriculum, with the development of new interdisciplinary courses and innovative programs such as the Medical Spanish certificate, a pathway open to those without any experience in Spanish.

The University also awarded the Daniel L. Brenner Scholarly Achievement Award, given to a faculty member for outstanding achievement in scholarship. This year's winner was Maureen Walsh, Ph.D., associate professor of theology and religious studies, whose book, "Grieving Pregnancy: Memorializing Loss in Japanese Buddhism and American Catholicism," was published by Rutgers University Press in late 2024.

One faculty and one staff member were honored with the Harry B. Kies Award for Distinguished Service, recognizing those distinguished by their years of devoted service and commitment to the ideals of Jesuit education and the mission of Rockhurst University. Willcox said the faculty recipient, Annie Lee, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, has served for years in roles that have helped shape both curriculum and student outcomes.

"A special dedication of [Lee] is the display of 'cura personalis' for students through her work in advising, writing letters of recommendations for many students, working with partner institutions to develop pathways for our Rockhurst students, and stepping forward to work on strategic initiatives, especially with study abroad," she said.

Matthew Quick, Ph.D., vice president of student development, was honored with the Kies award for staff. Willcox said Quick was nominated because of his willingness to step forward to represent the University, including as president-elect of the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators.

"Whether addressing complex challenges or stepping in to help with the smallest details, [Quick leads] by example and fosters a culture of teamwork and care," Willcox said.

The final award was the annual You Rock Award for Exemplary Service, given to a staff member who is nominated by peers for their outstanding service in support of the work of the University. Cas Rohmer-Des Jardins, department assistant for the College of Arts and Sciences, received this year's honor.

5 Years
Cole Bosely
Kristy Bayer
Adam Hollingworth
Laura Horne-Popp
Clinton McDuffie
Gregory Powell
David Reeves
Kenneth Fredrick
Lora Colombatto
Gwendolyn Bradley-Lenoir
Elif Dilden
Jen Love
Kathleen Fitzgerald
James McDonald
Matt Emory

10 Years
Leonard Patterson
Amy Reardon
Kristina Henry
Joanna Cielocha
Michael Marvin
Rachel Derenski
Lewis Hearn
Craig Watz
Laura Grier

15 Years
Terri Haines
Stephen Chamberlain
Leslie Merced
Betty Carson
Michael Clump
Mary Poskin

20 Years
Jeremy O'Connor
Joanna Carraway Vitiello
Julie Harding

25 Years
Shawnda Clark
Annie Lee
Bill Kriege
Matthew Quick
Martin Stack
Robert Hamilton
Robert Vigliotti
Myles Gartland

30 Years
Pete Bicak
John Morris
Craig Prentiss
Emma Shotton
Matt Heinrich

35 Years
Timothy McDonald
Sudhakar Raju
Mary Curry