College Presents 'Master Teacher,' 'Excellence in Teaching' Awards

The Master Teacher Award, the highest level of recognition given to a Pennsylvania College of Technology faculty member, was presented Saturday to Irwin H. Siegel, associate professor of business administration/business law in the School of Business and Computer Technologies.

Siegel received the award during commencement ceremonies at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport. The Master Teacher is chosen each year from faculty nominees having at least six years' experience at the college. The Master Teacher must demonstrate dedication to providing the highest quality educational experience for students.

The college also presented Excellence in Teaching Awards to Richard J. Calvert Jr., assistant professor of electronics in the School of Industrial and Engineering Technologies, and Walter J. Landen, professor of legal assistant in the School of Business and Computer Technologies.

Excellence in Teaching Awards are presented each May to full-time faculty members who have been nominated by their students and colleagues for excellence in instructional performance.

Siegel began his employment with Penn College in 1998 as an assistant professor. He was promoted to associate professor in 2001. He received a doctorate in adult education from The Pennsylvania State University, a master of laws degree from Widener University School of Law, a law degree from Dickinson School of Law and a bachelor's degree in English from Lebanon Valley College.

Prior to his employment with the college, Siegel worked at Susquehanna Bancshares Inc. in general law practice, at Nationwide Insurance Co. as a claims attorney, at Commonwealth Bank as assistant general counsel, and at Ehrgood Associates in general law practice.

Student nominators wrote these comments about Siegel:

"Dr. Siegel is a very thoughtful, caring, understanding and helpful teacher. I know that he enjoys what he does. He motivates all of his students in different ways. . . . I have learned so much from him. I have not only learned the subject material, but also I have learned a lot about myself, others and life. His teaching methods should be practiced by everyone."

"He has always been a teacher as well as a mentor to his students. . . . Dr. Siegel is one of the elite professors at this college and should be recognized for his dedication to both the students and the institution."

"I had Dr. Siegel as a teacher my first semester of college. Since then, I have tried to take any class that he taught, even if it meant having an 8 a.m. class. He challenges me to work and to continue to learn."

Calvert began his employment with the college in 1992 as a temporary full-time instructor. He became an instructor in 1993 and was promoted to assistant professor in 1996. He earned both a master's degree in electrical engineering and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of Colorado. Previously, he worked for Digital Equipment Corp. and taught part time at the University of Colorado.

Of Calvert, student nominators wrote:

"Mr. Calvert encourages students to push themselves to their full potential by providing (them) with practical but challenging projects that require a great amount of time and knowledge. The subject matter that he teaches is very difficult; however, he manages to cover a great amount of information and still provide students with a very good understanding of the topics."

"His classes are demanding, which in turn makes them rewarding for the students. He teaches students how to be marketable assets for employers. Personally, I think Rick has instilled in me some of my best qualities and helped me realize my potential."

Landen began his employment with the college in 1992 as an associate professor. He was promoted to professor in 1999. He earned a master of laws degree from George Washington University, and a law degree and a bachelor's degree in public administration from the University of Denver.

Previously, he taught at the U.S. Naval Academy, George Washington University, the University of Maryland and the National Naval Medical Center. His related work experience includes appellate judge, Court of Military Review; presiding trial judge; attorney, federal legal office; and director, public defender office.

Of Landen, student nominators wrote:

"He cares that what he is teaching is sinking in and that we are getting it. He cares that we receive a quality education to take with us to the real world. Mr. Landen is one of the best teachers at Penn College, and he truly deserves this award."

"He is an 'old-fashioned' educator who has high standards, a caring disposition and a genuine love for people of all ages. . . . He should be named 'distinguished teacher' because he is set apart from others who are also good teachers. He is the definition of excellence."