Three Pennsylvania College of Technology faculty members were honored at Spring 2017 Commencement ceremonies for their teaching prowess. Their awards were presented May 12-13 at the Community Arts Center.
As part of the Distinguished Teaching Awards program at Penn College, President Davie Jane Gilmour presented a Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award to J.D. Mather, assistant professor of engineering design technology.
Two faculty members received Excellence in Teaching Awards: Nicholas L. Stephenson, instructor of graphic design, and Mary G. Trometter, assistant professor of hospitality management/culinary arts.
Since the Distinguished Teaching Awards program began in 1982, awards have been presented to 104 honorees (31 Master Teacher Awards and 73 Excellence in Teaching Awards).
The Veronica M. Music Master Teacher Award is the highest honor accorded to a faculty member at Penn College. The recipient is chosen from faculty nominees having at least six years of successful teaching. The award is “representative of the very best faculty, dedicated to providing the highest quality of experience to students.”
Mather, who has taught at Penn College since 1999, holds an associate degree from John Tyler Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech, and master’s and doctoral degrees from East Tennessee State University.
Some comments from Mather’s nominating documentation include:
Excellence in Teaching Awards are presented each May to full-time faculty members who are nominated by students and colleagues for excellence in instructional performance.
A six-year member of the Penn College faculty, Stephenson holds two bachelor’s degrees from Susquehanna University and a master’s degree from Marywood University.
His nominators said of Stephenson:
A member of the Penn College faculty since 1990, Trometter holds an associate degree from Penn College, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Widener University and a master’s degree from Wilkes University.
Trometter’s nominators said of her qualities:
Penn College is a special mission affiliate of Penn State and a national leader in applied technology education. For more, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free, 800-367-9222.
As part of the Distinguished Teaching Awards program at Penn College, President Davie Jane Gilmour presented a Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award to J.D. Mather, assistant professor of engineering design technology.
Two faculty members received Excellence in Teaching Awards: Nicholas L. Stephenson, instructor of graphic design, and Mary G. Trometter, assistant professor of hospitality management/culinary arts.
Since the Distinguished Teaching Awards program began in 1982, awards have been presented to 104 honorees (31 Master Teacher Awards and 73 Excellence in Teaching Awards).The Veronica M. Music Master Teacher Award is the highest honor accorded to a faculty member at Penn College. The recipient is chosen from faculty nominees having at least six years of successful teaching. The award is “representative of the very best faculty, dedicated to providing the highest quality of experience to students.”
Mather, who has taught at Penn College since 1999, holds an associate degree from John Tyler Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech, and master’s and doctoral degrees from East Tennessee State University.
Some comments from Mather’s nominating documentation include:
- “He is driven to make Penn College a worldwide leader in CAD technology and proves that every day through the dedication that he has to his students, and through the awards and recognition that he brings to the college.”
- “Leads by example every day, improving the instruction we deliver to our students.”
- “Constantly pushing all of us to better ourselves and make sure we are all up-to-date on software so that the students are also learning all the new tricks.”
- “Wants to make sure that our program is the best of its kind and most current within all technologies of the industry.”
Excellence in Teaching Awards are presented each May to full-time faculty members who are nominated by students and colleagues for excellence in instructional performance.
A six-year member of the Penn College faculty, Stephenson holds two bachelor’s degrees from Susquehanna University and a master’s degree from Marywood University.His nominators said of Stephenson:
- “Sets high standards for students and is committed to quality work; but above anything else, demands (that) students respect … and be advocates for one another.”
- “Treats the classroom as a real working environment and presents us with real-world issues and expectations that we will face.”
- “One of the most helpful, encouraging professionals I have ever met. He, alone, aided in my securing of two internships, two studio tours, a professional lecture and an awards ceremony.”
- “He has been a real encouragement to me in the program and has helped me find my potential to become a better graphic designer. He loves his job, loves his students, and he loves Penn College.”
A member of the Penn College faculty since 1990, Trometter holds an associate degree from Penn College, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Widener University and a master’s degree from Wilkes University.
Trometter’s nominators said of her qualities:- “A good resource and always willing to help.”
- “Quite analytical; carefully looks at our entire program curriculum, initiating continuous review, discussion and change to further benefit and serve our students.”
- Provides “that first impression that is so important as a faculty representative … in recruiting new students.”
- “A great role model and sensitive to students’ needs.”
- “She has done numerous demonstrations, always involving and including students” on WBRE-TV’s “PA live!”
Penn College is a special mission affiliate of Penn State and a national leader in applied technology education. For more, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free, 800-367-9222.