Faculty and Staff Honored, Awarded Promotions at Annual Convocation Ceremony
Marking the start of a new academic year, faculty, staff, and university personnel gathered to celebrate the contributions of all members of the St. Lawrence community. The University recognized faculty who earned tenure and promotions during the annual Convocation and honored several employees with awards for their outstanding service. The ceremony was held outside the Herring-Cole Grove in the Enchanted Forest on Wednesday, August 23.
St. Lawrence University’s Vice President of the University and Dean of Academic Affairs Alison Del Rossi presented the Louis and Frances Maslow Award to Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Elizabeth Margaret Vilas Professor of History Evelyn Jennings. She presented the J. Calvin Keene Award to Professor of Environmental Studies Jon Rosales.
President Morris presented the John P. “Jack” Taylor Distinguished Service Award to Mark Phalen, the director of process engineering, information technology. She presented the Thomas F. Coakley Distinguished Career Service Award to Janet Rowe, business office specialist.
Louis and Frances Maslow Award 2023 Recipient: Evelyn Jennings
Established in 1980, the Maslow Award recognizes outstanding faculty members within the St. Lawrence University community who exemplify unwavering interest in and understanding of the education and welfare of the entire student body. Throughout her time at St. Lawrence, Jennings has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a dedicated administrator, a compassionate mediator in times of crisis, and a tireless advocate for students. Colleagues commend her ability to keep projects and events moving forward with creativity and efficiency. During challenging times, she remains calm and level-headed, using her empathetic listening skills to guide parties and find effective solutions.
In her remarks, Del Rossi described how Jennings “has quietly, calmly, without the need for fanfare or recognition” devoted her time and energy to improving the welfare of all St. Lawrence students. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic she was an outstanding contributor to the Campus Safety Monitoring Committee. In the words of one colleague, “She made sure faculty had the resources and knowledge to do their best teaching so students would have a good educational experience.”
Jennings has taught at St. Lawrence since fall 2002, and has served as chair of the history department, as well as for five years in the position of associate dean for academic advising before stepping in to serve as associate dean for faculty affairs for the past six years.
Despite her busy administrative positions, she never stopped teaching, mentoring a number of senior students in their Honor Theses research and co-teaching Promoting Active Laurentian Safety, or PALS, a course in which students examine high-risk behaviors and issues for college students. They learn how they can become change agents and leaders in building safe and inclusive environments on campus.
J. Calvin Keene Award 2023 Recipient: Jon Rosales
The J. Calvin Keene Award is given annually to a faculty member in recognition of the high standards of personal scholarship, effective teaching, and moral concern by which Keene conducted his career.
Several colleagues cited how Rosales centers all of his work, advocacy, and life choices on moral and ethical value. One nominator commented that Rosales, “foregrounds essential ethical questions in his work with students, pushing them to go beyond technocratic perspectives and to consider their own responsibilities as members of local and global communities.”
Another praised his research, describing it as “a model of community engagement and how to center the voices, the knowledge, and the experiences of ordinary people who live on the front lines of today’s global challenges.”
Rosales’ scholarly contributions are extensive, including over 14 peer-reviewed journal articles, three influential book chapters, and a wealth of editorials, newsletters, web articles, and technical reports.
His post-tenure research has been laser-focused on understanding the profound implications of climate change on the world's most vulnerable communities. He has received two National Science Foundation grants, totaling nearly $170,000. These grants have been instrumental in supporting his work in evaluating the consequences of climate change in Indigenous villages in the Bering Strait region of Alaska.
A colleague noted, "He has become one of his field's key voices for elevating indigenous knowledge in environmental science."
Much of Rosales' teaching is linked to his expertise in climate change. His course, "Climate and Community Resilience," emphasizes the interconnectedness of human society and the environment. One nominator noted, "He doesn't just change minds; he changes lives." His students have been inspired to make changes in their own lives, from sustainable living choices to innovative solutions for a healthier planet.
Rosales and his students have actively contributed to documenting the escalating storm intensity affecting indigenous communities in the Bering Strait. Their collective efforts resulted in the creation of the impactful website, "Alaskans Sharing Indigenous Knowledge (www.AKSIK.org)," which shares the voices of those directly impacted by climate change.
One student shared, "Professor Rosales taught me how to look differently at the world, and he was the best mentor I could have asked for."
Rosales has played a pivotal role in crafting the University's Climate Action Plan and has been a vital member of the Committee on Faculty Excellence (CFE) taskforce.
John P. “Jack” Taylor Distinguished Career Service Award 2023 Recipient: Mark Phalen
The John P. “Jack” Taylor Distinguished Career Service Award was established in 1995 and recognizes distinguished service to the University by an administrator who has worked at St. Lawrence for a minimum of 12 years and who sustains the high standards of performance exemplified by Jack Taylor’s long and distinguished service as director of dining services. Its purpose is to recognize devotion to students and the high-quality work of a well-respected member of the campus community.
In recognizing Phalen, director of process engineering within the IT department, President Morris said he exemplifies dedication, creative problem-solving, and outstanding collaboration.
“In addition to his impressive skills in project organization and complex systems, he is described as 'unfailingly kind, generous, good-tempered, and enthusiastic, always a joy to interact with.'"
Phalen has consistently demonstrated his ability to listen carefully to users and find innovative solutions to their technical problems. “He is approachable and patient, never condescending to those who may not have the same level of technical expertise,” Morris said. “Instead, he takes the time to talk and brainstorm ideas, ensuring that he provides people with what they truly need.” His pivotal role in aiding the First-Year Program (FYP) Office's transition to a digital placement process using Slate was an endeavor deemed “genius” by his peers. Despite his many successes, Morris said, “He remains humble and unassuming, never seeking the spotlight.”
Thomas F. Coakley Distinguished Career Service Award 2022 Recipient: Janet Rowe
The Thomas F. Coakley Distinguished Career Service Award, established in 2010, honors meaningful service to the University by an active, permanent, hourly employee who has worked at St. Lawrence for a minimum of 10 years. The award recognizes an employee who demonstrates high standards of performance and dedication to St. Lawrence as exemplified by Tom Coakley’s service as vice president for administrative operations.
Rowe has devoted 35 years to St. Lawrence. In her remarks, President Morris said, “Her patience with colleagues and willingness to help those in a pinch have given her a reputation as a go-to employee. Her sense of humor and attitude contribute to a healthy and enjoyable work environment.”
Within the business office, Rowe consistently upholds the highest standards of performance, working tirelessly to reconcile and verify invoices within the finance department. Her diligent efforts ensure that all business managers and decision-makers throughout the University can rely on her expertise to maintain current accounts and process vouchers efficiently.
What truly sets Rowe apart is her remarkable ability to identify discrepancies and uncover cost-saving opportunities. Her exceptional work played a crucial role in gathering and organizing documentation requested by FEMA officials for pandemic relief.
Faculty Receiving Tenure and Promoted to Associate Professor (effective September 1, 2023):
- Yesim Bayar, Associate Professor of Sociology
- Ann Marie Hubert, Associate Professor of English
- Munir Pirbhai, Associate Professor of Physics
- Katharine Wolfe, Associate Professor of Philosophy
Faculty Promoted to Professor (effective September 1, 2023):
- Jeffery Frank, Professor of Education
- Elun Gabriel, Professor of History
- Daniel Look, Professor of Mathematics
- David Murphy, Professor of Environmental Studies
- Michael Temkin, Professor of Biology
- Jennifer Thomas, Professor of Performance & Communication Arts
