Three College Faculty Honored for Teaching

Bender, a lecturer in the University Writing Program, is recognized for the breadth and excellence of her teaching, as well as her support of students beyond her classroom, including mentorship of students going on to graduate school and study abroad programs. She demonstrates remarkable leadership inside and outside the classroom in an academic unit that is vital to the university’s educational mission. Her dedication to helping students develop lifelong practices of writing — and her generosity and compassion that students and colleagues describe in their reviews — distinguish her as a remarkable teacher.

Fondly called “Dr. O,” Department of Sociology lecturer Orzechowicz is recognized for his excellent teaching. Fostering a collaborative classroom community, students meet rigorous course demands through thoughtfully designed, dynamic learning experiences. Colleagues praise his instruction as “an innovative and multidimensional pedagogical approach that engages students across different learning modalities and challenges them to think actively in order to learn.” As a cultural sociologist, he bridges theory and practice by engaging undergraduates in research opportunities in ethnography, archival research and survey methodology. Nominated by both colleagues and students, Dr. O’s passion and energy have positively impacted students’ personal growth and their development as scholars.

A Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Scalettar is recognized for his dedication to the academic and professional development of his students. He not only displays an immense attention to detail in his lectures and notes, but also serves as a mentor, research advisor and support system for undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students alike. He engages his students in both entry-level and advanced-level physics courses, encouraging attendance through social events and study groups, and continuously puts his students first and inspires them to reach their full potential.