The 2023-2024 academic year was a banner year for the Residential College (RC), with numerous faculty members being recognized for their remarkable achievements in teaching and educational innovation.
These honors reflect the RC’s commitment to fostering creative approaches to learning and making a lasting impact on both students and the wider community.
Harold Haugh Award: Mike Gould
Mike Gould received the prestigious Harold Haugh Award from the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, recognizing his outstanding contributions to private studio teaching. Mike’s dedication to his craft and his students has left an indelible mark on the RC and the wider university community. His passion for music and commitment to education continue to shape the lives of countless students, making him a beloved and influential figure in the RC.
Teaching Professors: Karein Goertz, Laura Thomas, Dominique Butler-Borruat, Kate Mendeloff
The year also saw the recognition of four long-standing faculty members as Teaching Professors: Karein Goertz, Laura Thomas, Dominique Butler-Borruat, and the late Kate Mendeloff. This honor celebrates their sustained contributions to education and the arts. The posthumous recognition of Kate Mendeloff is particularly poignant, as it honors her legacy and the lasting impact she made on her students and colleagues. Kate’s work in theater, especially her involvement in community-based projects, has left a legacy of creativity and collaboration that will continue to inspire future generations.
Collegiate Lecturer: Katri Ervamaa
Katri Ervamaa was honored as a Collegiate Lecturer for 2023-2024, a well-deserved recognition of her dedication to student success and her significant contributions to the RC community. Katri’s innovative teaching methods, combined with her deep commitment to student growth, embody the RC’s mission to create a dynamic and engaging educational environment.
2024 Provost's Innovation Prize Recipient: Becca Pickus
Adding to this celebration of excellence, Becca Pickus received the 2024 Provost's Teaching Innovation Prize for her groundbreaking project, "Closing the Loop." This initiative, which involves formerly-incarcerated students as co-instructors in decarceration courses, highlights the power of community-engaged education to promote equity and social justice. Becca’s work not only enriches the academic experience but also strengthens the RC’s ties to the broader community, reinforcing its role as a leader in innovative, socially-conscious teaching.
Looking ahead to 2024-2025, the RC is excited to continue building on these accomplishments, with more initiatives that promise to inspire students, push the boundaries of traditional education, and foster a culture of creativity and collaboration. The RC’s faculty and students alike are poised to embark on a year filled with transformative learning and innovative projects.
