Reflections Magazine Issue #60 - Fall 2003 | Page 14

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Faculty/Staff
News

12

Teaching Awards Honor Three
for Impact In the Classroom
Three faculty members in the College of Arts and Sciences
received the Eileen K. Rice Award for Outstanding Teaching at
Honors Convocation on the main campus this past spring.
Claudia Blanchard, associate professor of marketing, was
honored as “an excellent listener who demonstrates respect for
the thoughts and opinions of students” and who is “always
approachable and available for guidance and direction.” She
was recognized as a role model for the Siena mission for her
insistence on putting learning into action.

Claudia Blanchard

Marilee Ewing, OP ’65, assistant professor of education, was
honored for “creating an atmosphere that promotes confidence,
understanding, and professionalism.” She was applauded for
helping her students embrace personal growth, constructive
criticism, and ever-more-challenging goals in order to become
exemplary educators.
Melissa Sissen ’77, associate professor of library science,
was recognized as “that dependable and knowledgeable librarian
who is willing to go the extra mile” to help students locate critical
resources. Her encouragement and support inspire students
to “persevere and succeed in the face of very daunting
research challenges.”

Marilee Ewing, OP

Staff Honored for Effort and Impact
Two Siena Heights University employees were honored this
spring with the annual Staff Excellence Award:
Bridget McKeon,
secretary in the
advancement
office since 1997,
was recognized
for being reliable,
cheerful, friendly
and flexible,
especially through
periods of major
change in the
department.
Melissa Sissen with Dean Sharon Weber

Cindy Birdwell,
director of security
since 1999, was
honored as someone
who implements
positive change,
fosters teamwork,
and focuses on
customer service.
This spring she
took on added
responsibility for
conferences and
facilities.