Lindback and Provost's Awards:
Sketches of the 2004 Winners
Lindback
Awards--for members
of the standing faculty--and Provost's Awards--given
since 1988 to full- and part-time associated
faculty and academic support staff--are as much a
sign of spring at Penn as are al fresco classes
on College Green and flowers and trees blooming all
over campus. Below are excerpts from
students' letters of recommendation.
Lindback Reception: April 22
The Lindback Society cordially invites all members of the
University community
to attend a reception honoring
the recipients of the
Provost's Awards
and the
Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback
Foundation Awards for
Distinguished Teaching
2003-2004
Thursday, April 22
4:30-6 p.m.
Hall of Flags
Houston Hall
|
Non-Health
Schools
John
Keene
 |
Professor
John Keene joined the faculty at the University of
Pennsylvania in 1966. He currently chairs the Graduate
Group in City and Regional Planning. While letters
of praise from colleagues were noteworthy, the letters
from students are truly impressive. A former student
writes: "Of the numerous Penn professors who left an
indelible mark on my undergraduate experience, Professor
Keene is most certainly the leader," while another
states: "A good teacher is remembered long after the
class has ended. These words best describe Professor
Keene. Professor Keene has had an immeasurable
impact on my personal and professional life." Students
consistently reported that Professor Keene's classes
were rigorous, and demanding, and intellectually challenging,
describing his lectures as "elegant." A former student,
now an urban planner, writes: "The impact of his scholarship
goes beyond the four walls of the classroom. Many of
my colleagues in international development continue
to refer to his work for guidance." And finally a student
concludes: "Even at an institution as fine as the University
of Pennsylvania, where the quality of teaching and
the academic experiences are as high as they can be,
Professor Keene stands out. No other professor in my
entire academic career has held me to standards as
high as those to which Professor Keene held me."
David
Skeel
 |
Professor
David Skeel came to the University of Pennsylvania in
1997 as a visiting professor and joined the faculty
of the Law School in 1999. Professor Skeel is already
the recipient of the Harvey Levin Award for Excellence
in Teaching twice, in 1999 and 2002. Both students
and colleagues agree that Professor Skeel has been
a real asset to the Law School and a preeminently successful
professor at Penn Law. His influence extends to the
public realm, with his appearances on National Public
Radio, Nightline, CNBC and numerous other
programs attesting to the reach of his insights and
commentary. In addition to being an expert in the fields
of bankruptcy and corporate law, he is a published
poet and has taught seminars in law and literature
which students have characterized as "inspiring" and "transformative." Several
mentioned how he used a staging of Twelve Angry
Men in his seminar to explore issues of morality
in legal decision-making. At the end of one semester
students composed a song about Professor Skeel and
the course. With guitar accompaniment, they sang it
to great applause, expressing the class's admiration
for him. Professor Skeel was instrumental in building
bridges between the faculty and student body in an
effort to create a real community of learning at the
Law School.
Peter
Struck
Dr.
Peter Struck received his Ph.D. from the University
of Chicago and joined the faculty at the University
of Pennsylvania in the department of Classical studies
in 1999.
He
has pioneered in using new technology to teach classics,
which a colleague describes as "the most impressive
use of technology in teaching that I know of." The
students agree noting: "The on-line unit,
in combination with lectures and readings, made for
an excellent learning environment." Students
repeatedly refer to him as "awesome." Another student
writes: "Professor Struck possesses a unique ability
to captivate his audience while delivering challenging
lectures. He even sang If I Were A Rich Man from Fiddler
on the Roof as the best way to demonstrate the
present contra-factual conditional. And there
was dancing involved." A colleague who was sitting
in on Professor Struck's course describes the class
as "perfectly brilliant." "Peter Struck is a wonderful
advocate for both the classics department at Penn and
for scholars in general because he strives for excellence
in his own work and in that of his students. Professor
Struck is "one of the professors you remember years
later as one who was challenging but fair, charismatic,
enthusiastic about his subject. He deserves all
the applause we can give him." He is a stellar
teacher and truly deserving of the Lindback Award.
Santosh
Venkatesh
 |
Dr.
Santosh Venkatesh received his Ph.D. in Electrical
Engineering from the California Institute of Technology
and joined the faculty of the School of Engineering
and Applied Science in 1986. Letters from colleagues
were effusive in their praise noting that, "Professor
Venkatesh is one of the teaching gems in the department," and
describing him as a "brilliant and dedicated teacher." He
presided over the creation of a new undergraduate degree
in Computer and Telecommunication Engineering and introduced
the professional ethics seminar now required of students
in electrical engineering. Students describe him coming
to class with only a set of colored chalk and no notes
at all. "This small detail of his instructional style,
which involves using many different colors of chalk
to illuminate blackboard writings reflects his larger
approach to teaching: always make the extra effort
to help students learn." Another student writes: "There
are many superb professors at Penn but no one I encountered
pulled all the various aspects of teaching from expertly
pacing classes to being remarkably available to students
together as flawlessly as Dr. Venkatesh. His passion
for teaching emerges during every lecture. Professor
Venkatesh delivered the clearest and most organized
lectures that I have ever attended. He is a visionary;
his spirit makes me believe that in this world anything
is possible."
Provost's
Award
Edward
Crotty
 |
Dr.
Edward Crotty was the head of the mathematics department
at University City High School. After his retirement
from the school district, he came to Penn to serve
as assistant to the mathematics department's undergraduate
chair. As assistant to the chair, he has helped
improve various departmental resources for calculus
students. He currently serves as associate director
of the Undergraduate Program in Mathematics. He has
won the Departmental Good Teaching Awards every semester
in the past 11 years. He is known among students for
unusually difficult midterms and "mind-boggling" Maple
projects. Professor Crotty's rigorous exams pushed
his students to set higher standards for themselves. "I
learned more about Math from Ed Crotty than from any
other teacher I have ever had, more importantly, I
learned how teaching should be." "He transformed my
indifference toward math into enthusiasm." "This is
my fourth semester having him as a professor. I keep
coming back, not only because of my own passion for
the subject but because of Professor Crotty's obvious
passion for the subject."
One
student concludes: "It's not too often that you get
a math professor who can quote Shakespeare." His dedicated
teaching deserves recognition.
Health
Schools
Deborah
Driscoll
 |
Dr.
Deborah Driscoll graduated from Smith College and received
her M.D. from New York University. She joined the faculty
of the Medical School at Penn in 1984. Dr. Driscoll
was awarded the APGO Excellence in Teaching Award in
2000 and was also the recipient of the Penn Pearls
Teaching Award from the School of Medicine in 2001.
Students frequently refer to Dr. Driscoll as a role
model, noting that she is highly approachable, takes
a personal interest in her students' education and
learning, and communicates her genuine interest in
the material. Several students mentioned their admiration
for the way Dr. Driscoll was able to balance her professional
and family life with her compassion for patients and
for patients' family members. A former student writes, "Dr.
Driscoll proved to be an outstanding mentor, always
available to me, supportive and encouraging of my work." Another
student notes that "the lecture she gave during Penn
Preview weekend was actually one of the reasons I came
to Penn Med." Dr. Driscoll is a vital member of the
medical and scientific community at Penn and is a national
leader in her field. She has been instrumental in training
a cadre of young geneticists. Students believe that "she
does it all and does it all very well, and truly demonstrates
the lasting impact that a Lindback Award recipient
represents."
Kenneth
Ginsburg
 |
Dr.
Kenneth Ginsburg received his B.A. from Penn and his
M.D. from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He was
awarded the Faculty Teacher of the Year Award at CHOP
for "his dedicated efforts as a physician role model,
mentor and friend," and the Penn Pearls Teaching Award
presented by medical students "for excellence in clinical
teaching," as well as the Blockley-Osler award "for
excellence in teaching modern clinical medicine at
the bedside." The practice of the "art" of medicine
is what sets Dr. Ginsburg apart as an award worthy
educator. "What is unique and so special about him
is that he is not only a talented and deeply caring
physician who fosters medical education but he is equally
committed to fostering the personal growth of each
patient, student, and resident that he encounters" writes
a colleague. A student writes: "Perhaps the best thing
that I can say about Dr. Ginsburg as a teacher is that
he has inspired me to practice medicine the way he
practices medicine." Colleagues were equally enthusiastic
noting: "During the years I have known him he has done
everything that our best teachers and colleagues should
do, brilliantly, skillfully, professionally, and responsibly.
He regards teaching, research, medicine and life as
cooperative ventures." A former student concludes, "Ken
Ginsburg has been the greatest influence I have had
throughout my career."
Brian
Strom
 |
Dr.
Brian Strom is the George S. Pepper Professor of Public
Health and Preventive Medicine, and is best known at
Penn for his 20-plus year commitment to the development
of epidemiology programs. The programs that Dr. Strom
has developed are nationally prominent and have produced
leaders in epidemiological research who head programs
at Penn and other top institutions around the United
States. One colleague writes: "Brian has excelled as
a teacher and mentor for nearly 25 years, and his influence
has had a major impact on the teaching of epidemiology,
both at Penn and elsewhere." Another peer comments: "He
sets the bar high, but his own passion for research
and teaching stimulate all of those around him to keep
striving for excellence in our own work." His colleagues
and students alike agree that Dr. Strom is most deserving
of the Lindback Teaching Award. His course evaluations
from medical students have been consistently outstanding
and students call his classes "incredible." A former
student notes: "Despite his love of pursuing rigorous
academic epidemiologic question, his main concern is
that his students get what they want out of their careers
and more broadly out of their lives. Although I have
had a number of excellent teachers at a number of schools,
Professor Strom is in a different league." He
is simply an outstanding educator.
Corinne
Sweeney
 |
Dr.
Corinne Sweeney came to Penn in 1978 as an intern and
joined the faculty of the veterinary school in 1981.
Dr. Sweeney is already the recipient of the Norden
Distinguished Teaching Award and the Executive Board
of Alumni's Excellence in Teaching Award. She and her
husband, Ray, were honored by being selected by the
Class of '03 to deliver the Commencement Address at
the Vet School. Colleagues praised her contributions
by noting that "as a role model, she has balanced family
and career with civic duties, such as her local school
board presidency that shows her interest in education
and teaching as wildly distributed." A former student
writes: "Although it has been over 24 years since I
have been in a classroom, I can clearly recall the
infectious enthusiasm for the subject matter that Dr.
Sweeney brought to her teaching. There is no doubt
in my mind that the career path of many of my classmates
has been influenced and altered by the distinguished
teaching of Dr. Sweeney." Her course evaluations are
filled with superlatives: "the best professor I ever
had," "Absolutely love her! Can she teach all of our
classes?" "Without question one of the best professors
I have had at Penn." "She is superb!" A colleague concludes "Clearly
Dr. Sweeney has demonstrated outstanding service as
a veterinary educator and is truly deserving of the
Lindback Award."
Provost's
Award
Deborah
Becker
 |
Ms.
Deborah Becker has been a member of the School of Nursing
faculty for nine years and is currently acting as Interim
Director of the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program.
During her time at Penn, Ms. Becker has served in a
broad range of roles including classroom lecturer,
seminar leader, clinical preceptor, laboratory instructor,
and program assistant. More notably, she has
served as an expert critical care nurse role model
for students who are considering a career in this field.
Her passion for nursing is described as "infectious" and
her mentoring of the students "unfailing." Ms. Becker's
enthusiasm for teaching is well recognized by her students.
One student writes: "She has the unique ability of
making the most complex topics easily understandable
for students, while keeping them actively engaged in
conversation, and engrossed in scientific inquiry." She
holds a practical perspective and an innate ability
to relate theory to true life practice. She demonstrates
exceptional commitment to the students as well as to
the School of Nursing. While highly admired by her
students, Ms. Becker is equally respected by her colleagues.
One colleague notes that she is articulate and "highly
competent Š with high internal standards about the
need for excellence in teaching and critical care." Another
nursing school colleague writes "she is an asset not
only to the School of Nursing but to the profession
at large."
Christian R. and
Mary F. Lindback Awards at the University
of Pennsylvania:
Awarded
for Distinguished Teaching
The Lindback
Awards for distinguished Teaching at the University
of Pennsylvania were established
in 1961 with the help of the Christian R. and
Mary F. Lindback Foundation. Christian Lindback
was President and principal of Abbotts Dairies
Inc. and a Trustee of Bucknell University. The
Foundation established Lindback Awards for Distinguished
Teaching at colleges and universities throughout
the Abbotts Dairies Inc.'s service area in New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and
Virginia.
The University of Pennsylvania normally gives
out eight Lindback awards each year, divided
evenly between health-related disciplines and
all other departments and divisions. Award winners
are determined by nominations and recommendations
made by faculty and students in December based
on certain guidelines. Two separate committees,
one in the Health Schools and one in the Non-Health
Schools consisting of six previous award winners
and four students, carefully decide among the
nominees. Winners receive a Lindback Foundation
scroll and a cash award of $3,000. During the
1960s, Lindback awards were presented at Commencement.
During the
1970s, previous winners of the Lindback Award
organized themselves into a Lindback Society
which supported efforts to improve teaching and
hosted an annual reception for Lindback Award
winners after the actual presentation of the
awards at Hey Day (May 1) Ceremonies. Currently,
the Provost presents Lindback awards at a reception
in late April. The Lindback Society was revived
in the late 1980s and sponsored, in conjunction
with the College of Arts and Sciences, essays
by faculty members on teaching that are published
as "Talk About Teaching and Learning" in Almanac,
the University's journal of record.
--Adapted From the University Archives
and Records Center website,
www.archives.upenn.edu/histy/notables/awards/lindback.html
The Provost's Awards
In October of 1987, the Office of the Provost
announced the establishment of two additional
Penn teaching awards--one in a Health School and
one in a Non-Health School--to be given annually
in recognition of distinguished teaching by associated
faculty or academic support staff. The guidelines
for the selection of the award recipients are
the same as those given for the Lindback Awards,
and the selection processes and deadlines are
the same. The first recipients for the Provost's
Awards were Nora Magid of SAS and Paul Orsini
of Veterinary Medicine (Almanac April
5, 1988). |
