News Archive

Teaching Excellence & Student Success Awards Honor Those Who Help Nazareth Students Shine

Published April 23, 2018

Mario Martinez and Trista Nilsson are the 2018 winners of Nazareth College’s Teaching Excellence Awards for their substantial efforts in the classroom. Mark Weber, Alison Teeter, Linda Searing, and Carey Backman are the recipients of the 2018 Student Success Awards for their outstanding work done to promote student success at the College.

Mario Martinez is an associate professor in the Music department, as well as the coordinator of vocal studies. Trista Nilsson is a lecturer in the Communication and English departments. The Teaching Excellence Awards are given annually to one full-time and one part-time faculty member in recognition of their work in areas such as the quality of teaching, interest and use of innovative pedagogies, exploration of teaching techniques and outcomes, relationships with students, and mentoring of peers. 

The Student Success Awards are given annually to recognize members of the Nazareth community who have done outstanding work to promote student success through innovation, support, and mentorship. Mark Weber, director of the Integrated Marketing Communications program and the director of the International Business program in the School of Management, was selected for the Mentoring category. The Innovation category recognized two nominees, Alison Teeter, registrar, and Linda Searing, director of Advising. Carey Backman, director in Student Activites and Leadership was recognized in the Support category.

In addition, there were a number of faculty members who received Distinction in Teaching

Christopher Cummings

Lisa Hiley

Melissa Johnson

Nicole Juersivich

Lindsey LaPlant

Kimberly McGann

Melanie Saber

Shirley Sommers

Cathy Stoklosa

Shawnna Sweet

Megan Tobin

As well as additional nominees who deserve recognition for supporting student success:

Mentoring:Chad Van Gorder

Innovation: Emily Carpenter and the Center for Life’s Work

Student Support: Corinne Aquilina, Hilda Chacon, Wendy Fritz, and Samantha Nolte

Congratulations to these faculty and staff members for their continued excellence in the classroom and their efforts towards providing a successful academic experience to our students.



For More Information

Julie Long | Nazareth Chief Public Relations Officer | (585) 389-2456 | jlong2@naz.edu

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.