Faculty and staff honored for passion, innovation, and inclusivity

Eileen Radigan doesn’t just teach students. She sees them, supports them, and helps them become the educators they are meant to be. “Dr. Radigan models the very kind of teaching she hopes to cultivate in her students — intentional, inclusive, reflective, and deeply committed to learner success,” said Susan Sturm, director of professional learning, innovation, & creativity at Nazareth.

Sarah Staebell, an adjunct music faculty member, stands out for being an “embodiment of inclusivity” in her work directing Nazareth’s Chorale, according to colleagues who nominated her to be recognized. Chorale’s 100+ singers include students from any major, faculty, staff, alumni, parents of students, students from other colleges, and Rochester-area community members.

The two were among those honored April 9 at Nazareth’s annual Teaching Excellence and Student Success Awards ceremony, which recognized selected faculty and staff for their passion, innovation, collegiality, student support, and more.

Radigan said she’s learned so much from her students — from third-graders to college students, including to be genuine, that playful activities build community and make learning more enjoyable, and that everyone likes pictures of adorable pets. She received the teaching excellence award for full-time faculty. From 25 years of teaching, she’s concluded that relationships come first, saying, “Students deserve to be valued, accepted, and cared for.”

Winner of the excellence award for part-time Naz instructors, Staebell told the audience she had applied to study at Nazareth and completed a music audition as a high school senior. She still remembers how the music department chairperson followed her to the lobby and talked to her and her mother. “She made me feel like the most important person in the world,” says Staebell. “She asked about my goals. I walked away with an impression of this institution and this campus that matters: When people show up at Nazareth, they are taken care of. There’s a genuine love and care for students.” While teaching high school vocal music in the Brighton Central School District, Staebell has hosted student teachers from Nazareth and sees that they bring a commitment to treat every student with care. “It’s absolutely unique and pervasive,” she says. She said she’s proud to be part of a university that creates professionals who are creative, skilled, empathetic, and community-minded. “Working here fills my bucket in a special way.”

French Professor Mireille LeBreton — who’s also the driving force behind La Maison Française on campus as well as Nazareth’s study abroad programs in Rennes, France — received the Life’s Work Champion award for faculty. “She doesn’t just create opportunities, she helps students make meaning of them,” said Emily Carpenter, associate vice president for experiential impact. That includes “embedding real-world learning everywhere, whether students are translating for community partners, teaching in the French for Kids program, or studying abroad” and then helping students reflect on what they’re doing and who they’re becoming.

The staff Life’s Work Champion award went to Kate Schoeck for creating systems of support that feel seamless to students and for helping students realize their potential. “She’s constantly asking: how do we set students up not just to succeed here, but beyond Nazareth?” said Carpenter. Schoeck served as interim director of academic success and accessibility for a year and is now interim director for student access and achievement.

Rupert Johnson, an associate professor in communication sciences and disorders, was honored as Outstanding Undergraduate Academic Advisor for work that is “no walk in the park,” he admitted and requires meeting students where they are and providing support. “I joke that I have academic advising on speed dial,” he said, calling out their support as well as guidance from his colleague Megan Tobin.

The Student Support Award went to Vicky Gebel, associate dean of students in campus life, who works to make Nazareth feel like home for all students. Gebel said she once thought she would become a reading specialist working with small children. But in a job as a residence hall director, she saw the impact of building relationships in co-curricular spaces, including through student organizations on campus, and was drawn to that work.

Xavier Marshall, advisor for the Black Student Union, was named Undergraduate Association Club Advisor of the Year. “He answers us at any time (literally any time) to help us with emergencies, issues, or personal troubles,” a student who nominated him wrote. “He has helped us run this club smoothly, always gives us affirmations and reminds me that I matter and I belong.” Marshall challenged the audience: “As you leave here, somehow, some way, find a student and make a connection.” 

In addition, recognized for distinction in teaching excellence were: Sara Beckwith, Brendan Gallagher, Whitney Jackson, Mary Maher, Eric Rubinstein, Amanda Seccia, Jessica Stachowski, Adam Stearns, Mark Weber, and Teresa Zappia-Sinicropi, all full-timers, plus part-time Nazareth instructors Bradley Batz, Steve Fugle, and Valerie Mostyn.

“I am so thankful for the talents of so many highlighted here today and so many who support the work that we heard about today,” including employees’ family members, said Maureen Finney, current provost and Nazareth’s president-elect. “You are seen. You are valued. And you are so appreciated.”

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 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.

• published: 2026 April
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