SF State News {University Communications}

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SF State honors distinguished faculty

September 2, 2008 -- Three faculty members noted for their research, teaching and service were honored with Distinguished Faculty Awards at SF State's 2008 Opening Faculty Meeting on Aug. 25.

A photo of San Francisco State faculty and staff gathering for the Opening Faculty Meeting on Aug. 25.

Faculty and staff gather for the Opening Faculty Meeting in the McKenna Theatre.

Professor of Design and Industry Martin Linder,(mlinder@sfsu.edu) received the Sarlo Excellence in Teaching Award. The $5,000 stipend, sponsored by the Sarlo Foundation of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund, honors outstanding Northern California professors who have demonstrated individual, public and institutional respect for the art of teaching. The award was established in 1997 by George Sarlo and his wife Sejong Sarlo, a 1991 SF State alum. The awards were presented by Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairst John Gemello, who received a standing ovation from faculty and staff after it was announced he will retire following the spring 2009 semester after 33 years at SF State.     

Linder, who has taught at SF State since 2001, is active in community outreach. He is the founder and director of the Bay Area High School Design Outreach Program (iDo), which links SF State students and faculty involved in design education with public high school students.

"Professor Martin Linder has earned a reputation for a fervent devotion to his students," said Kurt Daw, Dean of the College of Creative Arts. "His tireless efforts have afforded students opportunities to work on award-winning professional design projects, connecting research and artistry."

The award for Excellence in Professional Achievement was awarded posthumously to Professor of History Jules Tygiel for his academic and professional achievements. Tygiel, who passed away July 1, was a renowned sports historian who penned "Baseball's Great Experiment: Jackie Robinson and His Legacy," named by Sports Illustrated as one of the top 50 sports books of all time. Tygiel, who started at SF State in 1978, also was a noted California historian and coordinated annual forums on Sept. 11. Tygiel's wife Luise Custer and son Sam accepted the award.

"If Jules were asked to comment on his research, I imagine him responding with a big smile, 'what's not to like about baseball?'" Custer said. "He loved being a part of this group of remarkable people doing tremendous work."

Professor and Chair of Public Administration Genie Stowers, (gstowers@sfsu.edu) received the Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Service for achievement in academic, professional and public service. Stowers, who has taught at SF State since 1991, helped expand the Master of Public Administration program to become the largest graduate program in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences and helped orchestrate the program's move to the Downtown Campus in January. 

"Dr. Stowers has been a superlative campus citizen, serving on the Academic Senate and leading the department of Public Administration to new heights," said Dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Joel Kassiola. "She has greatly contributed to the success of the University and the College and richly deserves the Distinguished Faculty Award." 

Initiated by the Academic Senate, the Faculty Honors and Awards Committee was appointed by the Academic Senate and Gemello to promote, select and recognize SF State faculty with a distinguished track record of teaching, professional development and service. This year, the committee received 27 nominations from deans, department chairs and staff. Chaired by Abdiel Oñate, professor of history, the executive committee included Rashmi Gupta, assistant professor of social work; Nancy Hayes, dean of the College of Business; Darlene Yee-Melichar, professor of gerontology; Dorothy Tsuruta, professor and chair of Africana studies; Marilyn Verhey, dean of Faculty Affairs and Professional Development; and Shawn Whalen, communication studies lecturer.

-- Michael Bruntz

 

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