By Katie Oglesby, Editor-in-Chief
Thursday’s faculty meeting began with the long-awaited vote on the proposed curriculum changes. The curriculum passed with 79 votes in favor and 73 votes against (51 percent to 49 percent). There were three abstentions.
President Bob Iuliano remarked that he looked forward to working with the provost and faculty to implement the curriculum.
Provost Chris Zappe recognized the faculty members that would end their tenure as department chairs this semester, and those that would replace them in the next academic year.
Zappe presented the Dr. Robert E. Dutton Memorial Mentorship Award to Assistant Professor of Sociology Alecea Standlee.
Zappe shared stories about Standlee working with and advising students that weren’t even her own, and discussed her “excellent reputation” at the College.
He then presented the JCCTL Excellence in Teaching Award. This award is based on the quadrennial review of faculty members. This was presented to three faculty members: Associate Professor of Economics Zhining Hu, Professor of Theatre Arts Chris Kauffman, and Associate Professor of Mathematics Kimberly Spayd.
The meeting then shifted to the acknowledgement of retiring faculty members.
First, Chairperson and Professor of Physics Bret Crawford shared a presentation about retiring Professor of Physics Tim Good.
He said, “[Good] has given much to [the] College and community.”
Crawford explained that Good began traditions within the majors, and was focused on the students. He had many students help him start two institutions on campus: the plasma chamber and the quantum optics laboratory.
Professor of Psychology Kathy Cain presented about Professor of Psychology Steve Siviy, who is also retiring.
Cain noted that he started working at the College at the same time as her, in 1991. She said he began publishing with students as co-authors before the College expected that of faculty members, and was involved in impactful research for the size of the College. She especially noted that he accomplished everything “quietly” and his central role with the beginning of the neuroscience minor.
She said, “Students describe his courses as challenging, tough, and really, really hard,” but explained that his playfulness in the classroom makes them fun for students.
Afterward, Executive Director of the Center for Public Service and Assistant Dean of College Life Gretchen Natter announced the faculty award for community-based learning, and awarded it to Cain for her commitment to community-based work in the classroom and its inspiration for students.
Iuliano took this time to thank Natter for “all the lives you’ve touched. We owe you an enormous debt of gratitude.”
Then, Vice Provost and Dean of Arts and Humanities Jack Ryan spoke about Zappe as his time as provost comes to a close. He shared a quote from Ben Pontz ’20 featured in a previous Gettysburgian article about Zappe, before sharing a presentation about him.
Ryan noted that Zappe had won numerous teaching awards prior to coming to Gettysburg College, and explained how he embraced the first-year seminar program at the College.
He ended the presentation saying, “We appreciate you Chris. Thank you for all you have done and will do for the Gettysburg community. It has been my honor to be able to work with you.”
Iuliano closed the meeting thanking Zappe and the rest of the faculty.
