Director of Honors Program Wins NRHC Honors Professional of the Year Award

AnnMarie DelliPizzi accepts her award for being named the 2024 Honors Professional of the Year in the Administrator Category.

Dominican University Honors Program Director AnnMarie DelliPizzi, Ph.D., has received the 2024 Honors Professional of the Year Award in the Administrator Category from the Northeast Regional Honors Council (NRHC) for her dedication to raising the standard of honors education.

Four of DelliPizzi’s colleagues wrote letters nominating her for the award, saying they are impressed with her energy, her enthusiasm, and her commitment to the students. In addition, Thomas Nowak, Ph.D., Academic Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, said, “As the heart of the program, Dr. DelliPizzi embodies tireless enthusiasm and passion, constantly striving to enhance the academic experience for our best and brightest minds.  Her tireless efforts in guiding students through their scholarly pursuits, offering invaluable mentorship, and fostering a vibrant intellectual community are truly commendable.  Her relentless dedication not only ensures the success of the program but also leaves an indelible mark on the lives of students, shaping their academic journey and preparing them for future success.” 

In addition to directing the Dominican University Honors Program, DelliPizzi is a Professor of Biology, the Health Sciences Coordinator, and the Health Professions Advisor.  She accepted her award at the NRHC Awards Ceremony on April 7, 2024, in Albany, NY. 

April 26, 2024

Marketing Instructor Receives IACBE Business Faculty of the Year Award

Matt Schiering, Marketing Instructor, received the Business Faculty of the Year Award from the IACBE.

Marketing Instructor Matt Schiering has received the Business Faculty of the Year Award from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). 

Ivan Rudolph-Shabinsky, Director of the Division of Business, Innovation, and Leadership, nominated Schiering for the award that honors those who show excellence in teaching, model ethical behavior, and conduct scholarly activities.  In his nomination letter, Rudolph-Shabinsky wrote, “He has accomplished a great deal – becoming a favorite professor among students and a valued colleague.  The success of our business program, which has double first -year enrollments and significantly improved retention and graduation rates over the last three years, has been tremendously helped by Matt’s numerous contributions – including developing and running the division’s Instagram account that now has 1,000 followers. “

Rudolph-Shabinsky applauded Schiering for having more guest speakers than any other professor in the program and establishing partnerships in the business community. Schiering was recognized at the Accreditation & Awards Banquet on April 4, 2024, in Memphis, TN.  He did not attend, but sent a video of his acceptance speech. 

April 5, 2024

Professor Mike Kelly Receives Prestigious Golden Apple Award for 50+ Years of Outstanding Service to Education

The Mid-Hudson School Study Council has bestowed upon Professor Mike Kelly the esteemed Golden Apple Award, recognizing his remarkable dedication and unparalleled contributions to the field of education.

With over five decades of unwavering commitment, Dr. Kelly has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and expertise in shaping the landscape of education. As the Director of Graduate Programs in Education at Dominican University, Dr. Kelly has played a pivotal role in elevating the institution’s education program to new heights. His knowledge, innovative methodologies, and passion have inspired countless educators and transformed the lives of students across the region.

Dr. Kelly’s contributions to the field have had a profound impact on the educational landscape, ensuring the provision of top-notch education for countless students. His guidance has shaped the minds and hearts of educators, empowering them to make a lasting difference in the lives of their students.

About the M.S. in Education Programs:

Dominican University’s M.S. in Education programs have been designed in consultation with educators and they are delivered by expert faculty who actively practice in the field. The curriculum is crafted to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in the education profession.

To accommodate the busy schedules of working adults, classes are scheduled every other week on Saturdays and Sundays, allowing for convenient participation. The program offers flexibility, enabling students to complete their coursework within a minimum of 18 months or extend it up to three years. All programs adhere to the University’s quarter system, culminating in the Master of Science degree (M.S. in Ed.) and eligibility for New York State Certification.

For more information about our M.S. in Education programs and how to apply, please click here

June 20, 2023

Athletic Training Professor Honored Posthumously by State Organization

Shown left to right: Ray Flores, President of NYSATA, Jenna’s husband Leland Hach, and Jim Crawley.

Beloved Athletic Training Professor Jenna Tacinelli-Hach was honored posthumously by the New York State Athletic Trainers’ Association (NYSATA) on January 8, 2022.  Hach’s husband, Leland, accepted the Kent Scriber Recognition Award on her behalf.  The award honored Jenna’s contributions to the athletic training profession.  Leland said the recognition meant a great deal to her family.

“To know the appreciation that her students and peers have for her is humbling,” he said.  “Those of you who know Jenna well know that she would have probably not been overly excited about receiving the recognition. She may have even recommended others more deserving.  She definitely would have accepted the award by speaking at 10,000 words a minute.  For someone who loved being in front of a class, she shied away from the spotlight in general.  I don’t think the impact that she has had on the world in general, or the ATA world specifically, can ever be truly quantified.”

The award was presented at the NYSATA meeting at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.  Jenna passed away on August 26, 2021, after a lengthy and courageous battle with brain cancer.  She was the Coordinator of Clinical Education for the former Athletic Training Education Program at the College for nine years.

January 19, 2022

Social Work Professor Wins NYS Champion of Education Award

State Senator Reichlin-Melnick posing with Acquaye-Doyle with Champion of Education Award outside the Spring Valley High School

NYS Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick presented Lucinda Acquaye-Doyle with the Champion of Education Award during a ceremony on the grounds of the Spring Valley High School on September 26, 2021.

Lucinda Acquaye-Doyle, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Director of the Social Work Program, received a Champion of Education Award from New York State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick.  She was presented with the award on September 26, 2021,  during a ceremony on the grounds of the Spring Valley High School.

Acquaye-Doyle said she was beyond humbled and honored to be among the recipients, “With all of the complexities around the world and the challenges that continuously face our vulnerable and marginalized communities, I do what I do because I feel like in some way, shape, or form, I am preparing the next generation of social work professionals – particularly those that are going to work within your schools, organizations, and agencies – that in some way I am giving back,” she said. “This is my way of helping make the world a better place.”

Acquaye-Doyle also thanked her students for helping her love what she does every day.  The purpose of the Champion of Education Award is to recognize and celebrate outstanding educators throughout the 38th Senate District who have made a difference in our community.  Acquaye-Doyle was one of eight recipients of the award.

September 27, 2021

Criminal Justice Professor Awarded Faculty of the Year Award from Honors Council

Tara Parrello, Ph.D., standing behind a podium in the Granito Center.

Tara Parrello, Ph.D., was recently named the 2020 Honors Professional of the Year in the faculty category by the Northeast Regional Honors Council.

The Northeast Regional Honors Council has honored Tara Parrello, Ph.D., as the 2020 Honors Professional of the Year in the faculty category. Parrello is Coordinator of the Criminal Justice Program at Dominican College and an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Sociology.

Since Parrello was secretly nominated for the award by two colleagues,  the announcement surprised her.  “I was absolutely floored, humbled, and completely blown away,” she said.  “I didn’t even know this honor existed, so to receive an award never expecting it was so exciting.”

The winner of the award must demonstrate a dedication to honors education, be passionate about the honors program, and be an advocate for students. Parrello is a member of the Dominican College Honors Committee and has mentored students in the Honors Program.

June 16, 2020

Biology Professor Awarded National Science Foundation Research Grant

Biology Professor Bernadette Connors, Ph.D., has been awarded a $166,042 research grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Biology Professor Bernadette Connors, Ph.D., has been awarded a research grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).  The two-year, $166,042 grant (award #1950018) will enable her to take a year-long sabbatical to work at the Bioinformatics Lab at the University of Massachusetts–Amherst.  Connors said she will be working with world-renowned computational biologist Li-jun Ma, Ph.D.

“I will be spending next year’s sabbatical with her and her research team to understand how to analyze genomic data with different sequencing technologies,” said Connors.  “I will synthesize that work such that when I come back to Dominican College I can utilize that technology with our students and our undergraduate researchers.”

In addition to furthering her research of microbial communities in Hudson River Valley freshwater streams, Connors said the grant will fund new equipment for Dominican College’s laboratories and provide stipends for two undergraduate research students at the College.  The grant from NSF’s Division of Environmental Biology is awarded to scientists who have accrued meaningful data about environmental issues and challenges faced in the U.S., but who need financial support to synthesize their work.

April 24, 2020

Philosophy Professor Kevin Hermberg Awarded Lenssen Prize

Philosophy Professor Kevin Hermberg, Ph.D., has been awarded the 2020 Lenssen Prize by the American Association of Philosophy Teachers (AAPT).

Philosophy Professor Kevin Hermberg, Ph.D., has been awarded the 2020 Lenssen Prize for co-authoring the best article on teaching philosophy published in 2018 or 2019.  The Lenssen Prize is awarded every other year by the American Association of Philosophy Teachers (AAPT).  Hermberg co-authored “Diversity is Not Enough: the Importance of Inclusive Pedagogy” which was published in the June 2019 issue of Teaching Philosophy.

“There have been significant efforts within philosophy in recent years to diversify, but the common focal points of that work – who is teaching, what is taught, who is taught – are not sufficient for the task; our pedagogies must be fully inclusive if we are to attain true diversity in the discipline,”  Hermberg said. “In the article, we advocate for five principles of inclusive pedagogy: fostering a growth mindset, examining inclusive conceptions of authority, promoting transparency, encouraging flexibility, and, finally, continually promoting self-reflection for both students and teachers.”

The idea to write the article began as Hermberg worked with his co-authors – Melissa Jacquart, Rebecca Scott, and Stephen Bloch-Shulman – to prepare to facilitate a series of workshops and found themselves focused on the differences between diversity and inclusivity.  The Lenssen Prize is scheduled to be presented at the AAPT’s biennial conference.

April 15, 2020

Communications Professor Studies Prevalence of Opinions on Cable News

Communications Professor Dr. Mark Meachem examined 11 years of primetime cable newscasts during his sabbatical.

Communications Professor Dr. Mark Meachem has completed his sabbatical research examining 11 years of primetime cable news.  His research showed that an average of one in every five comments on cable newscasts was an opinion, rather than fact.

Dr. Meachem studied the top-rated news shows on MSNBC, CNN, and FOX News, anchored by Rachel Maddow, Anderson Cooper, and Sean Hannity.  He said the blending of fact and opinions helps explain why, according to a national study of more than 5,000 U.S. adults, only about a quarter of Americans could correctly distinguish factual statements from opinions.

There are a number of ways that newscasts mix opinions and news.  “Most common and most troubling is the phrase ‘I think’ to preface both facts and opinions,”said Dr. Meachem. “The phrase is used, on average, every two minutes of a primetime cable news show.”

Dr. Meachem admits he was surprised that he did not find an overall trend of increasing opinions being offered on the cable news shows.   Rather, he said, the results went up and down.  Only Anderson Cooper’s show showed a sharp increase in the number of opinions, although that program began more as a standard news show compared to shows on MSNBC and FOX.

The research and Dr. Meachem’s resulting presentation at the Eastern Communications Conference in Providence, RI in April sparked a lot of discussion about what the media can do differently.  Dr. Meachem believes that cable news shows should do  a better job of separating opinions from facts.

July 23, 2019

Adjunct Instructor Receives NYS Assembly Women of Distinction Award

NYS Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (left) presented Hilda Kogut with a 2019 Women of Distinction Award on April 8, 2019 in Albany, NY.

Hilda Kogut, a Dominican College adjunct instructor in criminal justice, was honored with the 2019 New York State Assembly Women of Distinction Award on April 8, 2019.   The award honors women who are making a difference in New York State, their communities, and in the lives of others.  Kogut was one of 10 Women of Distinction to be honored this year by New York State Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee.

Assemblywoman Jaffee said, “It is my distinct pleasure to recognize these 10 remarkable Rockland County women.  The 2019 Women of Distinction Awards are an important opportunity to pay tribute to these women whose strength, vision, hard work, and compassion are lifting up others, strengthening our communities, our economy, and improving our quality of life.”

Kogut is a former FBI Agent with 25 years of experience in law enforcement, who loves teaching criminal justice classes at Dominican College.  As Chair of Citizens United to Protect our Neighborhoods (CUPON) in Chestnut Ridge, she has fought against illegal housing and overdevelopment,  and advocated for proper land use and zoning laws.

The 2019 Women of Distinction were recognized in the Assembly Chambers at the New York State Capitol.

April 11, 2019

English Professor Voted Most Spirited Faculty Member

English Professor Dr. Ellen Dolgin was named Most Spirited Faculty Member during Spirit Week.

Dr. Ellen Dolgin, Professor of English, was voted Most Spirited Faculty Member during Spirit Week at the College.  The Spirit Awards were announced at a March 15th  Pep Rally in the Hennessy Center.

Student Christine Ditzel ’19 said Dr. Dolgin is kind, caring, and incredibly passionate about her work.  “Dr. Dolgin deserves the honor of being named Most Spirited Faculty Member because her Charger Pride shines through in all she does for Dominican College students,” Ditzel said. “She truly embodies the mission and four pillars of the College by challenging our minds and celebrating our spirits.”

Dr. Dolgin’s literature courses frequently feature the arts of the eras surrounding the readings, and she encourages her students to incorporate this multi-disciplinary vision into their oral presentations and written assignments.  Her areas of research and conference presentations include modern drama, with particular emphasis on the early 20th century, and contemporary multicultural women writers across genres.

For more information about the English program at Dominican College, visit: https://dc.edu/academic-divisions/division-of-arts-and-science/english/

 

 

March 16, 2018

Professor Teaches Summer Engineering Course in Rome

Dr. Kathleen Hinge is standing in front of the Pantheon, her favorite structure in Rome, Italy.

Assistant Professor of Physics and Mathematics Kathleen Conlon Hinge, Ph.D. ,  is teaching an engineering course at John Cabot University in Rome this summer.

Dr. Hinge said the experience is deeply gratifying.  “To be in a city that has seen so much history is overwhelming.  My favorite is the Pantheon because of the engineering behind it.  It’s just a marvel of architecture and engineering, as well as history, “ she said. 

This is Dr. Hinge’s second summer teaching at John Cabot University.  She and her husband are embracing the Italian culture and taking Italian classes this year. 

In addition to teaching Physics and Mathematics at Dominican College, Dr. Hinge is the Science Department Coordinator.

 

 

July 17, 2017