CLARION – Academic achievement from faculty and staff through undergraduate students will be recognized April 15-20 at Clarion University’s Third Annual Academic Excellence Series. The series is a five-day celebration of university recognition and scholarship and is free and open to the public.
In addition to recognizing achievements, the series serves as an educational component for the students making presentations. At some point in their careers, most of them will have to make a presentation. The Academic Excellence Series provides them with this experience and allows them to promote themselves for the first time.
The series will open on Tuesday, April 15, with the Faculty and Staff Scholarship Recognition Reception at 3:30 p.m. in the Center for Academic Excellence, Level A, Carlson Library. The reception recognizes faculty and staff research, scholarship, professional development, external grants, and creative endeavors.
Eighteen Honors Program students will present their Senior Honors Presentations on Thursday, April 17, at 6 p.m. in the Center for Academic Excellence, Level A, Carlson Library. These are the students’ capstone projects of their undergraduate careers.
The series continues on Friday, April 18, with the Undergraduate Research Conference beginning at 10 a.m. and lasting until 3 p.m., 1st floor of Carlson Library. The Undergraduate Research Conference features presentations of the research efforts of undergraduate students. The Office of Academic Affairs funds the projects.
Academic Convocation is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, at 2:30 p.m. in Hart Chapel. The ceremony recognizes student scholarship winners and outstanding academic achievement. For the first time at this ceremony, the Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence nominees will be presented. The Ali-Zaidi Award recognizes outstanding graduating seniors. A reception will follow in Founders Hall.
Closing the Series is the Graduate Research Seminar and Reception, Sunday, April 20 at 2 p.m. in the Center for Academic Excellence, Level A of Carlson Library. Graduate students will present their research at the seminar and the outstanding student from each graduate area will be recognized. The Office of Academic Affairs funds the projects.
Serving on the Academic Excellence committee are: Dr. Brenda Dede, assistant vice president for academic affairs; Rose Logue, executive staff assistant; Dr. Hallie Savage, professor and director of the Honors Program; Dr. Todd Pfannestiel, associate professor of history; William Bailey, dean of enrollment management; Dr. Jeffrey Waple, director of campus life; Dr. Barry Sweet, associate professor of political science; Dr. Steve Harris, professor of biology; Toni Kelso, administrative assistant to the dean of College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Barry Sweet, professor of political science; Terry Latour, dean of libraries; Shelley Ritzler, office of graduate studies; and Linda Horner, secretary for dean of libraries.
The event is by sponsored by AFSCME Local 2326, Academic Affairs, Chartwells, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business Administration, College of Education and Human Services, University Book Store, APSCUF, Office of Graduate Studies and Research, Student and University Affairs, University Libraries, and Venango Campus.