SGA's 2023 Faculty of the Year Awards

2023 Faculty of the Year Recipients and the SGA Academic Affairs Board. Photo by Hannah Tone ‘26.

On Wednesday, April 5th, the Marist Student Government Association recognized seven professors for their hard work and outstanding efforts to make the Marist Community a better place.

The professor recognized were: Ann Reucker and Dr. Elizabeth Quinn from the School of Social and Behavioral Science, Dr. Annamaria Maciocia from the School of Liberal Arts, Dr. Zion Klos from the School of Science, Dr. Michael Napolitano from the School of Communications and the Arts, Dr. Christopher Reck from the School of Management, and Dr. Chris Algozzine from the School of Computer Science and Math.

When awarded, each recipient had an opportunity to give an acceptance speech. Perhaps the most touching came from Professor Maciocia who teared up during her acceptance while saying, “Marist is an amazing place to be. The students are wonderful and the faculty is extremely supportive and I am very grateful to be here,” as the audience erupted in applause. 

Interim Chief of Communications for SGA, Grace Mintel ‘26, loved to be a part of this event. She explained that “It was really nice to watch all of the professors get the recognition they deserved for their hard work and dedication for the Marist Community over the past year.”

The event was organized by the SGA Academic Affairs Committee, led by the VP of Academic Affairs,  E.J. Donovan ‘25 who worked tirelessly on putting the event together. SGA recently highlighted Donovan and his team for their hard work this year on their Instagram as part of their weekly SGA Spotlight of the Week Series.

Deputy of the Academic Affairs Committee, Amy Zarebczan ‘25, commented on putting the event together saying, “It was a great experience being able to put it together with Eugene and the rest of our board. We have very special, hardworking representatives on our board who went above and beyond putting this event together- from putting voting/nomination forms together, to emailing deans, to ensuring all last minute details were complete. They also go above and beyond for students everyday. It was also great being able to work with SGA advisors, and Sodexo for catering.”

Zarebczan added to this explaining that she thought that this years Faculty of the Year Awards was a huge success! The Academic Affairs Board received over 600+ nominations for professors.

Evan Spillane ‘25, who was also in attendance at the event explained that he had an amazing time at the ceremony. “Aside from the good food that was provided, I was excited to find out which professors had won for each of the schools, especially the ones I am a part of which are Computer Science & Mathematics as well as Liberal Arts. Lots of faculty showed up and the turnout was great!” 

Tables were filled with students buzzing with excitement to see if their favorite professor would be recognized this year.

Spillane added that all of the faculty members that were nominated deserve awards for the differences they make in the lives of students, but the winners chosen by student votes highlighted those stand-out faculty that are supportive and actively make big impacts both in and out of the classroom.  

Spillane explained, “The foundation of our experience here at Marist is made or broken by the educational experiences we encounter. What more can a student ask for than a professor who creates an environment where people can flourish? I am grateful for our wonderful faculty here at Marist and feel that maintaining this strong positive relationship between students and faculty is what reinforces a healthy, and thriving college community.”

For those who were unable to attend the event, the Marist SGA Public Affairs team live streamed the event on their Instagram account and it is still available on their feed.