Campus News

Media Contact – Director of Communications, Rita Elliott 815.226.3374

ROCKFORD, Ill. – Two Rockford University faculty members have been honored with the 2016 Excellence in Teaching Award. The award is presented annually to a full-time professor and adjunct professor.

‌Assistant Professor of Biology Sean Beckmann was the recipient of this year’s full-time award. Professor Beckmann was also the recipient of this year’s Last Lecture honor. One nominator stated, “Professor Beckmann is truly a professor who opens the door for students to excel but at the same time does not hold their hands. His class was one of the best experiences I have had at Rockford University.” Other nominators noted that he consistently will go above and beyond to help students realize their full potentials, even when he doesn’t have time, he will make himself available to answer questions and to help students succeed.

‌Adjunct Professor of Mathematics Tim Wagner was this year’s adjunct award recipient. Students say that Professor Wagner is always accessible by e-mail and will respond in usually less than half a day. He is an effective and clear communicator who never speaks too quickly, and always has an appropriate joke to share in class. One student noted “He went above and beyond every day by asking students how we were and by remembering what events we had going on in our lives. I’ve never had a professor so attentive to students’ personal interests and achievements outside of his own classroom.” Another student stated “His class was so enjoyable, I was sorry to see it end.”

Awarded each May, nominations are submitted by faculty, staff, students and alumni. A five-member selection committee evaluates nominations and selects the winners. The criteria for both awards are knowledge of his/her discipline, respect for students, creative course development, advising, and campus leadership.