“The awards represent the highest forms of excellence in teaching and service to students, and these six recipients tonight truly represent the best in our community that we are so proud of,” said President Judy Olian. “You are a key reason that we are becoming The University of the Future.” 

Selected from 81 faculty nominations and 124 staff nominations, the honorees represent the very best of Quinnipiac’s nearly 2,000 fulltime and parttime faculty and staff. 

Coworkers, students and family members helped to celebrate the honorees during the 22nd annual presentation of the awards at the University Club on October 22. The prestigious awards were presented to Grant Crawford, professor of mechanical engineering; Hilary Fussell Sisco, professor of public relations; Patricia Norberg, professor of marketing; Elizabeth Beaton, associate director of financial aid; Robert Joven, university librarian; and Tina Monteiro, manager of employee services.

“While all six of our faculty and staff shine in their respective roles, my admiration and gratitude go to every single member of the Quinnipiac family,” said Olian. “All of you, in addition to these great six, make a difference in the lives of our students every single day. That’s the uniqueness of the Quinnipiac climate and culture.”

Interim Vice President of Human Resources Anna Spragg presented the 2024 Staff Excellence Awards and Provost Debra Liebowitz presented the 2024 Faculty Excellence Awards. Ahead of introducing the faculty honorees, Liebowitz said there is an important commonality among all six of the award recipients.

“One of the things that I think is really important, as we honor the faculty, is to also recognize that staff who are being honored here today are all also educators,” Liebowitz said. “I think people are drawn to Quinnipiac and drawn to higher education because there are those that care about students and care about making a difference, and that’s true both for our faculty and our staff here at the university. Being surrounded by people who care, who come to it for that reason, is what makes a difference in our students’ lives.” 

Crawford said he found that difference upon joining Quinnipiac 11 years ago. The distinguished Retired U.S. Army Colonel taught mechanical engineering at his alma mater, the United States Military Academy (West Point), before his Quinnipiac tenure.

“I loved teaching engineering, but I had a hard time imagining I could ever find a place that could be as exhilarating as what I was leaving behind. Thankfully I didn’t have to worry,” said Crawford. “Each day, I look forward to coming to this amazing place and working with an amazing group of students, staff and faculty colleagues.” 

Sisco echoed Crawford’s appreciation of those who have made teaching at Quinnipiac an innovative, challenging and fun experience. She thanked her students, past and present.

“I really feel like this award is for them,” said Sisco. “Watching what they learn, what they take from me; watching them apply it in ways I could have never imagined in the real world, is the most rewarding part of my work. They challenge me every day to be better. I’m grateful for that. I love watching their journey and watching them succeed.” 

Norberg said there is nothing more rewarding in academia than seeing students grow and recognize their potential. 

“I want them to also know they help us grow. They make us want to do better,” Norberg said. “We aren’t always successful so the times that we are successful are so important.  This award is important, because it came from those students that I now believe I’ve helped move along. I’ve helped them in a way that is important to me. We don’t know always know; and this honor, based on their nominations, let me know.” 

Beaton challenged her colleagues to mindfully connect with students and assist them on their journey. She said connecting with students is the best and most rewarding part of her day. 

“As members of the Bobcat community, we owe it to ourselves and our students to try to make each day better. We have such an amazing opportunity to be part of their story, their foundation and their journey,” Beaton said. “The ripple effects of positive interactions are never-ending. That is my challenge. I hope one day it will be my legacy.” 

Joven said receiving the award was not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the incredible community with which he is honored to work.

“It’s also a reminder the work that we do in the library is critical to the mission of the university,” said Joven. “I see our library as a sanctuary of sorts, a place where students can explore their curiosity, engage with diverse perspectives and find the support they need to succeed both academically and personally.” 

Monteiro said she feels privileged to serve as a welcoming resource to the Quinnipiac community and as a member of a great team which resonates positivity. 

“Quinnipiac really is a wonderful place to be. You get out what you put in,” said Monteiro. “I’m so happy to be a part of this family.” 

Olian said the community of Quinnipiac employees is a form of extended family.

“I use the word family very intentionally. I feel that every day in the way we are committed to each other. We look after each other, not just as colleagues and coworkers but as caring friends. Our genuine concern for our students extends so far beyond just our roles as teachers and advisors and counselors. We all share the commitment that we want our Quinnipiac community to be a home that stimulates not just professional growth and career readiness, but personal growth for our students.”

Due to the help and guidance of faculty and staff, Olian said students grow into different people during their Quinnipiac experience; gaining self-confidence about what makes them unique and how they are going to thrive and bloom in their lives. 

“You guide them to discover the specialness within themselves,” said Olian. “I can’t think of a better goal than preparing our students for future lives that are fulfilling personally, professionally and as people who are making a difference in the communities they touch. That’s what we want– meaningful impact in all that we do; in the small ways and the big ways that our students, our graduates and ourselves impact others.”