A small crowd gathered in the lobby of Johnson Hall on Thursday morning to accompany President Dave Frohnmayer as he set out to surprise two outstanding faculty members with crystal apples for their teaching excellence.
Professor Regina Psaki of the Romance Languages Department and assistant professor Ronald Beghetto of the Educational Studies Department received the crystal apples in front of their students and colleagues.
Psaki – who is also a recipient of the Thomas Herman Faculty Achievement Award, which recognizes faculty who exhibit long-standing excellence in their teaching – was at a loss for words after she introduced Frohnmayer to her small class.
“This is very, very, very surprising,” said Psaki. “I am absolutely stunned.”
Psaki thanked her students for her nomination, saying she couldn’t have done it without them.
“They teach me more than I teach them,” she said.
Romance Languages Graduate Teaching Fellow Christen Picicci described Psaki as very humble and deserving of the award.
After completing her Ph.D. at Cornell University, Psaki began teaching at the University’s department of Romance Languages in 1989.
The dean of the College of Education called an “emergency” meeting with education faculty before Frohnmayer surprised Beghetto with the crystal apple.
“I’m so glad and relieved that this is the purpose of the meeting,” said Beghetto.
The award recognizes University faculty who show excellence in their teaching early on in their careers. Professors who demonstrate exceptional teaching ability are awarded a crystal apple and $2,000 is added to their base salary in honor of their achievement. The awards are decided upon after examining student references, evaluations and secret observations of classes.
Beghetto, an assistant professor of teaching and learning, is currently completing his fourth year of teaching at the University. He also won the Ersted award, which honors junior faculty for their outstanding achievement.
Beghetto accredited much of his achievement to his students.
“I certainly could not do this without the support of the education staff, and especially the students,” he said.
Beghetto’s students describe his courses as ‘a life changing experience,’ and praise his warm personality, availability and appreciation for theory and research as a guide to professional practice, according to a University press release.
Frohnmayer also praised the entire education department faculty and staff.
“Great teaching doesn’t happen unless there is an environment that supports it,” he said.
Professors Psaki and Beghetto will be recognized at spring commencement at McArthur Court June 17.