By Sara Curnow Wilson
5/03/17
Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Department of Political Science Robin Kolodny sits next to her name engraved in the wall at Founder's Garden
Robin Kolodny, professor and chair of political science, at the wall of the Founder's Garden.

By: Sara Curnow Wilson

Every year, Temple University recognizes select faculty for their contributions in research and teaching. This year, three liberal arts faculty members were among the award recipients. Here's what they had to say about their work and their students.

Robin Kolodny, Political Science
The Great Teacher Award

The Great Teacher Award recognizes Temple's outstanding teachers and the connection between excellence in scholarship and teaching. Each award carries a stipend of $15,000 and a commemorative sculpture, and each recipient has their name engraved on the wall of Founder's Garden.

Temple students are my heroes. Honestly. They have such incredibly rich histories and sometimes huge challenges that make college confusing and exhausting. Teaching here helped me realize that everyone needs a cheerleader (or just a nudge) every so often and I make sure to tell my students what I think they are capable of - and this is what makes teaching here so marvelous.

Lauren Alloy

Lauren Alloy, Psychology
Temple University Faculty Research Award

The Research and Creative Achievement Award is given to two faculty members who have accomplished major achievements in research, and one faculty member who has done so in a creative field such as writing, the performing arts, and other disciplines. Each school/college may nominate one individual. All three awardees are given a framed certificate and a $5,000 honorarium.

I am deeply honored to be the recipient of this year's Temple University Faculty Research Award. Temple has been my intellectual home since 1989 and this award is very meaningful to me.

Ralph Young

Ralph Young, History
The Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award

The Lindback Award recognizes excellence in teaching for faculty who epitomize the highest levels of teaching excellence. Each school/college can nominate one individual, and six faculty in total are selected to receive the award. Each of the six winners receives a certificate and a monetary award.

I love teaching at Temple because the students I've met are so committed to their education and dedicated to understanding and participating in the world they are inheriting. Ever since I've been teaching at Temple, I look forward more to Mondays than Fridays.