As a show of appreciation to faculty for their accomplishments within the university and the community, UB honored several professors last Wednesday at the Eighth Annual Convocation, held at the Center for the Arts.
The convocation is "an occasion to recognize and honor the University's most esteemed faculty and staff," according to the Office of Special Events Web site. "The University Convocation also sets the tone for the new academic year."
Provost Elizabeth D. Capaldi greeted the audience of faculty, students, and family and community members. After recognizing several new members of the administrative team, President William R. Greiner presented the UB President's Medal to Robert J. Wagner, UB alumnus and senior vice president, who retired last year.
"He was the go-to guy," Greiner said. "He was the person you could always turn to for good advice. Bob was always there, available for all of us."
Wagner, who received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service in 1980, held several administrative leadership positions over the 35 years he was with UB, including chief financial officer and vice president for university services.
"It's been a privilege to serve this university," Wagner said. "Most importantly, for the life-long friends I have as a result of being part of the UB family."
SUNY Distinguished Professor of English Bruce Jackson was named Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, or Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters, one of France's highest honors.
A representative from the French Embassy presented the award to Jackson shortly after a multimedia presentation showcased Jackson's documentaries throughout the years, including "William's Reading" (1982), "Death Row" (1979) and "Out of Order" (1983). These films and others have been screened at film festivals all over the world.
Jackson has been the director of the UB Center for Studies in American Culture since 1972, and became a member of UB's faculty in 1967.
The president recognized 19 members of UB's faculty as UB "stars," groups and individuals who made, according to Greiner, extraordinary contributions to enhance university life. Many members of Student Unions and Activities and the Counseling Center were recognized for taking an active role in assisting the university after the events of Sept. 11.
"We started off with high hopes a year ago this fall, and in some ways our hopes and dreams were, if not shattered, at least significantly impinged upon by the tragedy that occurred in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania," Greiner said. "On our campus, I think we came through that experience with flying colors."
"Those who received the UB star awards are just exemplars of that group of people who stepped forward to help," he said.
Capaldi continued the ceremony by recognizing 2002 SUNY Distinguished Professor Bruce D. McCombe. According to Capaldi, the title signifies extraordinary contributions through research findings and presentations, publications, and the preparation of students in an academic field.
McCombe, who is the director of UB's Center for Advanced Photonic and Electric Materials, has helped establish national and worldwide distinction for UB's department of physics, said Capaldi.
Mirdza E. Neiders, a 40-year veteran of the UB department of oral diagnostic sciences, received the SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor award.
SUNY Chancellor's Awards for Excellence in Teaching were awarded to Alexander N. Cartwright, associate professor of electrical engineering, Huw M. Davies, professor of chemistry, Cyrus K. Madnia, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, Patricia R. McCartney, professor of nursing, and Natalie C. Simpson, associate professor of management science and systems.
Renee B. Bush, associate librarian for the Health Sciences Library and Karen D. Senglaup, director of access services for the Arts and Sciences Library were recognized as recipients of the SUNY Chancellor's Awards for Excellence in Librarianship.
The 2002 recipients of the Chancellor's Awards for Excellence in Professional Service were Chief Information Officer Voldemar A. Innus, Janina L. Kaars, senior assistant vice provost of academic affairs, David J. Nuzzo, head of the acquisitions department, and Stephen N. Wallace, director of athletic academic services.
Susan Howe, professor in the department of English, and Barry Smith, professor in the department of philosophy, were both granted the SUNY Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities.
The convocation ended with a moment of silence to honor all of the members of the UB community who have passed away over the year, and the traditional playing of the Alma Mater by Norwood Brass.
