2024- 2025 winner - Robin Y. Flatland, Ph.D.
Robin Y. Flatland embodies Siena’s mission and is passionate about sharing her love of computer science with students.
Siena University's commitment to Academic Excellence begins with our faculty. At the heart of our faculty members' professional lives is the daily challenge to engage, enlighten, and educate our students. In addition, faculty also make important Contributions to Academic Excellence through research, critical analysis of what they learn, and writing about their findings in academic journals and scholarly books.
JEROME WALTON EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD
In recognition of teaching excellence, Siena University established this award in honor of Professor Jerome Walton, one of the College's first lay faculty, who served Siena for 21 years as a Professor of Commerce, Economics, Statistics, and Business Mathematics. The award is given annually to the faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching. Recipients of the Jerome Walton Award are recognized for their record of outstanding and passionate teaching, for their creativity and willingness to experiment, and for their ability to engage students with rigorous and intellectually challenging subject matter.
RAYMOND C. KENNEDY EXCELLENCE IN SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
The Raymond C. Kennedy Excellence in Scholarship Award is named in honor of Raymond C. Kennedy, second lay Chair of the Siena University Board of Trustees, and an individual known not only for his service to non-profit organizations, but also for his deep intellectual curiosity in a wide variety of disciplines. In recognition of the contribution scholarly activities provide toward the attainment of academic excellence, each year one faculty member is acknowledged for having made a significant contribution to his or her profession and/or discipline. Recipients are recognized by peers outside the University as having a consistent and significant record of scholarship and/or creative production, completed primarily while at Siena University.
2024 - 20254 Winner - Thomas C. Giarla, Ph.D.
Thomas C. Giarla, Ph.D. is a mentor at Siena whose research explores the origins of biodiversity in Earth’s tropical regions, with a focus on neglected groups of small mammals like rodents, opossums, and shrews.
MATTHEW T. CONLIN, O.F.M. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
In recognition of the contribution that service activities provide toward the attainment of institutional excellence, Siena University established this award in honor of Father Matthew T. Conlin, O.F.M., who served as a faculty member in the English Department and as the sixth President of Siena University. The award is given annually to the faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in service beyond what is normally expected of faculty at Siena University.
2024 - 2025 Winner - Carla J. Sofka, MSW, Ph.D.
For 25 years, Carla J. Sofka, MSW, Ph.D., has dedicated herself to serving Siena and its surrounding communities.
JAMES KNUST EXCELLENCE IN ADMINISTRATION AWARD
The James Knust Excellence in Administration Award recognizes an individual within our community who exhibits leadership, management, initiative, integrity, creativity, courage, and discipline. Jim Knust was a strong and motivating force on the Siena University campus from the mid-1970s to the early 1990s. As a student and later as Residence Director of Ryan Hall, his impact on the communal life of the University was varied and pervasive. In 1975, he was named Director of the Campus Center, a position he held until his unexpected death in 1992. A well-beloved member of the Siena University community, he was known for his strong role in all organizations and activities on the campus.
2024 - 2025 Winner - Ronald A. Matos
Ronald A. Matos has dedicated his career to ensuring the health and safety of the Siena community.