Faculty Honored, Endowed Chairs Announced at Reception

“Today we celebrate the work you do each day—furthering our historic mission to serve God by serving our students, so they can serve others,” Gormley said. “Thank you for continuing to walk alongside our students. You make the difference—for each of them.”

Gormley said that the curiosity and tenacity that drive Duquesne faculty research and creativity make the University’s classrooms and learning environments exciting places to gain a horizon-expanding education.

During the event, three faculty members were presented with the prestigious President’s Awards for Faculty Excellence.

Dr. Paul Doerksen, music education professor in the Mary Pappert School of Music, received the President’s Award for Excellence in Service to the Mission. 

Since joining Duquesne in 2004, Doerksen has been a driving force in improving access to music education in our local communities. Most significantly, he created a band program at St. Benedict the Moor School in the Hill District that provides free instruments and instruction to fourth through eighth grade students.

“Dr. Doerksen’s work exemplifies the spirit of excellence in service to mission that this award celebrates, and I can think of no one better to receive this year’s award,” said Dausey.

The President’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship was presented to Dr. Stephen Benham, professor of music education and chair of performance in the music school. 

“Dr. Benham is a highly impactful contributor in string education and a respected leader in the larger music community. His scholarship has made lasting contributions to his field, most notably through his authorship of the American String Teachers Association’s string curriculum book,” Dausey explained.

Benham’s book—used by thousands of music students annually—is the guiding framework for countless string programs in schools worldwide.

Dr. Thomas Montgomery, assistant chemistry professor in the School of Science and Engineering, was honored with the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Montgomery, who joined the faculty in 2018, has mentored and trusted in the potential of nearly 40 students, many of whom have gone on to achieve both academic and professional success. He is highly regarded by his students and fellow faculty for his high-quality teaching and innovative course delivery.

“Dr. Montgomery has set the standard for excellence in teaching, and we are truly grateful for his contributions to Duquesne,” said Dr. Dausey.

Gormley made a special announcement at the reception regarding the new Albert C. Labriola Endowed Chair in the Humanities, named after the late Dr. Al Labriola, who served with distinction as a faculty member in the Department of English and interim dean of the College of Arts before his passing in 2009.

“This chair will inspire chairholders—and faculty collaborators with whom they partner—to continue their academic pursuits and contribute to the vibrant intellectual community at Duquesne University, in recognition of the enduring example of Dr. Al Labriola,” said Gormley.

Dr. John Mitcham, associate professor and chair of history in the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts, was installed as the inaugural Labriola chair.

Newly installed endowed chair holders recognized during the reception include:

• Dr. Joris Gielen, the Eugene P. Beard Endowed Chair in Professor Ethics
• Dr. Xinchao “Steven” Wei, the Costello Family Endowed Chair in Engineering
• Dr. M. Rita Mihailescu, the Henry Koren, C.S.Sp., Endowed Chair in Scholarly Excellence
• Dr. Wilson Meng, the William Patrick Power, C.S.Sp., Endowed Chair in Academic Leadership
• Wesley Oliver, the Marie-Clement Rodier, C.S.Sp., Endowed Chair
• Dr. Janie Harden Fritz, the Patricia Doherty Yoder and Ronald Wolfe Endowed Chair in Communication Ethics.

In addition, Dr. Jenn Elliot was reappointed as the Ed and Karen Fritzky Family Chair in Integrative Medicine and Wellbeing for devoting her career to creating and implementing education, research and outreach programs that champion health equity. She is division chief of integrative and community medicine in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, director of the Center for Integrative Health and associate professor in the School of Pharmacy.

Faculty at Duquesne are genuinely passionate about teaching, and the following faculty were recognized at the reception for serving the University by helping students pursue their bigger goals for 25 years:

• Dr. Clifford Bob, professor and chair of political science in the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts
• Dr. Bridget C. Calhoun, vice provost for academics and associate professor in the John G. Rangos Sr. School of Health Sciences
• Matthew Goodburn, math instructor in the School of Science and Engineering
• Dr. Tammy Hughes, professor in the School of Education
• Dr. Amy Phelps, associate professor of practice in statistics in the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business
• Dr. Stephen Rau, associate accounting professor in the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business
• Caterina Staltari, clinical education coordinator and clinical assistant professor in the John G. Rangos Sr. School of Health Sciences
• Amy Lovell, assistant director for resource development and metadata services in the Ken Gormley Law Library of the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University.

Congratulations to all of the University faculty who were recognized and celebrated at the 2024 ceremony.