Recipients of the President’s Award for Excellence and the new College Council Award for Community Engagement were announced at the 16th annual President’s Recognition Luncheon held on Wednesday, April 22.
Timothy Frerichs, recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and Cynthia Haase, winner of the President’s Award for Excellence in University Service, were selected according to the kinds of contributions they make to the campus. The inaugural College Council Award for Community Engagement, recognizing those who help to accomplish the university’s mission, was bestowed upon Dr. Christina Jarvis and Jefferson Westwood.
It was noted that Frerichs, professor of Visual Arts and New Media, creates classroom experiences that are many things – structured, challenging, relaxed and yet focused on meshing strong visual communication skills with content driven assignments. He employs a holistic teaching approach, incorporating his own professional interests with the mediums and technical processes of his curriculum that are paired with his interests in global affairs and sustainability. Fellowships that Frerichs has earned along with displays of his artwork at international exhibitions convey that Frerichs has a widely acknowledged reputation in the art world.
A former student credits Frerichs and his teaching and guidance for the career success she has achieved, and praised him as one of the “most genuine, thoughtful and compassionate members of the Fredonia faculty. He is dedicated to educating students and encouraging them to become well rounded individuals.”
Frerichs, who joined Fredonia in 2006, has a M.F.A. and M.A. from the University of Iowa and a B.A. from St. Olaf College.
Haase, agency program aide at Accounting/Accounts Payable, recognizes that daily tasks both inside and outside of University Accounting are intertwined and dependent upon each other, and she is committed to doing whatever it takes to make a situation work.
A colleague praised Haase for sincerity and genuineness and applauded her for accomplishing tasks correctly and on time. The result is that payments for goods and services and reimbursements to faculty, staff and students are made in a timely manner. Her mastery of computer skills is extensive and widely known, both in Finance and Administration as well as at the Fredonia Credit Union. Haase has also coordinated the PowerPoint slide show used in annual training workshops hosted by University Accounting.
Haase has an A.S. in Business, Management and Economics from Empire State College and joined Fredonia as a Clerk 1 in 2005.
Also recognized at the luncheon were four other finalists for the President’s Award: Dr. Rob Deemer, Dr. Jill Reese, Katie Thies and June Miller-Spann.
Fredonia President Virginia Horvath was joined by Richard Alexander, a member of the Fredonia College Council since 2012, in the presentation of its Community Engagement Award to Dr. Jarvis and Mr. Westwood. The award is connected to Fredonia’s classification as a Carnegie Engaged Campus and the role the College Council has played in connecting the community and the campus.
It was noted that the wide range of projects, events and community partnerships undertaken by Jarvis demonstrate her degree of community engagement and energy level. The founding director of the Fredonia Academic Community Engagement (FACE) Center, Jarvis has worked with more than 30 community partners on service-learning projects and community events. As a result, she has become an expert on engagement-related topics and regularly gives presentations on community engagement.
Stephen Keefe, mayor of the Village of Fredonia, holds in high regard Jarvis’ civic, environmental and academic involvement in the community.
“Whenever I have a question about fracking, solar and wind energy, composting, sustainable initiatives, community gardens, complete streets and better communities, Christina is at the top of my list of consultants,” Keefe said. “She is always willing to get involved in projects such as tree plantings, environmental clean ups, and to be a voice when it comes to presentations on social issues.”
Skeeter Tower, of the Academy Heights Neighborhood Association in Dunkirk, said Jarvis has been a consistent and encouraging presence. Susan Forrester-Mackay, a member of the Fredonia Village Board and president of the board of North Shore Arts Alliance, said Jarvis has assisted the village with grant writing, helping it to secure funding for tree plantings and maintenance.
David Rankin, FACE Center director, praised Jarvis as a tireless and inspiring leader on numerous campaigns, issues, community awareness and engagement on and off campus. “She consistently works to integrate her community involvement into learning experiences for her classes and students across disciplines,” he said. “She has played a central role in building and leading the sustainability efforts at Fredonia.”
Jarvis, a professor of English who joined Fredonia in 2000, earned a Ph.D. and M.A. from Pennsylvania State University and a B.A. from Rutgers University.
The variety of programming offered at Rockefeller Arts Center and strong commitment to reach out to all segments of the community and make them feel more welcome has been a priority of Westwood upon his appointment as director in 1982. He also created the Usher Corps, which integrates non-college persons with college personnel for events at RAC.Westwood was an original incorporator and board member of the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, has participated in countless fundraisers and service projects undertaken by the Fredonia Rotary, including remodeling storage space for Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, flower planting in Barker Commons, delivering Christmas baskets to needy families and bell ringing for the Salvation Army.
He was a member of the Fredonia Preservation Society, a member and officer of Adams Art Gallery, and board member and treasurer of Chautauqua County Rural Ministry. Past honors received by Westwood include the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service, President’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service and Communicator of the Year.
Westwood received a M.A. from Michigan State University and a B.A. from Tufts University.
Also at the luncheon, attended by more than 200 people, was recognition of Fredonia employees marking anniversaries in five-year increments as well as recent retirees and those who will soon retire.
