Colleen Seguin Receives 2018-2019 Excellence in Teaching Award

Congratulations to the History Department’s Dr. Colleen Seguin for being selected as one of two recipients of the 2018-2019 Valparaiso University Excellence in Teaching  Awards by the Committee to Enhance Learning and Teaching (CELT).  The award recognizes outstanding undergraduate faculty and/or units each year for general teaching excellence, with particular attention to excellence in any of three areas:  course development, pedagogy, and mentoring/advising.  Each award carries a monetary stipend of $3,000. The awards are presented annually at December Commencement.

Professor Seguin was nominated by both Interim Core Cirector Lissa Yogan and Department of History Chair Kevin Ostoyich.  “Professor Seguin has consistently performed at an extraordinary level with respect to her teaching in history courses and the Core,” according to Kevin Ostoyich’s nomination letter. “Professor Seguin combines a rare and effective mix of wit, humor, rigor, and depth in her teaching.” Student evaluations often praise her for the enthusiasm that she brings to the class each day which keeps students active and interested in the topics at hand and creates a positive learning environment. According to Lissa Yogan, “Colleen Seguin is a master teacher who continually works to create community among her students so that they in turn can feel comfortable asking questions of each other.”

A reception honoring the two award winners will be held on Wednesday, May 9, from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the Harre Union Brown and Gold Room.