Alumni Society Awards
Alumni Society Awards Program
The College of Education Alumni Society supports awards in five categories. These are presented each year to graduates and student teachers who have distinguished themselves in their profession. Please scroll down to view a list of awards and criteria.
To submit a nomination:
Send completed nominations to:
Alumni Society Awards Program
247 Chambers Building
University Park, PA 16802
Nominations are accepted throughout the year. Award recipients are chosen each spring.
The deadline for the 2014 Awards is
January 31, 2014.
Nominations received after the deadline will be considered for the next year.
General Guidelines for all Awards
Complete nominations shall consist of:
- Completed Alumni Award Nomination Form
- Resume or Vita
- Letters of Support
1 from Nominator
1 from candidate's immediate supervisor
2 additional letters of support
Nominations remain active for two selection periods.
Selections are made by Alumni Society committees.
Honorees are announced in the spring.
Honorees are invited to a Recognition Dinner during the fall semester.
For more information about the awards program, please contact Phil Hoy, assistant director of alumni relations, in the office of Alumni and Development at 814-863-2216 or phoy@psu.edu
Excellence in Education
Joyce Graham
'86 Ph.D. Curriculum & Instruction
The College Board, New York, NY
Outstanding Teaching
Christine Merritt
'90 B.S. SECED
State College Area School District
State College, PA
Leadership & Service
Michael Myer
'99 M.Ed. CN ED
Wake Forest-Rolesville Middle School
Wake Forest, NC
Outstanding New Graduate
Jonathan Klingeman
'08 B.S. SECED
Altoona Area Junior High School
Altoona, PA
Outstanding Student Teaching Fall Semester 2011
Marie Pierson Himes SECED
Maura Keasey. EK ED
Outstanding Student Teaching Spring Semester 2012
Alyson Miller SECED
Robert Todd Kilmer. EK ED
Description and Award Criteria
Excellence in Education Award
This award is the highest honor bestowed upon a College of Education alumni. Selections are made on the basis of significant contributions to the field of education.
Specific criteria include:
1. Nominee must be employed full-time in the field of education;
2. Nominee must be a graduate of the College of Education (certification, baccalaureate, or advanced degree).
View previous Excellence in Education Award recipients
Outstanding Teaching Award
This award recognizes the classroom teacher. Selections are made on the basis of overall excellence in teaching methodologies, knowledge of the subject matter and the ability to inspire students.
Specific criteria include:
1. Nominee must be employed full-time in the teaching profession;
2. Nominee must be a graduate of the College of Education (certification, baccalaureate, or advanced degree).
View previous Outstanding Teaching Award recipients
Leadership & Service Award
This award recognizes those alumni who have distinguished themselves in their chosen profession, in or out of the field of education. Selections are made on the basis of leadership and service within a career, a community or to society in general.
Specific criteria include:
1. Achievement in a chosen field, in a community, or in society;
2. Nominee must be a graduate of the College of Education (certification, baccalaureate, or advanced degree).
View previous Leadership and Service Award recipients
Outstanding New Graduate Award
This award, first given in 1995, recognizes recent graduates who have distinguished themselves in their new careers. Selections are made on the basis of the individual's advancement and excellence in a new job, in or out of the field of education.
Specific criteria include:
1. Outstanding contributions to and achievements in a new job;
2. Nominee must hold a baccalaureate degree from the College of Education and must be nominated within five years of their graduation date.
View previous Outstanding New Graduate Award honorees
Outstanding Student Teaching Award
This award recognizes an outstanding student teacher in the Fall and Spring semesters each year. (Note: Nominations for this award are solicited through the College of Education’s Office of Curriculum & Instruction Field Experiences.)
