SAN ANTONIO • The University of the Incarnate Word’s (UIW) faculty appreciation luncheon on April 1 proved to be a stellar gathering, highlighted by the honoring of a number of “star” educators. Dr. Terry Dicianna, provost, noted the significant impact teachers have on the lives of their students and that “this room has changed the lives of many people.”
    Addressing the faculty, Dr. Louis Agnese, university president, said, “I want to thank each and every one of you for making Incarnate Word the very special place that it is.” He then related a recent experience standing in line at the nearby H-E-B Central Market in which the checker, a UIW student about to embark on graduate studies, gave a glowing account of her educational experience at UIW to a customer ahead of him in line.

    “It made my day,” said Agnese. “That’s what makes Incarnate Word the special place that it is. … It’s all of you who touch students in a very special way every day.”
    Sister Kathleen Coughlin, CCVI, vice president of institutional advancement, announced that Dick McCracken, director of alumni relations, would be “transitioning” out of that office June 1, after 40 years of service. His successor, Lisa Schultz, a graduate of both Incarnate Word High School and UIW was recognized as being in attendance.
    Dr. Glenn Ambrose was announced as recipient of the 1881 Commemorative Award for Faculty Development, in recognition of his dedication and leadership within the Religious Studies Department, especially relating to the mission of UIW, social justice and the Catholic intellectual tradition. Col. Jean and Lt. Col. Philip Piccione were recognized as having established this annual $500 award and its endowment fund to assist in ongoing development for individual UIW faculty members and to honor the 1881 founding of the university.

    Regarding the Mission Continues Awards, committee chair Dr. Paul Lewis noted “Each award is associated with one of the five cardinal mission values of UIW and each award is also associated with the cherished legacy of a person who dwells with us still in the spirit of this community and in the spirit of Incarnate Word.”
    Recipient of the Sister Maria Goretti Zehr Award for Innovation was Eloise Stoker. Receiving the Sister Eleanor Ann Young Award for Truth was Dr. William Thomann. Dr. Joseph Bonilla received the Sister Margaret Rose Palmer Award for Education; Basil Aivaliotis received the Mother Columkille Colbert Award for Service; and Dr. Mary Ruth Moore was named winner of the Sister St. Pierre Cinquin Award for Faith.
    Before announcing the winner of the 2005 Presidential Teaching Award, Agnese, remarked, “The first ever recipient of any award is often critical to its success, because that person sets the tone for how the award will come to be perceived in the future, as well as setting the bar of quality for subsequent recipients.” He noted that 72 people had nominated 33 faculty members for this award, which will annually recognize someone who exemplifies excellence in teaching at UIW.

    Singled out to receive this first year’s honor was Dr. Roger Barnes, professor of sociology. Barnes, who has been with UIW since 1988, is a past recipient of the CCVI Spirit Award and a former UIW Moody Professor, two other highly prestigious awards given by the university. In his letter as a nominee, Barnes noted, “I have never tired of the classroom. Where does the written word come so alive, the imagination see something afresh, a new idea take hold?” The student’s letter nominating him noted that no other professor “has inspired me more through his passion and dedication to his discipline.” In accepting the $5000 stipend, Barnes said, “I share this award with every teacher in this room. You are the finest faculty that one could ever work with.”
    Finalists for this award were: Bill Gokelman, associate professor of music; Dr. Mary Ruth Moore, professor of education; and Dr. Bill Thomann, professor of theology.

    Dicianna announced Sister Dorothy “Dot” Ettling, CCVI, as recipient of the 2005 Moody Professorship. Ettling, who came to UIW in 1999 as an associate professor in the Ph.D. program, concentrating in organizational leadership, has served as Governing Counsul for the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, as well as their General Counselor from 1978 to 1984 and General Superior from 1984 to 1990.
    Ettling, who received her Ph.D. in transpersonal psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, Calif., is a past recipient of an honorary doctorate of humane letters from UIW.
    A major focus of her work has been in women’s advocacy and she serves as director of Women’s Global Connection, an organization dedicated to the development of women’s leadership in their local communities through education, research and cross-cultural connections. She is also active in the School of Education’s Ph.D. program.
    The Moody Professorship is the highest faculty honor bestowed on the faculty by the faculty.     Established in 1971 by UIW and Our Lady of the Lake University, the award reflects the high level of scholarship, teaching excellence and community service attained by the recipient, who subsequently presents commencement addresses at both universities.
Said Ettling, “I’m very touched by this. I stand beside so many wonderful scholars in this university.”