ANN ARBOR, MI - Concordia University-Ann Arbor recognized the dedication and contributions of its faculty and staff during an appreciation dinner on April 27. Among those acknowledged by the university were Dr. Barbara Adler, professor of communications and division of language and literature chair, Dr. Jeanette Sprik, dean of the School for Adult and Continuing Education and Jean Christiansen, associate director of admissions.
Dr. Adler was granted the Faculty Recognition Award for scholarship or creative activity. This award is given to faculty who have “demonstrated achievement in research, written publications, public presentations in their field at professional conferences, professional exhibits, or creative performances in the arts.” Dr. Adler has served as a member of various committees and councils at Concordia and has been instrumental this past year in the implementation of the new journalism minor. Dr. Sprik received the Faculty Recognition Award for teaching excellence and campus leadership, which is given to a faculty member who has “made a distinctive difference in the teaching climate of the university.” Dr. Sprik has helped to expand programs in the School of Adult and Continuing Education and strengthen its current majors, minors, and graduate curriculum, including new office campus adult learning sites. Jean Christiansen was honored with the Staff Employee of the Year Award for her outstanding commitment and dedication to the office of admission, as well as her leadership and organization of the Annual Servant Event held each fall during orientation. The servant event gives Concordia students the opportunity to show Christ’s love through community outreach to various non-profit agencies in and around the Ann Arbor area. At last years event students, faculty, and staff volunteered at more than 15 locations.
Concordia University also celebrated the careers and retirement of long-time staff and faculty members Kaaren Kayser, Dr. Kathryn Klintworth and Dr. Carolyn Lipp. Kayser has served the university since 1995 and has contributed to various departments on campus and is known for taking on any task that helps to advance the university. Dr. Klintworth has served the university as a professor in the English department, since 1990. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Klintworth has developed the universities academic resource center, helping to enhance the academic experience here at Concordia. Dr. Lipp has served the university since 1970 as a professor of music. She specializes in piano and the harpsichord and continually promotes and supports the music studies program.
Also recognized were those who have served the university for five or more years. Those honored included Dr. Carolyn Lipp, professor of music (35 years), Dr. Barbara Adler, professor of communications (30 years), Dr. Mark Looker, professor of English and vice president of academics (30 years), Dr. Neil Skov, professor of physics and computer science (30 years), Kaaren Kayser, business office manager (10 years), Beth Prochnow, admissions counselor (10 years), Emma Sleator, Spanish instructor (10 years), Barbara Walther, payroll/benefits specialist (5 years), and Glenda Waterman, assistant professor of communication studies (5 years).
