CAS Honors Social Science Faculty, Staff and Students
The College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences have recognized the achievements of social science faculty, staff, and students. The awards were announced during the final Faculty Meeting of the academic year on May 11 and during the Staff Appreciation event on May 16. The full citations for all recipients are on the CAS website.
College of Arts and Science Teaching Awards
The Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Programs and Policies, Joe Bizup, presented Spencer Piston (CISS Affiliate and Associate Professor of Political Science) with the 2022 Gitner Award for Distinguished Teaching.
A student in his race and criminal justice policy course describes it as “a masterclass in insightful classroom conversation about a topic that is often difficult to discuss.” His graduate students are equally laudatory, recognizing not just Professor Piston’s consummate expertise and teaching skill, but also his attention to their broader formation as scholars, teachers, citizens, and people.
College of Arts & Sciences Advising Awards: 2022 Templeton Awards for Excellence in Student Advising
Benjamin Siegel (CISS Affiliate and Associate Professor of History) and Jessica E. Stern (Research Professor, Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies) received Templeton Awards for Excellence in Student Advising.
Ben Siegel,
CISS Affiliate and Associate Professor of History
One of Ben’s nominators noted his understanding and patience. He had witnessed this through three classes with Ben and commented that “I always look forward to meeting with him as I know I’ll receive good advice and be in a better mindset to continue working.” Another student, working on an especially challenging thesis, stated that, “I truly have never gained more direction than when working with Professor Siegel. He has been there for both good times and bad times.”
Jessica Stern
, Research Professor, Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies
Jessica is an outstanding example of the power of a mentor. One of her nominators put it best when he stated that “Professor Stern demonstrates incredible devotion to not only her research, but to her students and to the art of educating; she is constantly trying to find ways to advance students’ academic and professional prospects, and is always willing to provide thoughtful, authentic advice on academic, professional, and personal matters… (she) is one of the most thoughtful, insightful, and caring educators and mentors that I have ever had.”
Susan K. Jaskson Awards
The Susan K. Jackson Award honors the late Susan J. Jackson, who served as a professor and administrator in the College for over 30 years. The awardees embody her spirit in their dedication to helping others and nurturing community in CAS.
Christopher A Schmitt, Assistant Professor, Anthropology and Biology
Christopher has worked diligently to strengthen community here at BU, particularly through his advocacy work for the LGBTQ+ community at BU. “His ongoing involvement with multiple campus groups and centers… has encouraged a more open, positive, and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ faculty, students, and staff across the university, both socially and academically.”
Heather Mooney
, PhD Candidate in Sociology
Heather’s nominator remarked, “Heather has made important contributions to the Sociology department and the wider Arts & Sciences community through her participation on diversity and search committees, her service as a representative in the Graduate Student Organization, and her engagement with events that support the professional development and mentorship of her fellow graduate students. Her work as a founding member of the Sociology Graduate Student Committee has supported the growth of a more equal, inclusive, and engaged graduate student community in her department.”
College of Arts & Sciences Student Prizes
The College Prize. The College Prize recognizes members of the Class of 2022 who have made an extraordinary contribution to their departments and programs.
- American & New England Studies Program: Elizabeth Rosato Jones
- Anthropology: Victoria R. Zdanowicz
- Archaeology: Regina M. Isidro Campos
- Earth & Environment: Keeley Anne Bombard
- Economics: Alexander Blumenfeld & Erika Lee
- History: Catherine Grace Devlin
- Political Science: Esteban Alexander Dominguez-Lash
- Psychological & Brain Sciences: Aashna Tejpal Ranka
- Religion: Luca H. Del Deo
- Sociology: Evan Fu Gilbert
Alumni Awards for Excellence
Sophia R. Poteet won the Michael A Sassano III and Christopher M. Sassano Award for Writing Excellence in Social Science. Poteet worked with Assistant Professor Jayita Sarkar, on a paper titled, Invisibility to Inclusion: An Analysis of the Gendered Discourse of Multilateral Nuclear Weapons Treaty Negotiation.
Farewell to Retiring Faculty
At the final Faculty Meeting, chairs and directors honored retiring faculty from their departments, remarking on their years of teaching and service to Arts & Sciences and Boston University. CISS congratulates the following social sciences faculty on their retirement from BU:
Houchang Chehabi, Professor Emeritus, Pardee School of Global Studies
Graham Wilson, Professor Emeritus, Political Science