By Luke Maguire ’19
On September 24, Assumption held its annual Convocation during which three faculty and staff members were honored for their service and dedication to the institution.
Todd Derderian, director of Business Services, was the recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Service. Derderian was recognized for going above and beyond the requirements of his job to personally oversee that each project, large and small, is completed thoroughly with speed and professionalism, often working countless hours, day and night. The long list of such projects includes the renovations of Taylor Dining Hall and Emmanuel d’Alzon Library, as well as the multi-year planning and construction of the Tsotsis Family Academic Center.
James Lang, Ph.D., professor of English and director of the D’Amour Center for Teaching Excellence, received the Paul Ziegler Presidential Award for Excellence in Scholarship. The author of many books, essays, reviews, lectures, and papers, Prof. Lang epitomizes the modern scholar who has already made an indelible mark in the international academic arena and will surely leave a lasting legacy at Assumption. His academic expertise earned him a prestigious Fulbright Specialist award, which allowed him to further explore his research in teaching and higher education. Prof. Lang’s most notable book, Cheating Lessons: Learning from Academic Dishonesty, aims to deconstruct and remodel how higher education deals with cheating through an empathetic human lens – as suitable encapsulation of Lang’s character and impact as a scholar, professor, and friend as any.
Stephanie McCaffrey, associate director of Campus Ministry, was the recipient of this year’s Kathleen M. Murphy Presidential Award for Excellence in Contribution to the Mission. Esteemed by colleagues and students as compassionate, devoted, and thoughtful, McCaffrey has galvanized Assumption’s Campus Ministry program through her dedication to student connection and the Catholic faith. Her unwavering commitment is demonstrated in her transformation of the Campus Ministry retreat program from a handful of annual events to an immersive developmental program tailored for students and alumni of all ages.
