Western New England University is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2025 Teaching Excellence Award. These outstanding educators have demonstrated a commitment to student success, innovation in teaching, and a passion for their disciplines.
The Teaching Excellence Award is presented to a member of the full-time faculty in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, or Engineering who best exemplifies excellence in teaching. The nominee must have made a distinct difference in the teaching climate of the University in one or more of the following ways:
- Model teaching or instructional support
- Innovative teaching methods
- Cocurricular efforts, mentorship, campus leadership
The Teaching Excellence Award Committee has carefully reviewed nominations and chosen the finalists for the 2025 Teaching Excellence Award. This year's finalists are:
College of Arts and Sciences
- Daniel Bevacqua, Associate Professor of English
- Abigail Caselli, Assistant Professor of Psychology
- Nuwan De Silva, Associate Professor of Chemistry
- Alicia Girgenti, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
- Donald Williams, Professor of Political Science
College of Business
- Tara Grealis, Professional Educator of Accounting
College of Engineering
- Andrew DelSanto, Assistant Professor of Construction Management
- ChangHoon Lee, Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering
“Receiving the Teaching Excellence Award was an incredible honor and a reminder of the impact we, as educators, can have on our students’ lives,” said Alison Castellano, the 2024 recipient. “Knowing that my colleagues and students took the time to recognize my dedication to teaching was truly humbling. I encourage everyone to take part in this year’s process by sharing their experiences with these outstanding finalists—your words make a difference!"
The next phase of the selection process is now underway, and the Teaching Excellence Award Committee invites all members of the University community—students, alumni, faculty, and staff—to contribute additional materials in support of any of the finalists. Letters of recommendation, personal anecdotes, and other supporting materials can provide valuable insight as the committee makes its final decision.
To participate, please submit your support materials by midnight on Monday, March 24, 2025, using the submission link available on the Teaching Excellence Award webpage: Teaching Excellence Award Page.
Each year, a Teaching Excellence Award committee is formed, consisting of three students, three alumni, and three faculty members (previous award recipients). The faculty members of the committee review nominations collected from the campus community and identify a selection of finalists. The campus is then called upon to provide statements of support for the finalists. Finally, the full committee reviews campus input and materials submitted by each finalist to select the annual award recipient. The award is presented at Commencement.
The Committee extends its gratitude to everyone who submitted nominations and looks forward to reviewing additional input from the University community.
For more information, please contact:
Mike Rust, Chair of the Teaching Excellence Award Committee – michael.rust@wne.edu
Jackie Scalzo, Director of Faculty and Academic Affairs – jackie.scalzo@wne.edu
