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SALISBURY, MD---This year’s ºÚÁÏÍø Alumni Association Faculty Appreciation Award winners are “compassionate,” “influential” and “inspiring,” according to their former students.

The SU Alumni Association honored four with the accolade during SU’s recent 88th-year Winter Commencement. They include Robert Smith of the Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts, Dr. Kimberly Hunter of the Richard A. Henson School of Science and Technology, Dr. Jill Caviglia-Harris of the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business and Dr. Starlin Weaver of the Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education and Professional Studies.

From left: Director of Alumni Relations and Gift Development Jayme Block, Dr. Jill Caviglia-Harris, Robert Smith, Dr. Kimberly Hunter and Dr. Starlin Weaver.

“Each year we receive a number of nominations from our alumni,” said Jayme Block, director of alumni relations and gift development. “With so many deserving faculty, it’s not always easy for the committee to select recipients. These faculty members represent the outstanding contributions to the quality education our graduates receive.”

Smith helped one student through a difficult transition. “When my cousin passed away my freshman year, it was difficult time for me … Smith was particularly compassionate to me during that time … Robert was patient with me and told me to breathe and take a moment to gather myself and join the rest of the class when I was able … I never forgot his kindness, and to this day, when I start feeling overwhelmed in a difficult situation, I remember his advice about breathing and excuse myself for a minute. This advice has helped me both personally and professionally ever since my freshman year.”

Hunter “has by far been the most influential person in my life … if it was not for Dr. Hunter, I know for a fact I would not have graduated twice from ºÚÁÏÍø. As a lonely freshman, Dr. Hunter took me under her wing and provided me opportunities of which I never could have dreamed. Her continual support and encouragement brought out my strengths as a student, a researcher and most importantly my strengths as a person … I know she will continue to influence students every day, just as she has done for me.”

Caviglia-Harris “was the most influential figure in my decision to pursue a career in economics. It was Dr. Caviglia-Harris’ encouragement after I took her Introductory Economics course that led me to become an economics major, and her guidance as an advisor that gave me the confidence to pursue a Ph.D. … I know that Jill has had a powerful effect on many students besides me. A fellow alumna of SU told me that she had been on the verge of quitting college until she took Jill’s class. That student will earn her Ph.D. in economics this year. Jill is one of the top professors I have encountered at any level throughout my academic career.”

Weaver’s class "inspired to do great things in my future classroom because of the stories she would share. I was particularly deflated one day because I was not getting called for interviews and many of my friends already had jobs lined up. She talked to me after class. That really helped me, and the thing that most struck me was that she didn’t have to do it. That day she taught me that truly great teachers do the little things to go over and above for their students. Hopefully, I can someday make an impact on my students the way she did for me.”

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.