Bradley Faculty and Staff honored during Founder’s Day Convocation

10/23/2014 11:32 AM

Bradley University faculty and staff members were recognized with some of the University’s most prestigious awards during the Founder’s Day Convocation on October 17 on campus. Those honored are:

Putnam Award for Teaching Excellence

The recognition of excellence in teaching became a tradition at Bradley in 1957 when Charles M. Putnam established the prestigious Putnam Award for Teaching Excellence.

Dr. Daniel Getz
Associate Professor of Religious Studies
Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

Dr. Getz, who joined the faculty in 1992, is considered one of the most revered professors and scholars on campus by colleagues and students alike. Described as a master communicator, he guides his students toward deeper insight of the subject matter through dialogue interspersed with clearly formulated lectures and analytical reflections. An internationally recognized expert on the topic of Eastern Buddhism, he holds five degrees in religious studies and philosophy. He received a Ph.D. and two master’s degrees from Yale University, a master’s degree from National Taiwan University and a bachelor’s degree from Maryknoll College.

Samuel Rothberg Professional Excellence Award

The Samuel Rothberg Professional Excellence Award recognizes outstanding achievements in research and creativity by a senior faculty member. Recipients are expected to make original contributions to their field and submit these contributions for critical appraisal by their professional peers.

Dr. Sherri Morris
Professor of Biology
Department Chair
Co-Director Center for STEM Education

Dr. Morris’ scholarship record includes 30 publications – five of which have been cited in other publications more than 100 times each. She has had five major research grants funded by national agencies, totaling approximately two million dollars. She has served as an author or co-author of 92 national and international conference presentations and has given invited seminars at six universities. She has served as president of the Soil Ecology Society and on the editorial boards of two academic journals. She also was selected for a research residency in the National Science Foundation/American Society of Microbiology Scholars Program. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology at San Diego State University and a Ph.D. in plant biology at The Ohio State University.

Francis Mergen Award for Public Service

Dr. Herb Kasube
Associate Professor of Mathematics

Dr. Kasube joined the faculty in 1978. He earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of Montana, an M.A. from the University of Illinois, and a B.A. at MacMurray College. He has served on the Board of Governors of the Mathematical Association of America as well as Chair of its Illinois Section (ISMAA).  He was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award from ISMAA and the Certificate of Meritorious Service from MAA. He also has served on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the MacMurray College Alumni Board of Directors, the Peoria High School Association of Parents and Teachers board, the Peoria Girls Sports League, and Glen Oak Christian Church. He has served on the board of the South-West Kiwanis Club since 2011 and is the advisor of the Kiwanis-affiliated “Bradley Circle K Club” on campus.