The Dr. Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award is given each year to a professor who exemplifies the highest traditions of teaching.
Distinguished Professor of Biology Dr. Adam Pack was awarded the coveted Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award at the university’s 2024 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony.
The Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award is bestowed annually at Utica University. Instituted in 1974 through a gift from a friend of the college, the Crisafulli Award is considered Utica University’s finest tribute to a faculty member. The recipient is chosen through nominations made by faculty colleagues and through a rigorous review by past recipients of the honor along with this year’s valedictorians.
Dr. Pack is described by colleagues as a teacher who creates a classroom environment “of respect and inclusivity” where “asking questions is encouraged,” a dedicated instructor with “an indescribable knack for communicating to students and working with [them] to bring out their true potential and successes.”
“In addition to exemplary teaching, [Dr. Pack] has a strong record of scholarly activity involving students in research, many of whom have published their research and regularly present their research projects at intramural, regional, national, and international scientific conferences,” remarked Utica University President Dr. Todd Pfannestiel.
One student noted that he “displays incredible working and expressive knowledge of the subject matter and is able to condense it in an easily digestible way . . .making engaging in the classes easy.” A colleague added that the recipient loves teaching and interacting with students, whether it’s in the classroom, the office, or by having “casual conversations of varying topics with them in the hallway seating areas.”
The Dr. Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award is given each year to a professor who exemplifies the highest traditions of teaching. Since teaching is our first priority at Utica University, this award is recognized as the University’s finest tribute to a faculty member. Recipients of the Crisafulli Award have demonstrated excellence in pedagogy, superior knowledge in their discipline, and a high degree of engagement in teaching-related activities such as curriculum development, research, and advising/mentoring.
A student who benefitted from having Dr. Pack as a mentor said in their nomination that “Every student should have him involved in their lives. He takes pride in advising and is dedicated to helping his students find their place in the world after graduation.”
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