The recipients of this year’s awards for outstanding School of Professional Studies (SPS) students and faculty were announced as part of Clark University’s Commencement celebrations. The event included undergraduate and graduate honorees.

“It gives me great pleasure to celebrate this year’s accomplished award winners.”

“We recognize the excellence of our students and faculty, and the positive influence they have on our campus and in our community,” said John LaBrie, dean of the SPS and associate provost for graduate studies and international programs.

Tiffany Vo, MSC ’24 was recognized with the Fern Johnson Award, which is given annually to an Accelerated Degree Program student who has excelled in academics and who has also positively influenced their community. Tiffany’s academic journey has been marked by dedication and a thirst for knowledge, including a double major in English and Marketing and a semester abroad in Seoul, South Korea. As an SPS Peer Mentor and Graduate Assistant in the Office of Study Abroad, she has provided invaluable support to her peers and to the SPS staff.

Varshitha Manjunath, MSDA ‘24, received the Laura Myers Community Service Award, which is given to a graduate student who has made significant contributions to the local community through their time, actions, talents, and dedication. Varshitha was instrumental in promoting mental health and wellness among Clark students through yoga, providing a safe and nurturing space for self-love and mindfulness. Additionally, Varshitha actively participated in disaster relief efforts, and dedicates her time weekly to serving at Mustard Seed, addressing food insecurity within our local community.

The newest members of two SPS honor societies – the Alpha Epsilon Lambda Graduate Honor Society and the Alpha Sigma Lambda Undergraduate Honor Society – were inducted at the ceremony. (The full member list is available below). Certificates for outstanding academic performance were presented to students with the highest GPA in their major or program, as well.

Three SPS faculty members also received awards, based on votes by their students.

Dr. Ali Maalaoui earned the Fiat Lux Award, which honors an up-and-coming faculty member who embraces new ideas and approaches to teaching. Dr. Ali Maalaoui’s students described him as “passionate about his work” and “encouraging”.  One student wrote, “I aspire to achieve at least half of what he has accomplished.”

Peter Wyner was recognized with the Jonas Gilman Clark Award, which is awarded to a seasoned faculty member for effectiveness and creativity in teaching. Professor Wyner’s “infectious enthusiasm and innovative teaching methods infuse the classroom with energy and excitement, transforming otherwise theoretical concepts into engaging learning experiences.”

Dr. Jason Augustyn received the Semita Vitae (Path of Life) Award, which recognizes an instructor who has proven to be an extraordinarily conscientious, supportive, and inspiring mentor to advisees. His students wrote in the nomination that his “supportive and encouraging demeanor, coupled with his ability to demonstrate real-world applications of our concepts, is invaluable.”