University Presents Goergen Awards to Faculty, Staff

The University of Rochester will recognize the recipients of this year's Goergen Awards for Contributions to Undergraduate Education in the College during the College's annual Convocation on Friday, Sept. 5.

Convocation signals the start of the academic year. The ceremony welcomes students back to campus with a processional and remarks by faculty and administrators in traditional regalia of academic hoods and gowns. The Goergen Awards were first presented in 1997 and are named for and sponsored by trustee and former board chairman Robert B. Goergen '60 and his wife, Pamela.

Allen Topolski, associate professor of art, and James Johnson, associate professor of political science, will receive the Goergen Award for Distinguished Achievement and Artistry in Undergraduate Education. Suzanne O'Brien, associate dean of undergraduate studies, will receive the Goergen Award for Distinguished Contributions to Undergraduate Learning in the College.

Topolski joined the Rochester faculty in 1992 and teaches a variety of medium-based and interdisciplinary courses. He is studio coordinator and the undergraduate advisor for studio arts.

Johnson also has been on the Rochester faculty since 1992. He teaches courses in the field of political theory and was a visiting scholar at the Russell Sage Foundation for 2002-2003.

O'Brien, who is also director of the College Center for Academic Support, is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Rochester. She has worked with undergraduate students through various posts she has held in academic counseling and in the career office, and has served as Dean for Sophomores.