Vincent J. Mara Excellence in Teaching Award

Portrait of Jannette McMenamy of Psychological Science Department
Portrait of Jannette McMenamy of Psychological Science Department

I’m so grateful to the people who listened to me and paid attention to me that I’ve adopted a pay-it-forward approach. I literally would not be here if folks hadn’t taken the time to know me.

Jannette McMenamy
Winner of the 2023 Vincent J. Mara Award for Excellence in Teaching

Established in 1989 by the Alumni Association to honor former university President Vincent J. Mara, this award recognizes faculty who have contributed with distinction to the university’s mission of providing superior undergraduate teaching. Awardees have demonstrated a sustained excellence in teaching, a notable impact on student learning, and a dedication to innovative instruction. The recipients are the foundation of the university’s quest to educate future generations.

All full-time, tenured members, who have served a minimum of 10 years as a Fitchburg State University faculty member, are eligible to receive the $3,000 award and citation presented annually at a recognition celebration in May.

Nominate an Outstanding Professor

All alumni, faculty, librarians, staff, and students are encouraged to submit a nomination. Nominations should be in the form of a letter addressed to the Vincent J. Mara Award Selection Committee and sent to alumni@fitchburgstate.edu. Nomination letters must include a brief statement of rationale for the nomination and should emphasize the nominee's excellence in teaching. Self-nominations will not be accepted.

For questions concerning full-time or tenure status, please contact humanresources@fitchburgstate.edu.

Nominees will be notified of their nomination and must electronically submit their materials no later than January 16, 2024.

Selection Criteria

  • Professional practice
  • Student or alumni evaluation
  • Community engagement
  • Advocacy for the profession
  • Scholarship and research
  • Commitment to the campus community

Selection Committee

  • President of the Alumni Association
  • Director of Alumni Relations
  • Student Government Association representative
  • A member of the Mara family
  • All past Mara Award recipients who are currently teaching at Fitchburg State University

Honorees

  • 2023 - Jannette McMenamy (read more)
  • 2022 - Kisha Tracy
  • 2021 - Elizabeth Gordon
  • 2020 - Paul Weizer
  • 2019 - Randy Howe
  • 2018 - Beth Walsh 
  • 2017 - Kelly Morgan
  • 2016 - Meledath Govindan
  • 2015 - Benjamin Railton
  • 2014 - Sean Goodlett
  • 2013 - Joshua Spero
  • 2012 - George Bohrer
  • 2011 - Howard Thomas
  • 2010 - Jane Fiske
  • 2009 - Christine Cosgrove
  • 2008 - Peter Laytin
  • 2007 - John Paul
  • 2006 - Eric Budd
  • 2005 - Gerald Higdon
  • 2004 - Louis Zivic
  • 2003 - Barbara Cammuso
  • 2002 - Thomas Battinelli
  • 2001 - Maria Jaramillo
  • 2000 - Andrea Wallen
  • 1999 - Edmund Thomas
  • 1998 - Lee Cunningham
  • 1997 - Robert Champlin