Temple University honored faculty members for their excellence in teaching, research and creativity at a recent awards ceremony.

The Faculty Awards Luncheon on April 14 celebrated educators and scholars whose accomplishments include pioneering ways to reverse the effects of heart failure, guiding Congress in its work on refining tax laws, and inspiring students to succeed in class and in their careers.

See the sidebar for the full list of award winners.

Faculty momentum

In recognizing the honorees, Temple President Neil D. Theobald observed that many are remembered by their students as the best professor I ever had.

People love to talk about their favorite professors, Theobald said. A number of people in this room are the people who come up in those conversations.

Theobald added that the awardees demonstrate how faculty are igniting Temple s momentum. In the past five years, faculty have led Temple to a 32 percent rise in federal research funding, which, Theobald noted, has come at a time of increased competition for federal awards.

In addition, more than $7 million in private philanthropy was raised for faculty last year, setting a new record.

Selection process

The award winners were selected by a committee that reviewed nomination letters from faculty members, alumni and students. Student course evaluations were used in the selection process for teaching awards.

All winners received a commemorative gift and a monetary reward in recognition of their outstanding contributions. The Great Teacher Award winner, Peter Axelrod, received a piece of glass art inscribed with words such as innovation and leadership. The piece was designed by Daniel Cutrone, assistant professor of glass.

Provost Hai-Lung Dai said during the luncheon that the awardees are pushing Temple to new heights.

The quality of a Temple education continues to rise, Dai said. Your work is making an impact on the university and our students, who are getting a better education because of you.