Monmouth College Distinguished Faculty members Joan Wertz, Don Capener and Tom Sienkewicz are flanked by Raj Ambrose, dean of faculty (left), and President Mauri Ditzler as they receive their award certificates in a private ceremony this week.

MONMOUTH, Ill. – To be recognized by one’s peers is a great compliment. That is exactly what happened to three Monmouth College faculty members this spring.

Thomas J. Sienkewicz, Capron Professor of Classics; Don Capener, assistant professor of political economy and commerce; and Joan Wertz, assistant professor of psychology, were the first recipients of the Hatch Academic Excellence Award.

Established by Monmouth alumnus Jerry Hatch '57 of Chicago, the award annually recognizes one faculty member for distinguished teaching, one for distinguished scholarship and one for distinguished service. Winners are selected by the college's faculty and each receives a $1,000 cash stipend.

Sienkewicz received the honor for his work in scholarship and research, Capener was cited for his teaching skills and Wertz was honored for her service work.

MC president Mauri Ditzler presented the awards during a private ceremony in his Wallace Hall office.

Released by the Office of College Communications
Barry McNamara, Associate Director of College Communications
Phone: 309-457-2117
Fax: 309-457-2330