51³ÉÈË

The Dr. V. James Dinardo Award for Excellence In Teaching was established in 1984 by the Alumni Association in honor of Dr. V. James DiNardo, ‘39, Executive Vice President Emeritus. Each year, it is presented to a current full-time faculty member in recognition of excellence in teaching. Each awardee receives a plaque and a cash award at the Awards for Academic Excellence Ceremony in the spring.

Eligibility Requirements

Full-time faculty must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

• taught at 51³ÉÈË for at least three years
• not currently being evaluated for tenure or promotion
• not currently on sabbatical leave or leave of absence
• not a winner of the Presidential Award for Distinguished Teaching

A faculty member may receive this award only once during their 51³ÉÈË career.

DiNardo Award Timeline

• DiNardo Awards Nominations Process Open
• Feb 1: Nomination Period Closes
•  DiNardo Awards Committee Reviews Nominations and and Makes Recommendations
• Awards are Announced at the Academic Excellence Ceremony in the spring

Nomination Process

Administrators, faculty, students and alumni may nominate more than one candidate, but self-nomination is not permitted. (Note: Students are encouraged to collaborate on a group letter that addresses each of the criteria below). They do not need to notify the person or obtain their consent, but they are free to do so.  A nomination letter should specify how the faculty member demonstrates each of the following:

• mastery of the discipline and/or subject matter 
• an enthusiastic and intellectually stimulating teaching style
• empathy for and keen interest in students
• effective modes of communication
• meaningful evaluation of students' progress

Please  no later than Monday February 1, 2021 at 11:59 pm.

Selection Process

The DiNardo Awards Committee will determine the finalists and the Executive Director of the Office of Alumni and Development make a recommendation to the President. 

DiNardo Awards Committee Members

This committee consists of the following members (or their designees):

• Two previous DiNardo Award winners 
• Student representative who is the member of the 51³ÉÈË Foundation Board
• Bridgewater Alumni Association Representative
• Director of Alumni and Student Engagement
• A representative for the DiNardo Family
• Associate Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs (chairperson)