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Biology Faculty receives the Darlene E. McCown Faculty Service Award

The Darlene E. McCown Faculty Service Award is presented annually to a faculty member who demonstrates outstanding service and extraordinary caring to others. Dr. McCown was noted for her work as a nurse practitioner at Roberts Wesleyan College. In this role, as in her personal and professional life, she served the students of this College with Christ-like compassion, ministering not only to their physical, but emotional and spiritual needs as well.

The recipient of this year’s Faculty Service award is Dr. Peter LaCelle, Professor of Biology. This is the third year in a row for a faculty member in the Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences to receive this award.

A student wrote: “Dr. LaCelle provides students with many extra sources for studying course material. He organizes extra study groups before exams and goes out of his way to bring us snacks during study groups. He gives us many opportunities to further our understanding of the topic. He's usually available during the week and very receptive and approachable if we have any questions.”

That student went on to write: “He admits when he doesn't know the answer to a question and usually researches it to give us an answer. He's very educated and passionate about the material he teaches, and understands that students might be overwhelmed with the amount of information we are learning. Though he is a very busy teacher, he tries to give us his best attention and he cares for his students.”

Another student shared these reflections: “This teacher is one of the most caring people I have met. He is always concerned with his students and how they are doing in school and also outside of school. I was his student and I have worked with him for two years, I know him very well and I know that he wants every student to excel and be the best they can be, whether it is academically or in outside activities.”

Congratulations, Peter, on receiving the Darlene E. McCown Faculty Service Award for 2015!