Dr. Margaret M. Manchester ’83G, the recipient of the 2006-07 Joseph R. Accinno Faculty Teaching Award, center, is joined at the Spring Faculty and Staff Meeting by Dr. Joan R. Branham, chair of the Teaching Award Selection Committee, and College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. ’80.

Two College role models who excel in service to students were honored during the Spring Faculty and Staff Meeting on March 28.

Dr. Margaret M. Manchester ’83G, assistant professor of history and director of the American Studies Program, was named the recipient of the 2006-07 Joseph R. Accinno Faculty Teaching Award, while Catherine M. Kelleher, R.N., director of student health in the Student Health Center, was presented The Reverend Philip A. Smith, O.P. Award for furthering the mission of the College.

Established in 2002, the Joseph R. Accinno Faculty Teaching Award annually recognizes a tenured faculty member who exhibits excellence in teaching, a passion and enthusiasm for learning, and genuine concern for students’ academic and personal growth. The award is supported by John J. Accinno, C.P.A. ’46, who endowed it in honor of his late brother, Joseph.

The award process, which is coordinated by the 10-member Teaching Award Selection Committee, began last fall with an open call for nominations from faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The committee received 127 nominations, with 66 faculty members nominated.

Manchester will receive a stipend of $7,000, be recognized at Academic Convocation in September, and will have her name inscribed on a plaque at the entrance of Phillips Memorial Library. 

The award recipient has been a member of the College faculty since 1994 and has served as the director of the American Studies Program for nine years. She is a member of the Core Curriculum Review Committee, the Faculty Senate, and the Committee on Administration.

The Reverend Philip A. Smith, O.P. Award was established in 2002 by Paul and Michele Hoffmann ’02P & ’06P, then co-chairs of Parents for Providence. It is named in honor of the former College president, who served in that capacity from 1994-2005. It honors individuals whose contributions have made a significant impact in furthering the mission of PC.

Kelleher has served the medical needs of PC’s undergraduates for the past 33 years. She began working part time in the Student Health Center in 1974. She was named to the full-time position of assistant nursing director in 1981 and was promoted to director of the health center in 1984.

Kelleher played a major role last year as College spokesperson during a meningitis episode that attracted local media attention.

The award citation presented to Kelleher by College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. ’80 praises her for “always providing a healthy dose of ‘motherly love’ along with expert care and advice.”

Catherine M. Kelleher, R.N., The Reverend Philip A. Smith, O.P. Award recipient, with Father Shanley after the Spring Faculty and Staff Meeting.