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Hiroki Sayama, associate professor of systems science and industrial engineering, was presented with the 2016 (ISAL) at the ALIFE XV conference, held in in Cancun, Mexico, in July.  The award recognizes an individual who has provided truly exceptional service to the field of artifical life by, for example, helping to organize the artificial life community, developing valuable resources or facilitating administration of ISAL.

Sandro Sticca, professor of French and comparative literature and professor of letters, was honored by the Abbruzzese Men’s Social Club of ßÙßÇÂþ»­ at a special recognition ceremony Sunday, July 10. He was presented with a plaque that reads: In recognition of Professor Sandro Sticca, in appreciation for your years of dedicated service, loyalty and outstanding accomplishments. You make us all proud that you are our ambassador for the Abbruzzese Men’s Social Club of ßÙßÇÂþ»­, N.Y.  In his role with the club, Sticca is the designated ambassador responsible for cultural initiatives.

Ross Geoghegan, research professor and chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, gave his inaugural lecture as a foreign member of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts on May 26, at the Academy’s headquarters in Skopje, Macedonia. The title of the lecture was “Curvature and Group Theory.”

Mark Rifenbury, a Sodexo employee in College-in-the-Woods, was recently honored with a STAR Award, which recognizes, affirms and supports examples of outstanding quality service by an faculty or staff member within the University community. His nominators note that he “goes above and beyond in making our weekly Table Française language table the great success that it is.” For being recognized with a STAR (Service, Tradition, Awards, Recognition) Award, Rifenbury received a letter from President Harvey Stenger, a STAR coffee mug, a check for $50 and a gold STAR pin. For additional information on the STAR Award and how to nominate someone, .

Susan Appe, assistant professor of public administration, was awarded a Dr. Nuala McGann Drescher Affirmative Action/Diversity Leave for fall 2016. Appe will continue with several research projects on topics related to the role of organizational networks in sustainable development in Latin America and the provision of public goods and services by nongovernmental organizations.

Her research adds to the University’s growing expertise in sustainable communities and contributes to its international partnerships in Latin America. The leave leverages Appe’s Fulbright U.S. Scholar Grant hosted by Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar in Quito, Ecuador during the summers of 2015 and 2016.

The Drescher Leave enhances employment opportunities for professionals and academics who are preparing for permanent or continuing appointments.

Joseph Leeson-Schatz, director of debate, was awarded the Brownlee Lifetime Achievement Award by the Cross-Examination Debate Association at a ceremony April 3. The award is given to a forensic educator who demonstrates outstanding achievement in scholarship, education and service and is one of the highest honors a director of debate can receive.