Awards
The Metcalf Cup and Prize and Metcalf Awards for Excellence in Teaching
The Metcalf Cup, Prize, and Awards were established in 1973 by a gift from the late Dr. Arthur G. B. Metcalf to create “a systematic procedure for the review of the quality of teaching at Boston University and the identification and advancement of those members of the faculty who excel as teachers.” Excellence in teaching requires mastery of the subject matter, lucidity of exposition, and thorough, thoughtful evaluation of student work.
Recipients
Peyton Richter Awards
The Richter Award was established in 1988 and made possible by the gift of the Professors Fund given to the College by Gary Kraut (CGS’64, COM’66), one of the College’s distinguished alumni.
The Richter Award, derived from the Professors Fund, honors the vital contributions made by Professor Peyton Richter to interdisciplinary teaching for nearly four decades. Recipients are recognized for their excellence in interdisciplinary teaching.
Recipients
Dr. Ismail Sensel Award
The Dr. Ismail Sensel Award Fund was established in 2004 with a gift from Dr. Sensel’s estate for the purpose of recognizing and honoring outstanding professors. Recipients of the award are selected by the Dean of the College of General Studies, in consultation with the CGS Alumni Association and its Student Advisory Board. Special consideration may be given to the professors’ research and/or curriculum development projects.
Recipients
CGS Outstanding Service Award
The College of General Studies’ first Service Award was presented in fall of 2020 to recognize service above and beyond the call of duty.
Recipients
Global Impact Research Fund
Gary A. Kraut (CGS ’64, COM ’66) has founded the Global Impact Research Fund in recognition of CGS faculty members’ valued contribution as researchers who combine a desire to create a better society with a focus on excellent undergraduate instruction. The awards– two $12,500 awards per year from 2018 through 2023– will go to faculty members whose research has the potential to impact society sooner rather than later. Faculty awardees will also work with undergraduate researchers and the Center for Interdisciplinary Teaching & Learning.
Methodist Scholar/Teacher
The award recognizes outstanding faculty members for their dedication and contributions to the learning arts and to the institution. BU traces its founding to the Newbury Biblical Institute, the first Methodist seminary in the United States.
Professor Natalie McKnight won the 1999 University Scholar/Teacher of the Year Award, established by the United Methodist Church and conferred at colleges and universities historically affiliated with it.
In 2006 Professor Adam Sweeting was also honored as the United Methodist Church Scholar / Teacher of the Year.
James E. Conway Award for Excellence in Teaching Writing
Paul Thur was the recipient of the 2004 James E. Conway Award for Excellence in Teaching Writing at the Harvard University Extension School.
Janice Thaddeus Teaching Prize
Before coming to CGS, Professor John Mackey was Lecturer on History and Literature at Harvard University, where he received the Janice Thaddeus Teaching Prize in 2004.
Donald J. White Teaching Excellence Award
Professor Stephanie Kermes won the Donald J. White Teaching Excellence Award while teaching at Boston College in 2003.
Professor Neal Leavitt won the Donald J. White Teaching Excellence award while teaching at Boston College, May 2001.