DAVENPORT — A faculty member and an adult learner have been honored by the St. Ambrose University ACCEL adult learner program.
An ACCEL instructor for the past seven years, Art Pitz was the recipient of the 2011 ACCEL Excellence in Teaching award for his skill in encouraging and challenging students to reach their maximum performance; ability to make learning relevant and meaningful; and capacity to engage students through innovative classroom techniques, according to the award criteria.
“We have been fortunate to have Dr. Pitz in the ACCEL Program for the past seven years,” says ACCEL Program Director Ruth Soedt. “In addition to his academic credentials, Dr. Pitz is highly respected for his international lectures, community involvement and innovative classroom techniques. He truly embodies the Ambrose mission of enriching lives.”
Pitz holds a bachelor’s degree from State University of New York at Potsdam; a master of arts in European History from Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pa; and a doctorate in United States history from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb.
The ACCEL Outstanding Adult Student award was given to Daniel Mays for “contributions to the university and the community, successful balancing of work, family and school, and overcoming difficult circumstances in pursuit of education.”
Mays first began his undergraduate degree work in 1969, but was unable to complete his degree at that time. Currently an electrician at John Deere Davenport Works, he also manages several apartment buildings. A Master Gardener, Mays volunteers more than 100 hours each year in that capacity. A husband and father, Mays “lives by ‘The Golden Rule’ and possesses an unwavering will to succeed,” according to Soedt. “With less than 30 credit hours remaining, Mays will soon fulfill the promise he made to his father 40 years ago, to complete his undergraduate degree.”
