Fuchs honored with Outstanding Faculty Educator Award
For Immediate Release October 17, 2005
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Penny Bender Fuchs, the College’s director of internships and career development, was named the 2005 Outstanding Faculty Educator by the Maryland Parents Association. The award, presented on Oct. 15 at a luncheon during the University’s Parents Weekend events, honors the faculty member who demonstrates a deep commitment to the students and provides an “exemplary educational experience.”
“We are glad to see the University formally recognize what we in the College already know,” said Dean Thomas Kunkel. “Penny’s dedication to the students of this College is unmatched, and this award is a testament to how her work has touched so many students’ lives.”
Fuchs is also an instructor in the College and specialized in its rigorous beginning reporting classes.
Nominations for the award are solicited from undergraduate students. The award honors dedication to teaching; the ability to deliver subject matter in a stimulating and creative way; a demonstrated interest in students' personal and academic achievements; and an awareness of and commitment to diversity.
As this year’s winner, Fuchs will receive a $1,000 prize and the Maryland Parents Association will also award a $200 University Book Center Gift Certificate to Journalism student Brendan Lowe, who wrote the winning nomination.
Fuchs also serves as the executive director of the American Association of Sunday and Feature Editors. Prior to joining the College as an adjunct instructor, she spent seven years at Gannett News Service, covering Washington for The Tennessean newspaper in Nashville. She also has worked at States New Service, The Daily Press in Newport News, Va. the Lynchburg (Va.) News & Advance and the Daily Record in Harrisburg, Va. A 2000 master's graduate of the Merrill College, Fuchs continues her doctoral studies at the College and is working to finish her dissertation.
For more information contact: Matthew C. Sheehan, 301.405.8320.