2024 Faculty Merit Award Winners

Dr. Baglione’s attention and care for each student is exemplary of our Jesuit educational mission. Whether she is teaching first year students, introductory level courses in Political Science or graduate students in Public Policy, she gives each of her students the personal attention they need to succeed both academically and professionally. She make time to meet one-on-one with every student, and has a strong record of mentoring Summer Scholars, graduate students and students applying for Fulbright awards and other prestigious fellowships. Her colleagues consider her to be “one of the most concerned and caring advisors at SJU.” She notices the slightest change in a student’s demeanor and reaches out to get resources and support for students who need them. She is a faculty partner with the Success Center and works tirelessly to support students’ personal and academic success. Dr. Baglione always wants what is best for students, helping them mature into caring and concerned citizens of the world.

Dr. James (Jim) Johnson has served as the Graduate Program Director for the Department of Special Education for four years. He currently advises approximately 150 special education graduate students. His goal is to provide person centered advising that focuses on the individual, and he does just that. He is extremely conscientious about addressing student advising needs, helping them navigate the range of major concentrations offered in the Department of Special Education, including graduate certificates, endorsements, and 4+1 options. Dr. Johnson is always on call to respond to students who have scheduling questions, questions about requirements, or need adjustments in DegreeWorks to effectively track their progression to degree completion. He is a pleasure to work with, always professional and respectful to students and colleagues. Dr. Johnson demonstrates excellence in advising as a colleague, teacher, mentor.

Dr. George Latella is an exceptional advisor whom students seek out for advice and counsel, both in their course work and for their careers. He manages a large number of advisees in the Food Marketing program and is the “go to” person for transfer students. He developed the presentation for first year students to introduce them to the major, the Business Core and the general education requirements, including an overview of the department, our faculty, the food marketing co-op program, study tours, our food marketing ambassador program, the Academy of Food Marketing, and the service-learning opportunities available to our students. Naturally, students respond well to his careful attention to all aspects of their education and are comfortable seeking him out for advice and guidance through their time at St. Joe’s. Dr. Latella makes a lasting impression on students, who often return to campus to thank him for his consistent and steadfast support as an advisor and mentor. Graduating seniors and post-graduate students share that without Dr. Latella, they would not have landed the internships that led to full time positions and successful careers following graduation. He is an outstanding asset to Food Marketing, HSB, and the institution as a whole.

Dr. Davitt is a dedicated advisor who empowers his students to succeed academically and personally. Currently, he supports an advising cohort of 89 students majoring in Health Sciences and/or Exercise Physiology as well as direct entry programs in Physical Therapy, or Occupational Therapy. While advising a high number of students from multiple curricula can be challenging, Dr. Davitt provides exemplary service. He offers regular office hours for academic/career consultation, routinely communicates opportunities and notices related to registration and future career opportunities, and administratively facilitates student success.

Dr. Davitt’s academic preparation, life experiences, and skills bring a unique perspective to the Department helping to enhance and support undergraduate and graduate students. He is described by his advisees as someone who embodies “cura personalis,” or care for the whole person. According to an advisee, “our meetings are never solely about what will make me a successful student, but what type of person I want to become and what a meaningful and fulfilling life looks like to me.” He encourages his advisees to push the bounds of what is possible to pursue their passions. Our University is strengthened by Dr. Davitt’s unparalleled devotion for student advising and professional growth. In every interaction, he advances Saint Joseph University’s Mission “to prepare students for personal excellence, professional success, and engaged citizenship.”

Dr. Jonathan Fingerut’s dedication to service has earned this recognition as a recipient of the 2024 Faculty Service Award. His service extends across various levels within SJU, showcasing his commitment both inside and outside his department. With a strong background in Information Technology (IT) and technology in general, he has played a pivotal role in pandemic-related task forces and groups, leveraging his expertise to address pressing challenges. At the university level, he has served on multiple committees and task forces, including the Academic Technology Leadership Committee and the Information Technology Advisory Committee. His involvement in pandemic response groups including the Working Group on Physical Space and the Teaching and Technology Working Group highlights his proactive approach to addressing emergent issues. His dedication to mentoring MS students and advising undergraduate students exemplifies his investment in student development. Furthermore, his contributions as a manuscript reviewer and external evaluator for tenure and promotion applications highlight his broader impact within his academic discipline. Overall, Dr. Fingerut’s multifaceted service contributions reflect his proactive leadership and commitment to advancing both his department and the broader academic community.

Every faculty member is all too familiar with the trio of responsibilities they sign up for when they accept a full-time position at a university: Teaching, Scholarship, and Service. Attending equally to all three is cumbersome indeed. Dr. Eric Patton is a model example of a faculty member who accomplishes this with compassion, grace, and a continual eye towards benefitting the greater good. It is quite the latter, where the following merit award for Service is well- deserved. Dr. Patton is a consummate citizen of the Saint Joseph’s University community, and his record of ongoing selfless dedication to the role of Service is not only meritorious of the following award, but it is also a well-deserved recognition of how all of us as citizens of the Saint Joseph’s University community live and breathe easier because of his impactful work he has contributed over the years. No matter the role he plays on various university committees nor the purpose of his membership, all of us who have served alongside him can attest that he brings his A Game and his full attention to the issues that need to be addressed. It is true that the Jesuit ideal of Cura Personalis requires all to take care of themselves first in order to take care of others. Dr. Patton embodies this true meaning of Cura Personalis, being one for others, and leading by example. Throughout the expansion of Saint Joseph’s University over the recent years and the challenges that we all have been confronted with, one of the faces that has continually been at the forefront of the changing landscape of our community has been Dr. Patton’s. He is a true team player, colleague, and an influential ambassador for which we all are grateful and are applauding Dr. Patton for the present merit award for Service. He is a key reason why The Hawk Will Never Die.

Dr. James Hollands, a Clinical Associate Professor at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, has received the Faculty Merit Service Award due to his exceptional contributions both within the university and the broader profession. Serving as Vice Chair in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, Dr. Hollands consistently exceeds expectations by actively engaging in varied initiatives within SJU and in the broader professional community. His service spans multiple levels of the institution and profession, aligning closely with the university’s strategic priorities.Dr. Hollands goes above and beyond in supporting students, advising multiple student organizations and serving as a point person for those interested in industry fellowships and internships. His efforts have significantly contributed to the growth and success of Fellowship programs at the College, expanding partnerships and revenue streams while providing valuable educational opportunities for students. This expansion has not only enhanced the institution’s reputation but also provided invaluable experiences for students and alumni.Dr. Holland’s dedication to service sets a high standard for faculty, students, and postgraduate trainees, enriching both the university community and the pharmacy profession as a whole.

Dr. Catherine Bentzley is an alumna of Saint Joseph's and is beloved by her students and highly regarded by colleagues. Students describe her love of chemistry as "infectious", "energetic and engaging", and "coming to class full of energy and enthusiasm". She makes chemistry fun for students, from the moment they step into their first year Chemistry classes to senior year, both in and beyond the classroom. She is deliberate and innovative in her teaching, employing a diverse portfolio of creative teaching initiatives. From orchestrating a "Why I love Chemistry" video contest to having students craft "Dear Freshmen" letters, she instills a culture of passion in chemistry and camaraderie among Chemistry students. Her trademark initiatives include the "First Day Reflection: Why am I here and How can I succeed?" and "Senior Superlative Letters" where students write uplifting notes and memories about each other. She engages students by hiding fluffy critters adorned with safety goggles around campus, each accompanied by chemistry-related questions. It is not surprising that one class of Chemistry majors bestowed upon her the title of "Mom of the Chemists," a testament to her dedication to students' academic and social well-being. She is also cheerleader and faculty advisor to SJU's award-winning chapter of the American Chemical Society.

As one colleague describes her impact on students, Dr. B "leaves an enduring impression that resonates throughout their academic journey and beyond." Catherine Bentzley truly deserves a Teaching Merit Award.

Since joining SJU in 2019 as an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Dr. Julie Deluty has made an indelible and positive mark on students and fellow faculty. Colleagues effusively praise her teaching and her ability to command student attention with lucid, engaging, and interactive lectures. Beyond excelling in teaching Hebrew Bible, she has shown unusual dedication to interdisciplinary teaching. Her enthusiasm in cultivating faculty synergy helped stimulate collaboration and added new dimensions to a Political Science course that was well-received by students. She introduced a new course "Women and Religion in the Ancient World" and collaborated with faculty on interdisciplinary courses that promote diversity and inclusion and provided very special educational experiences for students. In one of these courses that touched on the rise of Nazism and Anti-Semitism, she even shared memoirs from her ancestors describing the struggles of Jewish families to convey the impact of politics and ideology. In her classes, Dr. Deluty is very interested in student reactions to her presentations. She plays an important role in mentoring and advising many students and even alumni about professional development and graduate school. It is for these reasons that Dr. Julie Deluty is awarded a Faculty Teaching Merit Award.

Roberto C. Ramos, PhD, a widely respected professor of physics, is known for his innovative teaching methods in both introductory and graduate level courses. Dr. Ramos makes extensive use of physical demonstrations, flips classroom pedagogy in introductory courses to engage students and uses storytelling video projects in several courses.

Dr. Ramos’ contributions extend well beyond the classroom. He was awarded the 2022 Homiller Award for Teaching Excellence at the University of the Sciences, along with the 2016 USciences Bright Ideas Award for Teaching Innovations. He has mentored both undergraduate and graduate student researchers, and has been published in top scientific journals including Science, Nature Communications, Physical Review and Journal of Applied Physics.

Dr. Ramos serves as faculty advisor to the University chapter of the Society of Physics Students, a chapter that has won several awards during his tenure. For over a decade, he has also led the Physics Wonder Girls Camp for middle school-aged girls. The camp, which has received widespread recognition, provides an important formative experience for the girls and for the undergraduate students who serve as counselors and mentors. Dr. Ramos continues to challenge his students each semester, in order to help them achieve their full potential.

Dr. Ramos serves as faculty advisor to the University chapter of the Society of Physics Students, a chapter that has won several awards during his tenure. For over a decade, he has also led the Physics Wonder Girls Camp for middle school-aged girls. The camp, which has received widespread recognition, provides an important formative experience for the girls and for the undergraduate students who serve as counselors and mentors. Dr. Ramos continues to challenge his students each semester, in order to help them achieve their full potential.

Dr. Josephine Shih of the Psychology department exemplifies excellence in teaching. Since her arrival at SJU, she has taught 15 different courses and she is committed to ensuring that her students are educated about cutting-edge research and advances in the field by constantly updating her courses and creating new ones. In courses such as Multicultural Psychology—a favorite among majors—students are educated about diversity and cultural differences and best practices in our complex society. Jo is also an exemplary advisor. She is the departmental advising coordinator and has conscientiously worked to address the needs of Psychology majors as the program has expanded over the last several years. In order to provide consistent information and support to these incoming students, Jo took on the role of advising all of these students herself to ensure their academic success.

Ron Dufresne is an outstanding teacher by all measures of teaching performance. His professional life and personal life are seamlessly interwoven as he teaches servant leadership and models the behaviors of a servant leader. He is an expert in the field of leadership and conveys his knowledge in a clear, respectful and engaging way. The goal of teaching for Dr. Dufresne is not just knowledge transmission and acquisition; it is character formation, a foundational goal of our Jesuit mission. He is able to connect with students at all levels not just by what, but also by how he teaches, modeling the skills and behaviors he espouses. Dr. Dufresne challenges his students to become more self-aware, more empathetic, to find their voice and values, and in so doing to become more confident and more thoughtful leaders. This makes for a rich and powerful learning experience for his students, one that is a transformative experience for many of them.

Dr. Katie Campbell Garwood, an esteemed member of the Decision and System Sciences Department since 2006, has demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentorship. As one of her former students writes, "Dr. Garwood's influence reaches beyond academics, leaving a lasting mark on cherished moments and meaningful connections." Teaching across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in the Haub School of Business, she imparts knowledge and fosters growth at all levels. Her unwavering commitment to student success and innovative teaching methods sets her apart as an exceptional educator. Her dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment and her passion for her field have inspired countless students over the years.

Dr. Alice Lim Scaletta has been a member of the Pharmacy faculty since 2012. Dr. Scaletta has a passion for pharmacy and for teaching, along with a personal mission to develop empathetic healthcare professionals who exhibit a commitment to patient care. She is also committed to incorporating diversity in her teaching, as exemplified by her exploration of Chinese traditional medicine in her classes.

In addition to her teaching in the College of Pharmacy, Dr. Scaleta also teaches clinical practices as an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, where she precepts PharmD students for their Pharmacy Practice Experiences. Currently, she serves as Chair of the Curriculum Committee for the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. She is a valued faculty mentor and advisor. When serving as advisor for the co-ed service fraternity Omega Chi Psi, she was a two-time recipient of the University of Science’s Greek Advisor of the Year Award. Dr. Alice Scaletta has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellent teaching and is very deserving of a merit award for exceptional achievement in teaching!

Dr. Shepard is a productive scholar in the Department of Special Education. In AY 2023-2024, she published four scholarly articles and delivered six presentations at international conferences, including the American Education Research Association (AERA), the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and TASH. Dr. Shepard’s publications have appeared in top-tier journals in her field, including the Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, the Journal of Early Intervention, and Behavior and Social Issues. In addition, she co-directs a $2.5 million grant through the Pathways to Authentic College Experiences (PACE) program, a federally funded inclusive postsecondary program for students with intellectual disabilities. Not only has she far exceeded the expectations for scholarship in her department, she has also shared her expertise locally at the Day of Dialogue, the Teaching and Learning Forum, the faculty at Pennsylvania School of Health Science, and to a K-12 partner school. Through her contributions to the fields of special education and social justice, Dr. Shepard has produced vital scholarship that will have a lasting impact on school leaders, educators, and students.

Dr. Sperandio’s research represents the scholar-practitioner model that characterizes the Department of Educational Leadership and Saint Joseph’s University, in that she draws from her experiences as a Licensed Professional Counselor with an addictions specialization in order to critically examine leading concerns in her field of clinical mental health counseling. She is a prolific scholar. In 2023 alone, Dr. Sperandio published four co-authored articles in journals as diverse as Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling, The Professional Counselor, and Journal of Counseling and Development. She remains committed to the development of counselors’ skills through her scholarship, with recent publications on screening protocols and trauma training in counselor preparation programs, as illustrated by her 2023 article “Incorporating Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices in the Counselor Education Classroom.” Resonating with the Jesuit, social justice mission and the scholar-practitioner model promoted by our department and her specialty, Dr. Sperandio’s scholarship is both extremely relevant and helpful to her SJU teaching and advising of future professional and school counselors.

Research Merit Awards are for faculty “who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the previous year” (Faculty Handbook), and this undoubtedly applies to Dr. Aaron Reich of the Theology and Religious Studies department. Dr. Reich’s scholarly expertise encompasses the field of Chinese religions, especially the study of sacred iconography and artifacts. Over the last year, the double-blind, peer-reviewed journals Asian Ethnology and Material Religion: The Journal of Objects, Art, and Belief have each accepted one of his scholarly articles for publication. During this same period, Dr. Reich was invited to present his scholarship at the Elling Eide Research Center in Florida and the University of Pennsylvania, and he also delivered a refereed presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion. In addition, Dr. Reich curated at SJU the two-week exhibition “When Heaven Meets Earth: Experiencing Taiwan’s Sacred Statues.” In this first-of-its-kind event for the U.S. and for an American university, three Taiwanese artists-in-residence sculpted a religious statue, performed consecration rituals, and led workshops where members of SJU and the local community learned how to use traditional artistic techniques. Dr. Reich’s ambitious research agenda indicates that he will maintain this highly productive rate of insightful scholarship in future years.

Dr. Joseph McCleery has been a highly productive scholar in the psychology department at SJU since he joined the department in 2018. Currently, he holds the position of Kinney Center's Executive Director of Academic Program and has recently been promoted to the rank of associate professor. Dr. McCleery's research focuses on autism and covers a wide range of topics including biological, physical, social, and applied aspects of the disorder. He has collaborated with researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, resulting in many high-impact publications. Since he arrived at SJU, Dr. McCleery has published eight empirical research articles, one of which is a first-author paper. Additionally, he regularly engages SJU students in research, and his work has culminated in poster presentations at national and international conferences.

Dr. Peterson is a Professor and John Wyeth Dean Emeritus at Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph’s University. Dr. Peterson has more than 30 years of research experience and is highly regarded in the fields of pharmacy management and health policy. His scholarly contributions are in the areas of health policy, medication adherence, substance use disorders, and health outcomes. In AY 2023-24 alone, Dr. Peterson published two articles in the Journal of Primary Care and Community Health as well as Value in Health, leading journals within Dr. Peterson’s area of research. He was also an author on four poster presentations and two invited presentations. Furthermore, Dr. Peterson co-edited and submitted a nine-chapter book on Cannabis Innovations to deGruyter press, with an anticipated publication date in 2024. Importantly, Dr. Peterson received two grants in AY 2023-24. One of the grants was from the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs for the PGY2 Behavioral Health Residency Program and Behavioral Health Pharmacy Advocates Program and the other from Delaware County for substance use education. In the past year, Dr. Peterson also served as a co-facilitator for the Research Writing Community at Saint Joseph’s University. Overall, Dr. Peterson’s teaching, mentoring and research efforts are well-aligned with SJU’s Jesuit mission related to community outreach and public health.

Dr. Corcoran embodies inclusivity, weaving a tapestry of understanding and belonging. As one colleague writes, she is “a beacon of light illuminating the path toward an inclusive, equitable, and diverse futureI.” Dr. Corcoran’s teaching goes beyond traditional pedagogy to incorporate DEI matters and her research encourages student-community partnerships to address health disparities. She is the co-author of multiple publications that focus on DEI as an integral component of Health System Management & Policy in the field of Physical and Occupational Therapy. She is the co-founder: OT department’s DEI committee. She serves on the SHP Dean’s DEI Advisory Team and organized an “Interactive Health Careers Day” in Camden, NJ to support newly educated healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds. She serves as co-advisor to the SJU chapter of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity. Most recently, Dr. Corcoran has conducted groundbreaking research on the importance of belonging for patient recovery that will be presented at the 1st Occupational Therapy Europe Conference in Poland in the fall of 2024.

Dr. Galbally exemplifies the Jesuit ideals of academic excellence and service to others through her innovative approach to education. In her education courses, Dr. Gabally, engages students in real-world contexts to better understand the experiences of all students. Her ability to authentically engage students with issues of social justice is grounded in a deep commitment to educational equality. Dr. Galbally has a long history of providing no-cost support to parents of children with reading difficulties. She advocates for the right to read for all children. Her research focuses on expanding access to early identification of reading difficulties via community-based organizations and provides a framework for improving literacy programming in schools based on evidence-based practices in identification, progress monitoring, instruction, and differentiated learning for all readers. Through her mentorship and guidance, Dr. Galbally’s students become active agents of social justice. Recently, she took her expertise, and the knowledge she gained from working with students and their families, to the Pennsylvania House Appropriations and Education Committees. Her testimony advocated for comprehensive funding of kindergarten through 12th grade structured literacy initiatives. This action not only served k-12 students in Pennsylvania, but it also served as an example for our SJU students about how advocacy can promote structure change.