Every three years, a member of the Chestnut Hill College faculty is given the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching during the Commencement ceremony, and this year, that honor was bestowed on Jean Faustman, SSJ, D.M.L., associate professor of French and Spanish.
A CHC alum (Class of 1973), Sister Jean has taught French and Spanish since joining the faculty full-time in 1992. Additionally, she has served as the College’s faculty athletic representative since 2016 and received a faculty mentor award from the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference in 2014. Sister Jean is an active member of the faculty, as an advisor to the Griffins Against Cancer Club and as a member of the undergraduate admissions committee. She can be found at many campus events and makes it a priority to support the students as much as she can. Sister Jean also is known for her work abroad, specifically as a missionary in Peru.
The award was presented by Kathleen Anderson, Ed.D., interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty, who read statements from members of the nominations review committee.
“To paraphrase the comments from students, colleagues and peers, our nominee is described as being creative, well prepared, always available to students and interested in the student as a person; goes beyond the academic to listen to the students’ accomplishments and problems; is the role model of love, kindness and friendship, helping wherever needed at home and around the globe; encompasses the essence of a great teacher; and is a sincere mentor and lovely spiritual person.”
In an email after the event, Sister Jean said she is "beyond thrilled" with the award. "It is such a great honor," she added.
The Lindback Award is made possible thanks to the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, which began recognizing outstanding faculty members at the college and university level since 1961. Chestnut Hill College, due to its full-time faculty size, receives the award every three years. Larger schools, like the University of Pennsylvania, receive the award annually.
One of Penn’s recipients this year, was Mary Beth Callan, professor of medicine at Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital and medical director of the Penn Animal Blood Bank. Callan, who graduated from Chestnut Hill College in 1984 with a degree in chemistry, also serves as the director of the internal medicine residency program, a position she has held for 10 years.
“I am thrilled that Beth has earned this long-overdue recognition,” said Joan C. Hendricks, VMD, Ph.D., the Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of Veterinary Medicine. “She is one of the most caring and expert clinicians, and one of the most thoughtful and compassionate faculty members at Penn Vet. Beth’s clinical teaching reviews are unmatched. She epitomizes the ideals of the University’s highest teaching accolade.”
—Marilee Gallagher '14
