The Tusculum University Alumni Association has honored four individuals from the higher education institution for their achievements and support.
During the Alumni Association meeting on Homecoming Saturday, the group presented the Frontier Award to 2012 graduate Erika Witt, the Pioneer Award to 1975 graduate Angelo Botta, the Honorary Alumni Award to provost Dr. Tricia Hunsader, and the National Living Faculty Award to associate professor of chemistry Dr. Dennis Ashford.
In remarks, Alumni Executive Board president Bob Kleinertz noted that the four honorees represent Tusculum with distinction and are inspiring examples to alumni, today’s students and the community.
The Frontier Award was created in 1995 and goes to an outstanding alumnus or alumna in recognition of outstanding or meritorious advancement in that person’s career. Witt serves as director and chief curator of the Southern University at New Orleans Museum of Art.
The Pioneer Award was created in 1962 and is presented to an outstanding alumnus or alumna in recognition of outstanding or meritorious achievement in that person’s chosen field; distinguished service to his or her church, community, country and humanity; and continuing and loyal service to Tusculum. Botta has served Tusculum as a faculty member, chair of the Alumni Executive Board and twice as women’s basketball coach.
The Honorary Alumni Award dates to 1996 and goes to a Tusculum employee who did not attend the university but has made outstanding contributions to the higher education institution and the community. Dr. Hunsader earned her Bachelor of Arts in finance and her Master of Arts in elementary education and her doctorate in curriculum and instruction.
The National Living Faculty Award was created in 1996 and is presented to a Tusculum faculty member. The award’s purpose is to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Tusculum’s academic programs. Dr. Ashford earned a doctorate in inorganic chemistry from the University of North Carolina. During his time at Tusculum, Dr. Ashford has guided chemistry and biology students in the study of potential new anti-cancer drugs.
