STCC names 2019 Deliso and Scibelli Endowed Chairs

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College named professors of physics and nursing as the 2019 endowed chair award recipients.

The college selected Barbara Washburn, of Coventry, Conn., department chair and professor of physics at STCC, and Deborah Jacques, of Granby, Mass., professor of nursing, as 2019 Anthony M. Scibelli Endowed Chair and 2019 Joseph J. Delisio Sr.  Endowed Chair, respectively.

Each year, STCC faculty are nominated by their colleagues and then invited to apply. An award selection committee, made up of faculty and staff, reviews applications, and the STCC Foundation Executive Committee then selects winners.

STCC President John B. Cook announced this year’s recipients and congratulated Washburn and Jacques during a meeting with faculty and staff on April 18.

Washburn and Jacques received a monetary award – $3,000 each – and wooden chairs with plaques inscribed with their names. They can apply $1,500 to professional development and $1,500 to their academic department.

Vice President of Academic Affairs Geraldine de Berly said, “The recipients of the endowed chairs are remarkable faculty members. Both show an extraordinary commitment to their students and a passion for teaching. STCC is indeed fortunate to have them as part of our dedicated faculty.”

STCC’s Director of Nursing Lisa Fugiel cited Jacques’ dedication and commitment to student success.  

“Dr. Jacques is an exceptional educator whose willingness to engage every learner in a manner that empowers diverse learning styles has led to tremendous student pass rates in the nursing program,” Fugiel said. “This speaks volumes to her commitment to students.”

Richard Greco, dean of the School of Liberal and Professional Studies, said Washburn is a popular instructor who has brought engaging initiatives into the classroom. For example, Washburn invited STCC students to work with high school students on a renewable energy project. The students built “solar suitcases” that can be used by health workers and schools in developing nations to provide light and electricity.

The recipients of the endowed chairs are remarkable faculty members. Both show an extraordinary commitment to their students and a passion for teaching. STCC is indeed fortunate to have them as part of our dedicated faculty. Geraldine de Berly, VP of Academic Affairs at STCC

“She is a productive and imaginative colleague,” Greco said.

Jacques earned a doctor of nursing practice degree from the University of Massachusetts, a master’s in nursing education and a bachelor of science in nursing from Russell Sage College. She worked as a staff nurse at Baystate Medical Center before joining STCC as a professor in 2007.

“I love teaching at a community college because I am able to have a significant impact on students who may be the first one in the family to ever go to college. I could not be prouder when that student walks across the stage and earns their nursing pin, and I know that this is a future colleague and peer,” Jacques said. 

Washburn holds a master of education from the University of Connecticut and a master of science in electrical engineering, laser optic engineering, from Tufts University. She earned her bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Western New England University. Washburn joined STCC as a professor in 1996.

“I left the engineering world to teach at the community college level over 25 years ago, and I am blessed that have a job I am so passionate about,” Washburn said. “My passion is teaching. My passion is being an ambassador of knowledge for students. I lead the way for learners to learn. I never give up on the student. I give them different ways to regain their footing when they fail or make mistakes.”

Funded through the STCC Foundation, the awards are named for two of the college’s founders. The college established the Anthony M. Scibelli Endowed Chair in 1992 to recognize and foster faculty excellence. As a member of the state House of Representatives, Scibelli sponsored and pushed through legislation approving funding and authorizing the transfer of 35 acres of Springfield Armory to the state, as a location for STCC.

In 1993, the Deliso family established the Joseph J. Deliso Sr. Endowed Chair at STCC in recognition of excellence in teaching. Appointed as the first chairman of the STCC Advisory Board, Deliso, an industrialist, served from 1967 to 1981. He then became first chairman of the STCC Board of Trustees, serving through 1985.

About Springfield Technical Community College

Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC, a designated Hispanic Serving Institution and an Achieving the Dream Leader College, offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, engineering, liberal arts, science and technology continue to provide the most economical options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of more than 6,400 day, evening, weekend and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.

For more information about STCC, visit www.stcc.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@S_T_C_C) and Instagram (@stccpics).

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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