Students, faculty honored at Gold Key ceremony

Emerson honored 98 students and 2 outstanding faculty members at a Gold Key Honor Society induction ceremony April 18 in the Semel Theater. About 80 people attended the event.

Students inducted into the Gold Key Society meet stringent criteria for academic achievement. Gold Key members must have completed 48 credits with the College; juniors are in the top 5 percent of their class, and seniors are in the top 10 percent. At the ceremony, inductees received certificates, and seniors also received a gold sash to wear at Commencement.

The 2011–2012 Gold Key officers are President Emma Krause '12, Vice President Patria Ferragamo '12, and Secretary Diana Filar '12.

Two faculty members were also recognized at the ceremony. The Helaine (’55) and Stanley Miller Award for Outstanding Teaching, which is given each year to a full-time faculty member, went to Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Scholar-in-Residence Eileen McBride. McBride, who came to Emerson in 2005, teaches psychology. Her research focuses on gender and mental health, particularly in managing the work-life balance.

Eileen McBride was one of two faculty members honored at the Gold Key ceremony.

CSD Department Chair Daniel Kempler described her as “one of our most gifted, well-rounded, and consistent classroom instructors.” Helaine Miller, who is also a former Trustee, presented the award to McBride. Last year’s Miller Award winner, Assistant Professor of Journalism Mark Leccese, a longtime newspaper reporter and editor, delivered the keynote address.

Part-time Performing Arts faculty member Courtney O’Connor won this year’s part-time instructor award, the Alan L. Stanzler Award for Excellence in Teaching. O’Connor has an extensive background in theater and has taught courses at Emerson for nine years. She’s also directed several productions for Emerson Stage, including this past fall’s theater for young audiences piece, Robin Hood. Performing Arts Chair Melia Bensussen said, “Courtney is the kind of teacher who advises, mentors, and takes her work beyond the confines of the assigned topic in the classroom.”

Donor Alan L. Stanzler is a former Trustee and Overseer of the College. The award was created in honor of his father, Harold Stanzler, who for many years was a part-time faculty member at the University of Rhode Island.