Holy Cross Math Professor Receives Distinguished Teaching Award

Nine faculty members honored for 25 years of service to the College

David Damiano, associate professor of mathematics, and a member of the College of the Holy Cross faculty since 1984, received the 2011 Distinguished Teaching Award at the College’s annual Fall Faculty Convocation and Awards Ceremony.

The Holy Cross Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes and honors the teaching excellence of the College’s faculty.  After careful review of nominations from individuals and groups on campus, a committee of students, faculty, alumni and administrators selects the honoree. Recipients demonstrate the College’s commitment to teaching and personalized instruction by making ideas come alive for students both in and out of the classroom. The Distinguished Teacher is invited to give the principal address during the Faculty Convocation and is awarded an honorarium.

Damiano received his A. B. from Dartmouth College and his Ph.D. from Brown University. In the spring of 2010, jointly with Professors Diane Bukatko and Catherine Roberts, Damiano was a recipient of a grant to conduct workshops with middle and high school teachers in the Worcester Public Schools and the Dioceses of Worcester Schools. Damiano was a recipient of an Arthur J. O’Leary Faculty Recognition Award in 2005. His research interests include differential topology and geometry and applied mathematics and he has authored undergraduate mathematics texts on linear algebra and multivariable calculus. He has served on numerous college committees including the Curriculum Committee, the Committee on Tenure and Promotion, and Committee on Faculty Affairs. He recently served a two-year term as Speaker of the Faculty.  In addition, he served terms as chair of the mathematics and computer science department, director of the College Honors Program, and director of the First Year Program.  He has also been a faculty mentor in the College’s Mentor Program.

Timothy Austin, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, shared a comment by Damiano’s colleague during the ceremony: “He is well aware of the challenges involved in teaching today’s students, and is dedicated to finding ways of reaching all students without compromising the rigorous, demanding curriculum that is the hallmark of a Holy Cross education. Students praise this man for his patience, his ability to explain challenging topics with great clarity, and his sincere dedication to making sure that his students fully and completely grasp the material.”

Damiano resides in Westborough, Mass.

Also awarded at Fall Convocation was the Rev. Raymond J. Swords, S.J., Faculty Medal, which honors those members of the faculty who have served the College for 25 years or more. This year’s recipients were: John Anderson, professor of mathematics; Charles Anderton, professor of economics; Lorraine Attreed, professor of history; Mark Freeman, professor of psychology; Margaret Freije, associate dean of the College and associate professor of mathematics; Ronald Jarret, professor of chemistry; Joseph Lawrence, professor of philosophy; Elizabeth Sweeney, associate professor of English and Creative Writing Coordinator; and Karen Turner, professor of history.