Drexel University's Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching
2008 Awardees Announced
In 2006, Drexel University initiated the “Behind Every Graduate” Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching. The award was created to acknowledge outstanding high school teachers who provided a new perspective or inspired a student to consider a certain major or career. Drexel University values the high school teachers who have inspired our graduates. Drexel honored four high school teachers and the students who nominated them at its commencement ceremonies in 2007. We will now honor four excellent high school teachers at the 2008 commencements.
Longtime Drexel trustee Harold W. Pote was deeply committed to recruiting the highest caliber of undergraduate student to the University. Because of the importance of superior teachers in preparing these students, Drexel University is endowing the “Behind Every Graduate” Award in Hal’s name.
Graduating seniors were invited to nominate that special high school teacher who inspired them to pursue a college education as they embark on their careers. The Behind Every Graduate Selection Committee selected the following 2008 awardees:
2008 Awardees
 Commander Eugene Isert, a Naval Junior ROTC teacher at Clay High School in Green Cove Springs, Florida was nominated by James Mazzuchelli, a commerce and engineering major, LeBow College of Business for teaching him the requisite leadership skills that he would need to be successful in life. Commander Isert has taught me many life lessons but the one that best exemplifies Commander Isert is; “The most effective leadership is by example.” |
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 Mrs. Maureen Keppard-Pedlow, a Math teacher at Father Judge High School in Philadelphia, PA was nominated by Joseph Babiasz, an electrical engineering major, College of Engineering for having a profound influence on his future career choice as an engineer. She is an outstanding teacher because she teaches all her students; those who master the content easily and those who struggle. Her students never rest on their successes. Instead, they are expected to achieve far more than they ever thought possible. |
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 Mrs. Eileen Marx, a Journalism teacher at Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, NJ, was nominated by Neha Yadav, a psychology major, College of Arts & Sciences for inspiring young men and women to appreciate all types of diversity, particularly, diversity of thinking. “Most importantly, as I graduate from Drexel, I remember Mrs. Marx’s strong belief in her students’ abilities, I feel extremely proud to know that I have been educated by this exemplary teacher.” |
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 Mrs. Bonnie Neff, an English teacher at Hiram W. Johnson High School in Sacramento, California was nominated by Frederick Lucina, a nursing major, College of Nursing & Health Professions for serving as the parent and positive influence for many students who did not have an adult role model in their life. She does not allow students to accept their perceived weaknesses or insecurities and encourages them to excel despite adversity. |
To see the Behind Every Graduate awardees for 2007, please click here.