Cal Poly College of Liberal Arts Honors Four Faculty Members 1 of 2 file:///X:/Copyright/Submissions/_PressReleases%20&%20Cal%20Pol... Skip to Content Cal Poly News Search Cal Poly News Go California Polytechnic State University June 19, 2003 Contact: Terry J. San Filippo (805) 756-1216 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cal Poly College of Liberal Arts Recognizes Outstanding Faculty, Staff SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Cal Poly's College of Liberal Arts recognized outstanding faculty and staff members at its annual reception, held at the Dallidet Adobe in San Luis Obispo on June 5. The college presented outstanding faculty awards to Basil Fiorito and Dan Levi, both professors in the Psychology and Child Development Department, and to Maria Junco, a professor in the Theatre and Dance Department, and Clif Swanson of the Music Department. Fiorito, of San Luis Obispo, won the Outstanding Teaching Award. He was recognized by the college for his clear, engaging and well-organized lectures. He joined the Psychology and Child Development Department in 1977. He is an established expert and licensed marriage, family and child counselor. Fiorito earned a bachelor's degree from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., in 1968, a master's degree in marriage and family counseling from Syracuse University in 1975, and a doctorate in child and family studies from Syracuse University in 1977. Levi, also from San Luis Obispo, received the Outstanding Scholarship Award. He earned a bachelor's degree from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., in 1973 and a doctorate from the University of Arizona in 1981. His research activities cover a variety of areas concerned with the psychological aspects of environmental, technological and organizational issues. Since coming to Cal Poly in 1982, Levi has published 46 research papers and one textbook, and given more than 50 conference presentations and nearly 70 technical reports. Levi believes that being an active researcher is one of the best ways to stay active as a teacher. One of his research projects, with ECOSLO, has grown into a community-based learning project for his Environmental Psychology class. Junco and Swanson shared the Outstanding Service Award. Junco, an Arroyo Grande resident, joined the Theatre and Dance Department in 1989 and serves as department chair and director and advisor to the university's Orchesis Dance Company. She produces the annual main stage dance performance, serves on numerous campus committees, and is a member of the Cal Poly Arts Board of Directors. Swanson, of San Luis Obispo, joined the Music Department in 1967. His service to the university extends from fund-raising activities to guiding the Music Department as its chair. As chair, he successfully managed the department's first accreditation application. His creation and stewardship of the San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival is credited with drawing national attention and prestige to California's Central Coast. 9/25/2009 11:43 AM Cal Poly College of Liberal Arts Honors Four Faculty Members 2 of 2 file:///X:/Copyright/Submissions/_PressReleases%20&%20Cal%20Pol... The College Council, composed of the 17 liberal arts department chairs, selects the faculty award recipients from nominations made by the faculty. The College of Liberal Arts Outstanding Staff Awards are also selected through nominations by faculty and staff members. This year's staff awardees were administrative analyst Margaret Booker for Continuing Excellence and administrative coordinator Lou Greenberg for Outstanding Achievement. Booker, a resident of Cayucos, joined the Psychology and Child Development Department in 1990. She distinguishes herself daily as she advises graduate students, handles the graduate program budget and arranges all class scheduling for the department. Greenberg, from Templeton, "has performed in an outstanding manner, taking charge of two departments upon the retirement of her predecessor," according to her supervisors, Modern Languages and Literatures Chair William Martinez and Humanities Coordinator Richard Simon. Greenberg has been on campus since 1988 and has been in her present position since 2001. The Cal Poly Arts Award for Service to the Arts was presented to Tiffany Gray, a student majoring in psychology and child development with a theatre minor who hails from Danville. Amanda Sitko, of Morgan Hill, received the Achievement in the Arts Award. Sitko is a theatre major. The College of Liberal Arts also recognized several faculty members and one staff member who will be retiring: A.C.W. "Walt" Bethel, professor of philosophy since 1968; David George, political science professor since 1970; Chuck Jennings, art and design professor who has taught since 1968 and served as department chair; Moon Ja Minn Suhr, dance professor since 1969; Michael Wenzl, English professor since 1969; and Joanne Dill, administrative analyst for the Dean's Office since 1990. - 30 - CP Home • CP Find It Get Adobe Reader • Microsoft Viewers Events • Recent Releases • Cal Poly Magazine • Cal Poly Update E-newsletter • Contact Public Affairs • Alumni • Giving • Athletics Cal Poly Public Affairs California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 805.756.7266 polynews@calpoly.edu 9/25/2009 11:43 AM