The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) honored the accomplishments of alumni, faculty and students this academic year at its annual spring Celebrating Achievement and Success event on Tuesday, May 21.
Interim Dean John A. Pelesko presented college awards to five alumni—including a new award that specifically honors a young alumnus—and seven faculty members. He also recognized CAS faculty members and students who recently received University awards.
"We have a lot to celebrate," Pelesko told the audience in Gore Recital Hall at the Roselle Center for the Arts. "Today, we recognize these individual honors and the ways our college as a whole continues to illuminate the minds and hearts of our students and community through academics, research and public engagement."
College Alumni Achievement Awards were presented to these recipients:
H. Nichols (Nick) Blake Clark earned his master's degree in 1975 and a doctorate in 1982, both in art history, and went on to hold positions at the National Gallery of Art and at other art institutions. In 2000, he became the founding director and chief curator of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, where he continues to hold emeritus status. After retiring in 2014, he became founding director of The Ashley Bryan Center. At UD, Clark's support has been instrumental in the growth of the William Homer and Wayne Craven Fund for Graduate Studies in the Department of Art History.
Iris C. Gibbs graduated in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. In 1995, she earned her Doctorate of Medicine from Stanford University School of Medicine, where today she is a professor of radiation oncology and associate dean for medical student admissions. Gibbs was the founding co-director of the Stanford Cyberknife Radiosurgery Program and helped to build world-renowned clinical programs in innovative radiation treatments for central nervous system tumors and in robotic radiosurgery. She is a fellow of numerous professional organizations, received UD's 2002 Presidential Citation for Outstanding Achievement and recently joined the CAS Dean's Advisory Council.
Gregory R. Meece Sr., who earned a bachelor's degree in English in 1979 and master's degrees in communication and in educational leadership in 1989 and 2003, has been a leader in Delaware's education system for four decades, serving as a strong advocate for public charter schools. He helped launch the Charter School of Wilmington, the state's first charter school, in 1996 and five years later established Newark Charter School, where he has been its only director as the school grew in size and prominence. He served two terms as president of the Delaware Charter Schools Network and has received its Catalyst in Education Award.
Lisa M. Reshaur graduated with a master's degree in sociology in 1995 and a doctoral degree through UD's Disaster Research Center in 1998, where she continues to support student and strategic initiatives by contributing her time, expertise and financial assistance. The general manager of Microsoft's governance, risk and compliance programs, she manages a team of 100 that also runs compliance, risk management, risk remediation and privacy for Core Services Engineering. The holder of a Six Sigma Black Belt, a certified business continuity professional and a certified risk manager, her management philosophy is focused on building high-performing teams by helping others unlock their potential.
The college's inaugural Young Alumni Achievement Award, which recognizes outstanding CAS graduates age 40 or younger, was presented to Delaware state Sen. Elizabeth (Tizzy) Lockman, who earned her master's degree in urban affairs and public policy in 2015. Lockman was elected to the legislature in 2018 and represents communities in and surrounding central and west Wilmington, one of the most diverse and densely populated districts in the state. She entered community service through Public Allies Delaware in 2004 and has long been an advocate for education reform, particularly for students living in Wilmington, through her work with the Wilmington Advisory Committee and the Wilmington Education Improvement Commission.