The College of Engineering has awarded the Ralph E. and Rose A. Hoeper Endowed Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching and Advisement to three of its academic faculty: Kelly Keselica, Nancy LaTourrette and Eric Marchand. Each received a cash award of $7,000; the awards were bestowed at the end of the spring 2023 semester.

Each of these faculty has a different type of engineering degree, but all attended the University to get at least one of their degrees.

Lecturer Kelly Keselica

A registered Professional Engineer with an M.S. in civil engineering, Keselica has many different roles throughout the college. She oversees the University chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Concrete Canoe Team, Geowall Team and Steel Bridge Team while also teaching an engineering class.

“It was very exciting to be recognized by the College,” Keselica said. “I have worked for the University for 15 years; in that time, I have spent seven years teaching and countless hours mentoring students. I would like to think that the time I’ve spent with these students has positively influenced them to be more rounded individuals and better engineers.”

Lecturer Nancy LaTourrette

After receiving both her B.S. and M.S. from the University, Nancy LaTourrette decided to stick around: she took on the role of lecturer in the department of Computer Science & Engineering, and also is the deputy director of the Cybersecurity Center.

“I’m thrilled, honored and humbled (to receive the Hoeper award) after many years educating and mentoring students,” LaTourette said. “It is inspiring that the Ralph E. and Rose A. Hoeper Endowment has chosen to recognize excellence in teaching and advising in the College of Engineering.”

“My advice to students is: educational goals are necessary and important, but do not forget to love learning for learning’s sake,” she added.

Associate Professor Eric Marchand

Also receiving the Hoeper award is Associate Professor Eric Marchand, who teaches in the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department. Marchand earned both his B.S. and M.S. from the University, deciding to return after his completing his Ph.D. at the University of Colorado Boulder. He also is the department’s associate chair for undergraduate affairs and the past president of the Faculty Senate. He is extremely interested in the processes of water and wastewater treatment.

“It is an honor to receive this award,” Marchand said. “The students are key in the equation…along with my colleagues in the department.”

In addition to the Ralph E. and Rose A. Endowed Faculty Award, there is the Ralph E. and Rose A. Hoeper Endowed Engineering Professorship, held by Civil & Environmental Engineering Department Chair Krishna Pagilla and the Ralph E. Hoeper Endowed Professorship in the College of Engineering, held by Computer Science & Engineering Professor Shamik Sengupta.