English Writing Adjunct Lecturer Awarded Chancellor's Award

“I was actually so busy getting my course underway that day that the full impact didn’t hit me until later, at home that evening,” he said.

Chancellor Nancy Zimpher told Wuesthoff in a congratulatory letter Feb. 6 that “this award’s rigorous selection criteria ensure that only those faculty members who have consistently demonstrated superb skill in teaching receive this distinction.

“Your mastery of teaching, dedication to students, adherence to the highest academic standards, and continued professional achievements are reflected in your selection for this honor.”

Wuesthoff said the award “tells me that my hard work over the years has been recognized.”

“Since we adjuncts are paid by the courses or credits taught, it’s clear that money is not our sole motivation,” he said. “Our teaching and our students are our other, not insignificant, rewards, and this honor reflects the recognition of the commitment we all put into our work.”

In addition to his introductory and expository courses, Wuesthoff designed and taught “Theater of the Absurd,” and a 1-credit course, “Writing with Illustration,” designed “to encourage students from all disciplines to incorporate graphics into their reports, essays and other writing,” he said.

In congratulating Wuesthoff, SUNY Plattsburgh President John Ettling explained the award comes with a medallion. It is presented with a certificate at the President’s Welcome prior to the start of the fall 2015 semester in August.

“My own teaching strengths are due in large part to the dedication of my colleagues in the English department, to a genuine student-centered focus on teaching and to the wide range of support services at our campus,” Wuesthoff told Ettling.

Wuesthoff began his work as an adjunct lecturer at SUNY Plattsburgh in August 2007. Over the past eight years he has maintained contact with many of his English alumni, “through their English studies and on into successes — major successes in their writing both here at the college and outside in jobs.”

“As a writing teacher, I can’t imagine a greater reward,” he said.