Alisa Rosenthal, Associate Professor of Political Science at Gustavus Adolphus College, received the 2012 Edgar M. Carlson Award for Distinguished Teaching during the College’s commencement exercises on Sunday, May 27. Rosenthal was presented the award by the 2011 recipient, Professor of Nursing Barbara Zust.
Rosenthal began teaching at Gustavus in 2004 and teaches courses in ancient and modern political theory, constitutional law, political and legal thinking, civil rights and liberties, and feminist theory. She also serves as the Fellowships Coordinator in the Gustavus Fellowships Office where she works with talented Gustavus students applying for nationally competitive scholarships, awards, and fellowships.
Students who nominated Rosenthal for the Carlson Award made the following comments:
“Alisa is widely recognized on campus as a formidable thinker, a challenging and enthusiastic teacher, an engaged mentor, and a passionate advocate for students.”
“There was a never a dull moment in Alisa’s class. Classroom structure insists that each and every student learn how to challenge and stretch their own thinking beyond belief in order to better defend their thoughts.”
“Alisa has a way of taking topics that, on the surface, are not that interesting and making them come alive. Coming to class every day, I knew I was going to learn something more than the text itself could offer. Her creative methods of making classroom material relevant has had a lasting impact on me.”
“The discussions this professor led in class were engaging, and I found myself discussing the topics even after class with other students. When the time came to register for classes for the next semester, I immediately sought out other classes this professor taught.”
The Edgar M. Carlson Award was established by the Gustavus Board of Trustees in 1971 to honor former President Edgar Carlson for his years of distinguished leadership and in recognition of his commitment to academic excellence. Gustavus faculty, staff, administrators, and students nominate professors for this award, and each year at commencement a faculty member, selected by the Provost based on the recommendations of previous Carlson recipients, is awarded for their exceptional skill and effectiveness as an instructor.
Leave a Reply