Engaging the Public 

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 10, 2018) -- The University at Albany recently presented the 6th Annual President’s Awards for Exemplary Public Engagement. Seven awards, including one for lifetime achievement, were presented to faculty and professional staff for their outstanding contributions to public engagement through research, teaching, learning, service and creative activity. This year’s awardees represent multiple disciplines and come from all three of the University’s campuses.

Professor Hal A. Lawson, an internationally recognized scholar whose body of work reflects his deep commitment to meeting the needs of vulnerable populations and their communities, was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Engagement by Provost James R. Stellar. Lawson, jointly appointed in the Schools of Education and Social Welfare, and a regular collaborator with colleagues at the School of Public Health, often serves as a consultant, trainer, evaluator, and capacity-builder for schools, community health and social service agencies, child welfare organizations, universities, and state departments of education.

“Engaged scholarship, as I have practiced it, is a collaborative adventure at the frontiers of knowledge, policy and practice. It has made me a better scholar, a better teacher and advisor, and a better person. Although it is humbling for me, my hope is that this award inspires others. Together we can do so much more,” said Lawson on learning of the honor.

Additionally six awards were presented to UAlbany faculty, staff and community partners from the arts, science, criminal justice, education, public health, social welfare and student affairs. They are:

• Duncan Cumming, Associate Professor, Department of Music and Theatre, and the Youth Movements Festival, College of Arts and Sciences

• Living-Learning Community Program, Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education

• Justin Minder, Assistant Professor, Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, and the UAlbany Weather & Climate Camp

• Blanca Ramos, Associate Professor, School of Social Welfare, and the Amsterdam Minority Health Task Force

• Luke A. Rumsey, Assistant Director of Neighborhood Life, Division of Student Affairs, Community Standards-Neighborhood Life

• Tomoku Udo, Assistant Professor, Department of Health Policy, Management and Behavior, School of Public Health, and the Chatham Cares 4 U Program

For more information about the President’s Awards for Exemplary Public Engagement, please contact the Office for Public Engagement at (518) 442-3470.

View a gallery of photos from this year’s awards program

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