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Three HU Faculty Members Honored for Inspiring Students

El Hamm
Recipients of the Edward L. Hamm, Sr.
teaching awards; Dr. Carmina
Sanchez-del-Valle, associate professor of
architecture ; Dr. Carl Harris, Jr., professor
of music and Eleanor Earl, assistant
professor of English.

This year three Hampton University faculty members, one more than the traditional two recipients, exemplified the traits necessary to receive the E.L. Hamm Distinguished Teaching Award. Those three recipients are Eleanor Earl, Dr. Carmina Sanchez-Del-Valle and Dr. Carl Harris, Jr.

The E.L. Hamm Award spans back to the 1960-1961 school year. When the award was first introduced to the campus it was known by another name The Christian R. and Mary F. Linback Distinguished Award. Although the name of the award was changed in 1994, in honor of a former trustee’s father, its purpose still remains the same; the award recognizes those faculty who consistently attain teaching excellence by going above and beyond the classroom and inspiring their students to have a passion for learning and a commitment to excellence.

Earl, an assistant professor of English received a bachelor’s degree in rhetoric and communication studies from the University of Virginia, a master’s degree in Humanities from Old Dominion University, and a Masters of Fine Arts in theatre writing from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. Earl began teaching at HU in 2003 and currently serves as the cinema studies program coordinator.

“I was truly surprised by the announcement and humbled by the magnitudeof the honor. Iwillcontinue to pray for God'sdirection as I strive to instruct,influence, and inspire Hampton University'samazing students,” she said.

Sanchez-Del-Valle, an associate professor of architecture, received the bachelor of environmental design degree from the University of Puerto Rico, a Masters of Architecture from the University of Puerto Rico, and a Doctorate of Architecture from the University of Michigan. Sanchez-Del-Valle has taught at HU since 2003. She is a member of numerous professional organizations and the recipient of many awards from these organizations.

“I’m indebted to my colleagues, students, mentors, and to the Hampton University community – this is something that is not achieved solely based on one’s own effort,” she said. “Teaching is by nature collaborative. The fact that this award exists demonstrates teaching and learning are valued at this university.”

Harris
Dr. Carl Harris played the organ
during the ceremony.

Harris, professor of music, obtained the bachelor’s degree in music history from the University of Missouri and a doctorate in musical arts in conducting from the Conservatory of Music from the University of Missouri, at Kansas City. He also completed additional studies at Westminster Choir College and the Vienna State Academy of Music. Harris has been a professor as well as the University organist since 1998. He has made extensive tours of the U.S. and Europe as a choral conductor and lecturer.

“After teaching for over 50 years, this has been a great honor in my career and it’s because of students and faculty/colleagues that this honor has been bestowed upon me,” Harris said. “But it’s mostly because of my students. I also feel that on Hampton’s campus there are so many faculty deserving of such an award and it is an honor to be a recipient.”

Three award recipients, instead of two, illustrates that faculty are going beyond their expected call of duty to ensure that students receive the “Standard of Excellence” education at HU.

-Juston Washington