Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies News

 Highlights from Celebration of Teaching 2026

April 6th, 2026

Celebration of Teaching is an event that recognizes the achievements of Libraries, University, and external teaching award winners from the 2025–26 academic year. This year, 13 Libraries and School of Information Studies faculty members presented lightning talks on their innovative teaching methods, and 10 award winners were recognized at the event for their contributions to teaching.

The following people presented at this year’s celebration:

• Kirstin Leaman, Codicology and Curation: Describing the Medieval Book
• Adriana Harmeyer, Beyond the Binding: Beyond the Classroom: Exhibition Curation as Course Output
• Samantha LeGrand, Information Studies Research Accelerator Learning Community: Instructor and Student Perspectives on the New LC
• Annette Bochenek, Case-Based Learning with Primary Sources: A Pan Am Archival Case Study
• Chao Cai, Building a High-Enrollment Course Through Community, Research, and Online Learning
• Bert Chapman, SCLA 509 Strategic Intelligence Organizations, Technologies, Procedures, Policies
• Melissa Chomintra, ILS 230 and AI: God Save the Queen Diva
• Neal Harmeyer, Reflections on ILS 132: Introduction to Museums and Archives
• Sarah Huber, Creative Formats: Making Knowledge
• Jo Otremba, Fostering Gen Z Student Curiosity and Engagement in the Archives
• Innocensia Owuor, Honors Contract in Introduction to GIS (ILS 250): Enhancing Student Learning and Career Development
• Michael Witt, Experiential Learning With Executives in Residence: Escape Room Episode
• Jerilyn Tinio, Stewarding Student Life Histories: A Data Literacy Fellows Program

This year’s teaching award winners were also recognized, including:

Teaching for Tomorrow Fellowship Awards Program

The Teaching for Tomorrow Fellowship Awards Program fosters continued excellence of teaching and learning, and facilitates the development of faculty members’ teaching potential. Junior fellows’ goals are to improve their teaching and develop mentorship skills in the program, and senior fellows are tasked with mentoring junior fellows and working with them to craft a plan that will help them to grow as educators.

Junior fellows: Victoria Dawkins, Rachel Fundator, Innocensia Owuor | 2024 awardees honored: Chao Cai, Thomas Gerrish, Wei Zakharov

Senior fellow: Bethany McGowan

Teaching Leadership Award

The Teaching Leadership Award aims to foster a culture of teaching excellence and leadership by supporting instructors in designing and implementing developmental activities within their respective departments.

Recipient: Samantha LeGrand

Libraries Teaching Award Winners

Recipients: Melissa Chomintra, Michael Witt

Celebration of Teaching provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with faculty across the unit, gain insights into their innovative teaching efforts, and honor the well-deserved award recipients. It was a memorable event highlighting the dedication and passion driving education forward.