Susquehanna University announced faculty awards for research, teaching and advising at its 167th Commencement.
Awards were presented to Coleen Zoller, professor of philosophy, the John C. Horn Award for Distinguished Scholarship and Creative Activity; Ann Piper, associate professor of art, the Donald D. Housley Teaching Award; and Amanda Lenig, associate professor of graphic design and department head of art & design, the Lawrence A. Lemons Distinguished Academic Advising Award.
John C. Horn Award for Distinguished Scholarship and Creative Activity
Zoller joined the Susquehanna faculty in 2003. Her nominators describe her as a prolific scholar, whose rhythm of production is competitive among professors in the discipline at all types of higher education institutions.
Zoller’s scholarship weaves historical explanation with caring sensitivity to contemporary concerns, such as social justice issues in Black studies, women and gender studies, the rights of immigrants and of LGBTQIA+ people, as well as social justice regarding agriculture, food scarcity and the relationship between humans and the rest of nature.
She has published 12 peer-reviewed journal articles or anthology chapters, two book reviews and has engaged in public scholarship. Following the publication of her first monograph, Plato and the Body: Reconsidering Socratic Asceticism, which offered a paradigm shift in Platonic studies, Zoller has co-edited and contributed chapters to two anthologies in the last four years. She is currently working on two additional monographs. She has received five academic awards and eight grants and fellowships.
Zoller earned her bachelor’s degree in philosophy and Greek studies from Bucknell University before going on to earn her master’s degree and doctorate in philosophy from Emory University.
The John C. Horn Award for Distinguished Scholarship and Creative Activity memorializes John C. Horn, a former long-time member and chairperson of the university’s Board of Trustees. 
Donald D. Housley Teaching Award
Piper joined the Susquehanna faculty in 2008. Her nominators describe her as one who has earned the respect of her colleagues and students as an outstanding teacher, mentor and artist, and one who is the epitome of a student-centered educator, inspiring creativity and a love of the creative process in her students.
Piper is described as a welcoming and diligent educator of art and non-art students, who possesses standards of excellence for her students and herself while displaying kindness, compassion and support for them on their journeys toward graduation.
Piper earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art followed by her Master of Fine Arts from New Mexico State University.
The Donald D. Housley Teaching Award is named for the late Charles B. Degenstein Professor Emeritus of History, who served as a distinguished member of the faculty from 1967–2003.
Lawrence A. Lemons Distinguished Advising Award
Lenig joined the Susquehanna faculty in 2018. Nominated separately by six students, she is lauded for her role as an academic advisor and a professional in her field who mentors her students to be great designers and good people. She is described as a resource for inquiring students, someone who provides the guidance necessary to open doors for students in professional interviews, and someone who is knowledgeable about how the industry is changing. Students thanked her for providing opportunities for them to meet with alumni, have portfolio reviews and tour professional settings.
Lenig earned her bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Susquehanna University before earning her Master of Fine Arts from Marywood University.
The Lawrence A. Lemons Distinguished Advising Award memorializes a master teacher, public school leader, and devoted advisor to students who served the youth of the Nebraska Panhandle for more than 50 years.
