Six Marquette faculty members were recognized with the university’s highest teaching honor and one faculty member received the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 67th Annual Père Marquette Dinner, Thursday, April 30, in the AMU Monaghan Ballrooms.
In recognition of their demonstrated ability to inspire students to grow in knowledge and scholarship for the glory of God and the good of others, the 2026 Teaching Excellence Award winners are:
Rev. John P. Raynor, S.J., Faculty Awards for Teaching Excellence
- Dr. Kent Belasco, professor of practice in finance, College of Business Administration
- Dr. Laurieann Klockow, clinical professor of biomedical sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
- Dr. Rebecca Sanders, professor of mathematics, Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
Robert and Mary Gettel Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence
- Dr. Lowell Barrington, professor of political science, Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Felisa Antonchorgy, clinical instructor in the College of Nursing, was honored with the Part-time Faculty Teaching Excellence Award, which recognizes one part-time faculty member at Marquette who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to student growth, development, and welfare through effective teaching and student learning.
Dr. Jason Farr, associate professor of English in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, is the 2026 recipient of the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award for demonstrating exemplary leadership and a sustained commitment to putting the ideals of diversity, equity and inclusion into meaningful practice.
Teaching Excellence Awards
Dr. Lowell Barrington, professor of political science, Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
Barrington was recognized for his sustained commitment to intellectually rigorous, student-centered teaching and mentorship. Over three decades at Marquette, he has earned a reputation for transformative teaching that challenges students to think critically, engage deeply with complex global issues and understand how evidence and context shape political outcomes.
Barrington’s teaching spans introductory and advanced courses in comparative politics, democratization, nationalism, and Russian and post-Soviet politics. Known affectionately by students as “Dr. B,” he is recognized for guiding classes through complex political ideas by grounding theory in real-world cases and structured discussion. His courses emphasize disciplined reasoning, careful use of evidence and comparative analysis, helping students move beyond surface-level explanations to grapple with causality, ambiguity and competing perspectives.
Central to Barrington’s approach is a pedagogy rooted in cura personalis. He is known for his attentiveness to students’ individual contexts, interests and goals, often encouraging students to take ownership of their learning by helping shape course content, assignments and discussions. Beyond the classroom, Barrington has served as a mentor to countless undergraduate and graduate students, supporting them through academic challenges, research projects and career discernment, often long after they have graduated from Marquette.
“I am incredibly grateful to be this year’s recipient of the Robert and Mary Gettel Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence,” Barrington said. “There are hundreds of faculty members who deserve this award as much or more than I do. One of the things that absolutely makes Marquette special is that its faculty members all care about our students. This is particularly true of the Department of Political Science. While trends in higher education push universities to view faculty members as either teachers or researchers, I am blessed to be in a department of teacher-scholars. My colleagues are nationally and even internationally known for their research, but all of them put their students first and care deeply about their students’ success inside the classroom and outside of it.”
Dr. Kent Belasco, professor of practice in finance and founding director of the Commercial Banking Program, College of Business Administration
Belasco exemplifies sustained teaching excellence through experiential, mission-driven instruction that prepares students for professional success and ethical leadership. Since founding the Commercial Banking Program in 2016, he has designed and taught a comprehensive suite of undergraduate and graduate courses integrating academic rigor with real-world banking practice.
Belasco’s teaching centers on applied learning that mirrors professional practice. Students run banks through multi-quarter simulations, underwrite live commercial loans and present credit analyses to committees of professional bankers — experiences that translate classroom concepts into durable skills. Beyond the classroom, Belasco leads immersive field experiences to the Chicago financial district; Washington, D.C.; and Zurich, Switzerland, expanding students’ understanding of banking within national and global contexts.
Belasco emphasizes cura personalis, ethical decision-making and service to the common good. Through partnerships with organizations such as Global Brigades and Eskala, students engage with financial inclusion and community development efforts abroad, exploring banking’s role in promoting human flourishing. A dedicated mentor and program builder, Belasco has helped guide students to a 100% placement rate across more than 30 banking and financial institutions.
“This honor is the culmination of my 23 years of teaching and is so profoundly meaningful to me, especially in light of my approaching retirement,” Belasco said. “To me, when you do something you love, it is not a job. This honor is all about my students, past and present, who are my true joy and who I will miss dearly. All I ever wanted to do was teach! This award not only makes it all worthwhile but is a great remembrance of the best time of my entire professional and academic career! I am humbled, and eternally grateful to Marquette University for this tremendous honor.”
Dr. Laurieann Klockow, clinical professor of biomedical sciences, College of Health Sciences
Klockow was recognized for her sustained commitment to teaching excellence and student success. Over the course of her career, Klockow has taught more than 9,000 students across undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, pairing rigorous scientific instruction with a deeply student-centered approach. Her courses challenge students to think critically and apply complex concepts while also creating structured opportunities for practice, feedback and growth.
Klockow’s teaching is grounded in cura personalis, emphasizing care for the whole student and a belief that all learners can succeed when supported effectively. She is widely recognized for creating inclusive, engaging classroom environments where students feel seen, supported and encouraged to develop confidence in their abilities. Through innovative, evidence-based strategies — including case-based learning, collaborative group work and real-world public health applications — she helps students connect scientific knowledge to broader societal issues such as health equity, ethics and the social determinants of health.
Beyond the classroom, Klockow’s impact is reflected in her sustained mentorship and leadership. She has played a central role in curriculum development and university-wide teaching initiatives, while mentoring students as they pursue graduate education and professional careers in health and science. Colleagues and former students alike point to her dedication, accessibility and genuine care as hallmarks of her teaching.
“When I think of the extraordinary teachers who have earned this distinction before me, I feel the full weight of what this honor means,” Klockow said. “Teaching is an act of faith in that you pour your heart and soul into the work whose impact you may never fully see. To have that work recognized not just by students but by colleagues I deeply respect, means more than I can say. I am incredibly grateful to teach Marquette students, work alongside people I genuinely admire and be part of a community that takes its mission seriously.”
Dr. Rebecca Sanders, professor of mathematics, Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
Sanders is recognized for her ability to balance intellectual rigor with meaningful support. Across undergraduate and graduate courses, Sanders creates learning environments where students are challenged to engage deeply with complex mathematical concepts while gaining confidence in their ability to succeed. Her courses are known for their clarity, structure and high expectations, paired with an approach that encourages curiosity, participation and persistence.
Central to Sanders’ teaching is a commitment to cura personalis — meeting students where they are and supporting their academic and personal development. Through carefully designed lectures, she uses examples, visualizations and multiple representations to make abstract ideas accessible, while emphasizing the importance of clear mathematical communication. She regularly invites student participation, checks for understanding and adapts her teaching in real time, helping to create an inclusive classroom culture where questions are welcomed and intellectual risk-taking is encouraged.
Beyond the classroom, Sanders’ impact is reflected in her deep mentorship and lasting relationships with students. Known for her open-door approach, she provides extensive support through advising, office hours and informal interactions, guiding students as they navigate academic and professional decisions. Her combination of high standards, encouragement and genuine care has a transformative effect, with students frequently citing her as one of the most influential educators in their academic journeys. Colleagues note that her dedication extends beyond her own teaching, as she serves as a mentor and model for effective instruction across the department, amplifying her impact throughout the university.
“I am deeply grateful to be recognized with the Teaching Excellence Award,” Sanders said. “I am only a small reflection of the many dedicated and talented educators who make this community so special. For me, it is such a privilege to share my love of mathematics each day through teaching it, exploring it, and guiding students as they discover something new along their own journey.”
Part-time Faculty Teaching Excellence Award
Dr. Felisa Antonchorgy, clinical faculty, College of Nursing
Antonchorgy is recognized for a deeply student-centered approach that combines rigorous clinical preparation with compassionate mentorship. A three-time Marquette alumna, Antonchorgy has taught since 2014 in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program and since 2023 in the DEMSN and undergraduate nursing programs bringing extensive acute care nursing and advanced practice nursing experience into the classroom. Her teaching emphasizes critical thinking, reflective practice and the application of theory to real-world patient care, helping students develop confidence as safe, competent and compassionate nurses.
Students consistently describe Antonchorgy as approachable, supportive and deeply invested in their success. She is known for creating learning environments where students feel comfortable asking questions and engaging in meaningful discussion, particularly during moments of academic or personal challenges. Many students credit her one-on-one guidance, flexibility and encouragement with helping them rebuild confidence, master complex material, and persist through demanding coursework.
Antonchorgy’s commitment to cura personalis is evident in both her teaching pedagogy and advocacy for equity in nursing education and the nursing workforce. Drawing on her background as a Latina woman raised in Milwaukee, she works intentionally to support students from underrepresented backgrounds, promote inclusive curricula and grow a nursing workforce that reflects the communities in which we serve.
“Receiving this recognition is an honor that I share with my mentors, colleagues, students, family, and friends who have encouraged and inspired me throughout my career in nursing education,” Antonchorgy said.
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award
Dr. Jason Farr, associate professor of English, Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
Farr is commended for his leadership in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging across Marquette’s teaching, research and service missions. A nationally recognized scholar in disability studies and 18th-century literature, Farr’s work expands traditional understandings of the literary canon by centering historically marginalized voices and examining the intersections of disability, deaf history and LGBTQ+ identities. His scholarship connects past inequities to present-day systems of exclusion, reinforcing the role of the humanities in promoting a more just and inclusive society.
Farr’s commitment to inclusive excellence is evident in his innovative teaching and curricular leadership. He has developed numerous undergraduate and graduate courses focused on disability studies, LGBTQ+ narratives and health humanities, helping to reshape the English curriculum and broaden its impact across disciplines. His courses emphasize accessibility as a core principle, using multimodal approaches to foster participation and create classroom communities grounded in care, dialogue and intellectual rigor. By encouraging students to engage with complex social justice issues through an intersectional lens, he equips them to think critically about systems of power, representation and belonging.
Beyond the classroom, Farr’s impact is felt through his mentorship, campus leadership and advocacy for inclusive practices. He co-founded the LGBTQ+ Research Community, contributed to university-wide initiatives such as the ADVANCE program, and led workshops and conversations to improve accessibility for faculty, staff and students. Known for his authentic and compassionate approach, Farr builds meaningful relationships with students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, who describe feeling seen, supported and empowered through his guidance.
“While I am grateful for this recognition, I am especially thankful for my mentors, colleagues, and students who have inspired me over the years, and who continue to teach me how to become a better ally,” Farr said. “This is an ongoing process, and I still have a lot to learn.”
