Alumni award teaching

On May 19, Religious Studies Chair Ann Matter was awarded the inaugural Outstanding Teaching Award by the College Alumni Society -- the University's oldest alumni organization. In order to get candidates for this award, the organization sent surveys to members of Class of 1985, asking them to suggest a professor "whose knowledge, teaching style, philosophy, or advice really made a difference in their lives." In the words of one alumnus who filled out the survey, it was Matter's "immeasurable open-mindedness, depth and breadth of learning, approachability, and commitment to her student's success" that stayed with her even 10 years after graduation. Matter joined the faculty in 1976 as an assistant professor and was promoted to full professor in 1990. Consistently praised by students throughout her years at the University, Matter was awarded the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching in 1981. And this spring, Matter was one of five University professors to receive the Guggenheim Fellowship. Each year the Guggenheim Foundation grants $5 million to 200 researchers. The application process was comprehensive and competitive. To apply, each professor had to submit information on their research and careers. The foundation then contacted other leaders in the applicant's field for additional insight. Her research deals with the history of Christian culture, with emphasis on the Middle Ages. Some of her studies include the history of biblical exegesis, spirituality and mysticism, women's history and spirituality, music and the Christian tradition, and medieval textual studies. In addition to publishing various articles on these topics, Matter has published a book entitled, Voice of My Beloved: The Songs in Western Medieval Christianity. Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs in the College Kent Peterman described some of Matter's merits. "In conjunction with this substantial body of scholarship, her excellence as a teacher shines brightly indeed," he said. "This most recent recognition of her teaching demonstrates the impression she makes on her students endures years after they have left the University."