May 14, 2009

Dr. Ann Marie Wranovix
CBU 2009 Distinguished Lasallian Educator

Dr. Anne Marie Wranovix accepts the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award from Lance Forsdick, president of CBU, and Brother Louis Althaus.

Dr. Ann Marie Wranovix, professor of English, was honored with the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award at the Christian Brothers University (CBU) Annual Faculty/Staff Recognition Reception on April 30.

Wranovix was cited for her selfless service to CBU and its students for the past 24 years. She has been demanding and loving, challenging and inspiring, for thousand of students in English Composition and Introduction to Literature as well as for upper division English majors in Introduction to Fiction, Poetry and Drama, Chaucer, Dante, Greek Classics in Translation and Flannery O’Connor. After directing the Honors Program for five years (1992-1997), she has continued teaching Honors World Literature I to give an excellent first academic experience to the Honors Program freshmen.

The simplicity and clarity of Wranovix’s presentations make her accessible to students and she always responds to students with a "can-do" spirit. As the Lasallian educator of the year, Wranovix is recognized for her passion for teaching, her way of touching hearts, and her commitment to the Lasallian Mission of the University.

As a colleague observed, "When she speaks about student development, it is clear that she’s talking about spiritual growth as much as she is talking about mastering course content." During her spring 2008 faculty sabbatical, Wranovix designed an upper-level English course based on spiritual autobiographies from several religious traditions to infuse her sense of spiritualism into the classroom.

Wranovix has served as Chair of Literature and Languages, chaired the Search Committee for a Dean of Arts, edited a SACS Self Study and served on countless committees at the University. She is an active member of St. Theresa the Little Flower Catholic Church. Her family includes her husband Frank and their children, Timothy, Kevin, Matthew and Sarah. Wranovix holds a B.A. in English and history from Vanderbilt University, and a M.A. and a Ph.D. from Yale University.

The award -- the highest presented by the University to faculty or staff -- annually honors a CBU educator, nominated by his/her peers, who exemplifies the ideals of St. John Baptist de La Salle in the 21st century. Eligible nominees must have been a Lasallian educator for at least five years, be actively involved in fostering the mission of Lasallian education, and exemplify in his/her life the spirit of St. John Baptist de La Salle and demonstrate an enthusiasm for the Lasallian tradition. ###