Leonard J. Berkowitz, associate professor of philosophy at the York campus, has been selected as the 2001 recipient of the McKay Donkin Award. The award is presented to a full-time faculty or staff member or retiree who has made significant contributions to the economic, physical, mental, or social welfare of the faculty.

Berkowitz, who holds M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in philosophy from Johns Hopkins University, has made immeasurable contributions to the faculty and to the Commonwealth College. His most visible and influential role has been as a member of the Penn State Faculty Senate since 1978, including a term as the organization’s chair in 1998-99.

He has served as a faculty liaison to the University’s Board of Trustees and Alumni Council, and has been directly involved with initiatives such as undergraduate education, faculty rights and responsibilities, and promotion and tenure. He chaired the task force that recommended the establishment of the School for Engineering Technology and Commonwealth Engineering, and also chaired the subcommittee that developed the current forms of both student and peer evaluation of faculty.

Through these efforts, Berkowitz has given the faculty an increased voice and recognition in University affairs since his arrival at Penn State in 1972. His preparation, diplomacy, and problem solving skills are valued by academic colleagues and administrators alike. He has been a champion for students, supporting proposals to provide academic credit for life experiences and transfer courses. He has also been a steadfast supporter of the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community within the University.

The McKay Donkin Award, established in 1969, honors the late McKay Donkin, who served as vice president for finance and treasurer of the University from 1957 to 1968.