UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The College of Arts and Architecture recently honored six faculty and staff members for outstanding teaching, mentoring, and service during its annual spring awards ceremony.
Andreas Oeste, lecturer in oboe, received the Faculty Award for Outstanding Teaching. A member of the School of Music faculty since 2020, Oeste is known for fusing technical guidance with holistic mentoring. He has performed with orchestras across the United States and is currently principal oboe of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. As a soloist, Oeste holds prizes from several prominent international competitions, including Third Prize at the International Barbirolli Oboe Competition.
Baljinder Sekhon, associate professor of music composition, received the Award for Excellence in Advising and Mentoring. His colleagues note that he strikes the perfect balance between challenging his students with a rigorous curriculum while at the same time encouraging them to develop their creative voice. Sekhon joined the School of Music faculty in 2019 and teaches courses in composition and electronic music. Since fall 2019, more than 160 premieres of his students’ compositions have been presented on campus, in addition to being heard nationally and internationally at more than 40 concert events spanning six different countries.
Catherine Adams, digital support specialist for the Center for Virtual/Material Studies in the Department of Art History, received the Staff Award for Outstanding Service. Nominators call her the “lifeblood” of the center. Prior to joining the college in 2007, she worked in the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library. She has served as the chair of the College of Arts and Architecture Staff Advisory Council and is currently chair of the Visual Resources Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter.
Dan Robinson, professor of theater, received the Barbara O. Korner Award for Faculty Outstanding Service. He joined the School of Theatre faculty in 1992, teaching scenic design, scenic art, and period styles. Currently he serves the School of Theatre as associate director for academics and director of graduate studies, and nominators praise his knowledge and attention to detail in his administrative roles. As a scenic designer, he has designed Off-Broadway and for more than 20 regional theaters, university theaters, and international festivals.
Rebecca Simpson, visitor experience manager at the Palmer Museum of Art, received the Staff Morale Award. The current chair of the college’s Staff Advisory Council, she has worked in the arts on both coasts, including Boston Ballet, the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, Philadelphia's Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and San Diego Theatres. Her Penn State colleagues note her deep commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and expanding equity for both Palmer Museum visitors and employees.
Michael Fleck, multimedia specialist in the Center for the Performing Arts, received the Rising Star Award, which is given to a staff member who has been with the college for three or fewer years. His nominators praise his talent, dedication, and willingness to take on challenges after just one year on the staff. His work experience includes 17 years in academia and seven years in the corporate environment, in addition to more than 20 years as a freelance designer and photographer.