2020 Award Recipients

Thoburn Award for Excellence in Teaching Recipients

Heather Moore Roberson

Since joining the Allegheny College faculty in 2015, Professor Heather Moore Roberson has exemplified what it means to be an inspirational role model. An associate professor of community & justice studies and Black studies, she is known as a warm, committed mentor who challenges her students to excel. Moreover, Professor Roberson makes a point to be available and offer encouragement to her students.

“She went absolutely above and beyond to ensure that each and every student’s voice was heard and that we felt empowered to share our thoughts about our readings and course content together,” says Megan Arnold ’19. “Professor Roberson created a space that encouraged people to listen harder when they disagree and that allowed students to be vulnerable and step out of their comfort zone.”

Professor Roberson is masterful at teaching complex subjects in an engaging way. Alumni note that she presents new research, delves into current events, and assigns books from marginalized authors to emphasize injustices through clear instruction. She also provides extensive, thoughtful feedback to each assignment to help students improve their writing and speaking skills.

In addition, Professor Roberson frequently accompanies students to national conferences to expand their horizons and refine their research and presentation abilities. In several classes, she also incorporates an interactive aspect for students to get involved with the Meadville community.

“She has such a vast understanding of American culture, and what it means to be part of a community, that she is the most qualified professor I ever learned under,” said Lucie Shiffman ’19. “Not only do her courses discuss difficult topics, like what it means to be a citizen, and how to participate in your community while embracing civility, but she finds ways to engage students in ways beyond a regular class.”

Professor Roberson has served as a faculty mentor for the Men of Color Advancement Association; Phi Beta Sigma, a historically Black fraternity; and Zeta Phi Beta, a historically Black sorority. Beyond campus, she is an active member of the Mu Nu Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She is also an alumna and faculty member for the Institute for the Recruitment of Teachers in Andover, Massachusetts.

“It is abundantly clear to me that she is the rare educator,” says Associate Professor of Psychology Lydia Eckstein of Professor Roberson. “In fact, she fully models to her students what she expects of them: utter professionalism, enthusiasm, curiosity, and care. She is a truly exceptional educator who is fiercely dedicated, deeply respected, and accomplished.”

Julian Ross Award for Excellence in Teaching Recipients

Eric Pallant

The Christine Scott Nelson ’73 Endowed Professor in Environmental Science & Sustainability, Eric Pallant, is known to countless Alleghenians as a thoughtful, curious educator who pushes his students to confront and solve problems.

“He makes you excited to learn and creates an environment where it is okay to not know the answer,” said Marley Parish ’19. “Using examples to make learning easy to understand, Eric teaches you how to be comfortable with silence. He teaches you how to wonder and how to embrace the unknown. He doesn’t just teach lessons; Eric instructs his students in a way that matters.”

An incredibly clear and concise communicator, Professor Pallant understands how to make complex issues accessible to students at all levels. Instead of conducting lectures, he structures courses as a conversation that prizes discovery over rote learning. “You tell me” is a signature phrase that Professor Pallant uses to stimulate independent thinking in his classes. Moreover, he incorporates field trips into the curriculum to introduce concepts firsthand, such as visits to local farms for an up-close look at how food is grown.

“There are few teachers in my life that have taught me such an important and necessary skill in life,” said Jennifer Torrance ’16. “Eric teaches his students important values and skills in the world of environmental science but nourishes the seeds of self-growth, confidence, and a desire to learn more that help us to succeed in our careers as well as in life.”

Professor Pallant, who joined the Allegheny faculty in 1987, has had the distinction of receiving two Fulbright Awards, traveling to Israel and the United Kingdom. He has brought the knowledge gained from those teaching and research opportunities back to Allegheny to enrich the experience for his students.

Described as brilliant yet humble, Professor Pallant is exceptional at advising students beyond the classroom. Alumni praise him as a person who always has an open ear, allowing students to formulate their thoughts before offering insightful advice. He has gone the extra mile to support students by connecting them with alumni mentors, attending athletic games, and chatting with advisees about their interests outside of academics. Nothing stops Professor Pallant from working to support students — academically or personally.

“Eric is an excited teacher. He truly enjoys hearing the thoughts of his students and engaging in dialogue about students’ perspectives, experiences, and knowledge,” noted one of the nominations for the Julian Ross Award. “Eric wants to know who you are, who you are in the truest, fullest, most core sense of identity.”

Robert T. Sherman Distinguished Service Award Recipients

Kelly Mack Boulton ’02

Kelly Boulton ’02 is an environmental powerhouse at Allegheny College. Since joining the Allegheny staff in 2008, she dedicated herself to developing and implementing a comprehensive climate action plan.

The environmental science and sustainability faculty noted that “Single-handedly through determination and dedication to Allegheny, Kelly has saved the College several million dollars and put Allegheny into the national spotlight for being one of the greenest colleges in the country.”

In 2020, Boulton played a crucial role in efforts that led the College to become one of the first ten in the nation to achieve carbon neutrality. As director of sustainability, carbon neutrality is not simply an end goal for Boulton but a milestone toward a long-term commitment to decarbonization and community resilience.

Among many other achievements during Boulton’s tenure, the College has improved energy efficiency by 20%. The efficiency has resulted in sourcing 100% of electricity from wind-generated sources, reduced water usage by 40%, and paper usage by 30%. In addition, the campus now features LEED-certified buildings, rain gardens, and geo-exchange heating and cooling.

Each fall, Boulton takes a leadership role in running the October Energy Challenge. The challenge encourages all individuals to reduce their energy usage, typically resulting in a 10% reduction. The money saved during the challenge is invested in student-selected sustainable features such as solar panels, filtered water refill stations, and an automated return system for the reusable takeout program.

Furthermore, Boulton coordinates the DeHart Local Foods Dinner, featuring food from over a dozen local farmers and produce from the organic campus garden. Boulton also advocates for locally sourced, sustainable, and fair-trade food to be served in the dining halls year-round.

Along with her extraordinary leadership in planning and operations, Boulton has invested time to promote core values and sound practices throughout the College community. She advises several student organizations on campus, including Students for Environmental Action, Green Living, Allegheny Bike Share, and works closely with the student government’s sustainability committee.

Boulton has offered insights and expertise through service on the College’s Strategic Planning Committee, Campus Master Planning Committee, Administrative Advisory Committee, and the Middle States working group. Additionally, she has taught courses and supervised interns in the Department of Environmental Science and Sustainability.

On a national level, Boulton has worked on Allegheny’s profile as a leader in sustainability. She has presented, published, and partnered with the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, Second Nature, the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge, the World Symposium on Sustainability and Higher Education, and the Pennsylvania Environmental Research Consortium.

“Kelly Boulton is the reason Allegheny is so committed and successful at teaching and operating sustainably,” noted an individual who nominated her for the award.

Audrey Onspaugh

Audrey Onspaugh worked at Allegheny College for 55 years — more than one-quarter of the College’s history. Over those five decades, Onspaugh has seen many changes in her work — from entering data with punch cards to typing Senior Comprehensive Projects on a computer. Throughout her service, she has consistently been a shining example of dedication to the College and a source of joy to those around her.

“Having worked with Audrey Onspaugh for over 15 years, I can attest to her being one of Allegheny College’s treasures,” said Eleanor Weisman, retired associate professor of dance and movement studies. “She knew just about everyone on campus and had many student friends as well. In fact, many students would interview her as part of student projects, even Senior Comprehensive Projects. They admired her wisdom as well as her historical knowledge about the College and Meadville.”

Another colleague writes that “It is impossible to adequately express what Audrey means to this College and to all of the people who have had the privilege of working alongside her and learning from her, for more than half a century. She is an unwavering role model of honesty, integrity, kindness, care, and excellence.”

During her time with the College, Onspaugh provided administrative support in a wide range of offices, including Institutional Research, the Office of Planning and Information, the Treasurer’s Office, the Dean of Students Office, and the Dance and Movement Studies Program. She was known and respected for her meticulous attention to detail, vast knowledge of College processes and operations, and willingness to go the extra mile. Over the years, Onspaugh worked in offices Bentley, Carr, Montgomery, Reis, and Ruter Halls, and she was a smiling, familiar face on her frequent walks across campus.

In 2020, at the age of 90, Onspaugh retired as the building coordinator in Montgomery Hall. She touched countless lives and made Allegheny a better place in so many ways.

“Her grace and wisdom are a gift to every person she comes in contact with, and to me, she exemplifies what it is to be Allegheny,” said Kelly Wright in nominating Onspaugh. “Dedication, hard work, compassion, flexibility, and endurance. She is not only worthy of this award, she absolutely embodies everything that the Robert T. Sherman award is about.”