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Department of Human Development and Family Studies
Vanessa Wade wins Evelyn R. Saubel Faculty Award Paul Hazi (2)
Vanessa Wade, academic adviser in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, has won the Evelyn R. Saubel Faculty Award from the College of Health and Human Development. She was given the award at a ceremony held in November in the Bennett Pierce Living Center in Henderson Building. Wade has served as an academic adviser for students pursuing the HDFS major since 2002. In 2012, she became the department’s lead academic adviser. In these roles she has helped students navigate degree requirements, course selection, and confirmation of degree completion. She has updated the HDFS web site, participated in FTCAP and Spend a Summer Day recruitment activities, and reviewed Faculty Senate rulings/updates to determine the effects on HDFS departmental operations.
Wade advises hundreds of students each semester and, according to her nominators, gives each one her careful guidance and support. “Vanessa is a phenomenal mentor and role model to hundreds of students each year,” her nominators wrote. “She shows high levels of compassion; provides tremendous, individualized support to a range of students; and works to improve our program for the benefit of all of our majors.” In addition to serving as an adviser for HDFS, Wade has served as a mentor through the FastStart Mentoring Program. Prior to her position as an academic adviser in HDFS, she worked as a foreign student adviser for the University Office of International Programs from 1999 to 2002. She was an instructor in the Department of African and African American Studies from 2000 to 2008. The Evelyn R. Saubel Faculty Award recognizes faculty members for service to students. Among its criteria are a commitment to human service; accessibility as an adviser; and a caring, professional style. The award was established in honor of Evelyn Saubel ’35 H EC, a longtime assistant to the dean in the former colleges of Home Economics and Human Development.
Steven Zarit Named Distinguished Professor Penn State has named Steven Zarit, head of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, a distinguished professor for his record of research, teaching, and service. Described as a pioneer and a founder of the field of clinical gerontology, Zarit was one of the first researchers to study the effects on caregivers of family members with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. In addition to his illustrious research career, he has a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education and has provided extensive service to the University community.
20 | Health and Human Development