PBAA to honor Gaskew, Munksgard at alumni weekend

Dr. Tony Gaskew, associate professor of criminal justice, and alumna Danielle Munksgard ’08 will be honored by the Pitt-Bradford Alumni Association during Alumni and Family Weekend.

Gaskew, director of the criminal justice program, will accept the PBAA Teaching Excellence Award.

Gaskew is the author of more than 20 publications in numerous journals, including Contemporary Justice Review, Encyclopedia of School Crime and Violence, Practicing Anthropology, Journal for Teaching Sociology and the Encyclopedia of Community Corrections. His own book, “The Muslim Brotherhood: Reshaping U.S. Foreign Policy in a Post-911 World”, centers on his work in Egypt and Israel.

Gaskew has taught at Pitt-Bradford for five years and has an extensive background in the field of criminal justice. During his time at Pitt-Bradford, Gaskew has designed and overseen the creation of the university’s Crime Scene Investigation House.

“He is very helpful and really gets to know his students on a personal level,” said John Bevan ’12, who nominated Gaskew.

Past recipients of the PBAA Teaching Excellence Award are Dr. Vincent Kohler, Dr. Marvin Thomas, Dr. Michael Stuckart, Dr. Patricia Bianco, David Blackmore, Dr. Richard E. McDowell, Dr. Richard Frederick, Jeffrey Guterman, Lizbeth Matz, Isabelle Champlin, Dr. Gautam Mukerjee, Dr. Warren Fass, Don Lewicki, Dr. Helene Lawson, Dr. Stephen Robar and Dr. Shailendra Gajanan.

Munksgard will receive the PBAA Distinguished Volunteer Award for her work with the Blue & Gold Society, the PBAA board, Pitt Day in Harrisburg, and the Student Alumni Association. Her nominator, Chris Luke ’94, president of the PBAA, wrote in her nomination that, “Danielle’s enthusiasm, passion and love of Pitt-Bradford are infectious” and that she “has made significant contributions to enrich the life of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.”

Former recipients are Dennis Lowery ’63-’65, Susan Silvestri ’72-’74, Gregory Silvestri ’73-’75, Bill Krieg ’64-’66, David Higie ’74-’76, Sharon Knouse ’88, Sandra Macfarlane ’80-’82, Anita Dolan ’88, Tim Fannin ’78, Ward Garner ’89, Craig Hartburg ’73-’75 and Ryan Race ’07.

Other notable events that will be a part of Alumni & Family Weekend include a wing-off at the Annual Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 29. The Aud, Monte’s, Corner Bar, and Rookies Sports Bar all will compete for the title of best wings in Bradford. Also, alumni, parents, faculty, students, and staff are invited to attend the Welcome Back Reception and enjoy drinks, food, and free T-shirts upon advanced registration.

Also at the awards brunch, former baseball player Bobby Wyant of Titusville and softball and golf athlete Kristy Zavinski of Warrant will be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

The PBAA Awards Brunch will be held in the Frame-Westerberg Commons in the University Room on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 10:30 a.m. The cost is $12 and the public is welcome to attend. For registration visit www.upbalumni.org/afw.

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