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- by  New College News

An enthusiastic group of New College students, faculty and alumni was in attendance at the American Anthropological Association’s Annual Meeting in Philadelphia on December 5 to cheer New College of Florida Professor of Anthropology Maria Vesperi as she received the Association’s 2009 Oxford Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.

The Oxford Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching was established in 1997 to recognize teachers who have contributed to and encouraged the study of anthropology. Recipients of the award are nominated by their peers and must demonstrate excellence in terms of their impact, creativity, and influence on the field of anthropology.

Vesperi is a cultural anthropologist who specializes in the analysis of contemporary social issues and the communication of anthropological ideas to the public. Prior to joining the New College faculty, she was a member of the editorial board, as well as a staff writer and columnist, at the St. Petersburg Times. In addition to her teaching and research, Vesperi also is the faculty advisor for New College’s student newspaper, The Catalyst. She recently co-edited, with Alisse Waterston, Anthropology Off the Shelf: Anthropologists on Writing (Wiley-Blackwell, 2009)

“I want to thank all of you who worked together to nominate me for the AAA/Oxford University Press Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching of Anthropology, all who attended the award ceremony and participated in our night on the town in Philadelphia, and everyone who expressed interest and support during the award process,” said Vesperi. “The whole experience was extraordinary.”

As Vesperi was introduced by her longtime colleague and friend, Setha Low, outgoing president of the AAA, the New College contingent gave a rousing ovation. In attendance was anthropology professor Uzi Baram, along with former students Christa Craven, Eben Kirksey, Brandy Doyle, Amanda Holmes, Anna Higgins, Sam Greenspan, Mario Rodriguez, Jessica Falcone, Jag Davies, Tim Murray, Jessica Wheeler, Kody Hirsch, current student Roxanne Sawhill and Zach Cohen, a student at Baruch University.

“The enthusiasm was infectious, because lots of folks in the audience started clapping and cheering,” recalls Vesperi.  “I can’t begin to explain how this made me feel except that it was warm and powerful, like the sun.”

Vesperi and Baram joined VP of Alumni Affairs Jessica Rogers and alums from Philadelphia and New York at a New College Alumnae/i Association cocktail event on Thursday evening, December 3, at the lounge in the hotel where the conference was held.

“Everyone at New College is thrilled that Maria was selected to receive this prestigious award,” stated New College President Mike Michalson.  “It is recognition of her success as a teacher and for her valuable contributions to the study of anthropology.”

Visit the official New College YouTube Channel to view a short video of Dr. Vesperi receiving her award.

For more information, contact the New College Office of Public Affairs at (941) 487-4150 or email [email protected].