De la Vega and Price Honored at USF Service and Merit Awards Ceremony

“This afternoon we deliberately pause from our routine to celebrate individuals and teams who have contributed significantly to our university,” USF President Stephen A. Privett, S.J. said. “I thank those of you whom we honor today and all of you collectively and individually for the contribution that you make to the beauty and the richness that is USF.”

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Jennifer Turpin presented the Sarlo Prize to Professor de la Vega. The prize recognizes excellence in teaching and is awarded to a faculty member who exemplifies the ethical principles that guide the university’s vision, mission, and values.

De la Vega leads the Frank C. Newman International Human Rights Law Clinic, which brings students to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York City and the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, where they advocate for human rights reforms. Students working with de la Vega have also conducted research, checked article citations, and assisted in the writing of briefs to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and amicus curiae briefs that have been cited in major court decisions.

“I would like to thank my colleagues at both the law school and other schools for their support of my work,” de la Vega said. “In particular, I would like to thank the students whose enthusiasm for social justice continues to inspire the work of the Frank C. Newman International Human Rights Law Clinic both in international human rights bodies as well in the application of international standards in the U.S.”

Professor Price was recognized for his innovative use of technology in the classroom.

“The effective and creative use of technology in instruction is ever more important in today’s classroom and even beyond the classroom,” said Vice President of Information Technology Steve Gallagher in his introduction of the CIT Awards. Gallagher noted that Price, who received the full-time faculty award, inspires and motivates students through his passion for technology and law.

One reviewer said that Price is on the forefront of technology use, which he utilizes to accommodate various learning styles and meet the learning needs of diverse students. Price, who specializes in bankruptcy, commercial law, and contracts, is diligent about providing course materials online and uses clickers to make course material fun and engaging. Clickers, or student response systems, are handheld devices that students use to respond to questions posed by instructors.

The USF School of Law faculty and staff who were acknowledged for their years of service include Professor Robert Talbot for 45 years of service; Professor Suzanne Mounts and Assistant Professor Thomas Nazario for 35 years of service; Library Assistant Remy Kauffmann for 30 years of service; Director of Communications Angie Davis, Associate Director of Development and Alumni Relations Erica Levison, and Professor Maria Ontiveros for 10 years of service; and Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations Mynor Aragon, Financial Aid Administrator Jamal Collins, Associate Professor Richard Leo, Recruiting Coordinator Jocelyn Simon, Office Assistant Nicole Thomas, Associate Director of International Programs Julianne Cartwright Traylor, Manager of Information Technology Frank Williams, and Online Research Services Librarian Amy Wright for five years of service.