September 17 , 2004 Print this page

Marianne Gauss Honored with University’s Faculty Distinguished Service Award

Never comfortable in the spotlight, La Salle teacher Marianne Gauss had steeled herself to receive the University’s Faculty Distinguished Service Award in front La Salle’s freshmen class, their families and her colleges, when she got a jolt -- her husband and three children, who told her they wouldn’t be at the ceremony, were there.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” says Gauss, who teaches in the University’s Management Department. Her husband and her two daughters took off from work to attend – Trisha, a nurse, did a double-shift the following day. All of the Gausses, husband Fred, daughters Trisha and Reggie, son Matt and mom are graduates of La Salle.

Gauss was honored at the La Salle’s Opening Convocation Ceremony. In her acceptance speech, she had a few words of advice to the incoming students – and their parents:

“In conclusion, there are only a few things I want you, the students, to remember. You need to show up and try, you need to get involved and you need to be true to the values that your families have imparted to you. If you manage these three things, your years at La Salle will be magical. Welcome to the family.”

“This is the first time in eight years that I am not watching a child of mine go to college. I know the relief, exhaustion, anguish and poignancy of entrusting someone I love so dearly to strangers. We realize the trust that you are placing in us,” she said. “But these young people are not coming to us as empty vessels. They are academically qualified students… and they come to us with the beliefs and values that are most important to your family. Even more significantly, they come to us knowing that you are there, loving and supporting them. We value that sacred trust.”

A native of Philadelphia’s Olney section, Gauss was among the first group of women admitted to the University’s full-time undergraduate, day program. A faculty member since 1987, she has received several awards from the University – including the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching – but never feels comfortable when receiving honors.

“I always think I’m unworthy, that there are people who are much more deserving than me,” she says. “When I hear the word distinguished, I think I’m not old enough. Apparently I am,” added Gauss, who is 52.

“I’m inspired by the fact that throughout my life is a function of sacrifices by others who did for me,” she says.

In presenting the award, La Salle Provost Dr. Richard Nigro remarked that the recipient was being recognized for "Exceptional involvement and devotion to the good of the University, the advancement of its mission and support of La Salle as a learning community.”

Nigro went on to say, “This year’s winner was nominated by fellow faculty, not only of other academic departments, but from other schools of the University! One described her as a ‘vital, valuable and irreplaceable member of the University community.’ Another, pointing out her tireless dedication to both colleagues and students, described her as ‘exemplifying all this is embodied…in the award.’ Complementing both, the third advocate identified her work in the areas of athletics and alumni: ‘Talking to her about La Salle makes the listener want to be better and do better as a Lasallian educator.’”
The Faculty Distinguished Service Award was formerly known as the Provost’s Distinguished Faculty Award. A new award, the Faculty Distinguished Scholarly Award, will be presented later in the fall semester.