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When Vogel graduated from high school, his father advised him, “Choose a career path you are passionate about, make each day mean something, and don’t settle for anything less.” With a passion for teaching and service, Vogel took his father’s advice to heart. Vogel, 59, has been a professor in the Department of Education for more than 30 years and recently co-founded the University’s Leadership and Global Understanding (LGU) Program, and serves as the program’s co-director. As the recipient of this year’s Faculty Distinguished Service Award, Vogel is acknowledged for his years of service both inside and outside the classroom. To Vogel, teaching and service go hand-in-hand. “I see service as part of my role as a professor.” Vogel said, “Helping students see the connections between what they are learning and the world in which they live is critical.” Over the years, Vogel has led La Salle students on numerous travel-study courses to places such as Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, as well as to the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, and Chile. Preston Feden, Ph.D., Professor of Education, a colleague and friend of Vogel since 1973 said, “Bob’s work through the LGU program allows La Salle students to gain insights into cultures very different from our own and can lead students to understand and value people with diverse ways of life.” Born and raised in Philadelphia, Vogel earned his bachelor’s degree from Philadelphia University and later his master’s and doctoral degrees from Temple University. Vogel came to La Salle in 1973, rising through the ranks of the Department of Education, and was named Professor in 2003. He currently lives in Elkins Park with his wife, Marlyn. La Salle University has been a part of Michael Kerlin’s life for 45 of his 70 years. Growing up in a row house in West Philadelphia, Kerlin was taught by the Christian Brothers as a student at Philadelphia’s West Catholic High School. He earned his bachelor’s and two master’s degrees from La Salle and has been a Professor in the Department of Philosophy for the past 40 years. For his dedication to La Salle and its heritage, Kerlin was named this year’s Distinguished LaSallian Educator. Each year, the award is given to a person who “exhibits in their daily lives an understanding of and a commitment to Lasallian priorities and traditions.” Kerlin was the unanimous recommendation from the award’s advisory committee. Brother Michael J. McGinniss, F.S.C., Ph.D., President of La Salle University, presented Kerlin with the award at the opening faculty meeting for the school year. When presenting the award, McGinniss, a former student of Kerlin’s, said, “I know first-hand why he was selected for this award. I profited from his knowledge of subject matter, from the contagious enthusiasm he brought to his teaching, and from the friendship he naturally and unfailingly extended to his students.” Kerlin said he has seen many changes at La Salle during his 40 years on campus. The most obvious was when the University, then La Salle College, became completely co-educational in 1970. When Kerlin was a student and when he started teaching at La Salle in 1966, only men were admitted full-time. Now, Kerlin says, “Women bring so many new perspectives and discussions to the classroom.” Kerlin, who resides in Lafayette Hill with his wife Mary Ann, prides himself as a life-long learner who says his work allows him to continue his education, not only in the classroom, but also from his colleagues as well. After receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from La Salle, Kerlin earned a doctorate in philosophy from Gregorian University in Rome and a doctorate in religion from Temple University. Upon accepting the award, Kerlin said, “I love this place so much, I’m going to stay around for as long as I can.” --Amy Gardner Cranston |
