Professors Marjorie Allen and Robert Vogel Receive Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award

Brother Michael McGinniss, (center) presents Bob Vogel and Majorie Allen with the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award.

Marjorie Allen and Robert Vogel, co-directors of La Salle University’s Leadership and Global Understanding (LGU) program, have been named the 2008 recipients of the University’s Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award. The award, presented annually at the University’s opening faculty meeting, honors outstanding members of the La Salle community who exhibit in their daily lives an understanding of a commitment to Lasallian priorities and traditions.

“While their separate professional lives here are noteworthy on many levels, it is what they have done together that draws our attention to this honor,” said University President Brother Michael McGinniss, F.S.C., Ph.D., when presenting the award, “They integrated their interests into the successful Leadership and Global Understanding program—by doing so, they have reinforced the University’s values, widened the horizons of their students, and given those students the opportunity to see those values alive and at work in the world.”

The LGU program, founded by Allen, Vogel, and Louise Giugliano, Associate Director of University Ministry and Service, combines coursework, international study and travel, and participation in community service organizations. Since 2003, LGU students have traveled to places such as the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, the Czech Republic, China, India, Vietnam, and Chile.

“There are many universities and colleges offering programs on preparing students to become involved citizens, but we felt they did not have enough emphasis on students taking charge of their own learning in which they apply knowledge and solve problems through participation in important experiences,” said Allen.

With more than 60 years of service at La Salle University, Allen and Vogel are known for their teaching excellence and for their dedicated service to their students. In addition to serving as co-director of the LGU program, Allen is a professor of English and Chair of the Department of Integrative Studies. For more than 25 years, she taught in La Salle’s Academic Discovery Program, which counsels students who have the potential to succeed in college but do not meet the University’s normal entrance requirements.

“I continue to be inspired by the work of the Christian Brothers both here and around the world. At a time when international understanding and social justice are so needed in the world, the Christian Brothers provide an example for all of us,” said Allen. “Working on the Leadership and Global Understanding program has been an act of love.  I work with the most wonderful students who are committed to making the world a better place.” 

Vogel has been teaching in the Department of Education since 1973. He recently coauthored Voices of Teens: Writers Matter along with Michael Galbraith, a middle school teacher in the School District of Philadelphia. The book includes writings of over 100 students and is the result of a three-year project with Grover Washington Middle School students. Many of Vogel’s LGU students were involved in the writing program detailed in the book.

“This award is a very special honor for me because of what it celebrates—the Lasallian mission,” said Vogel. “I was very humbled when I first learned that I would be a recipient of the award because of the value I have always placed on what this award represents. Additionally, it is very special to share this honor with Marjie, a longtime colleague.”

“Here is an example of two highly regarded faculty who have brought the University’s mission to life, making it tangible, understandable, and more likely to influence the lives of our students,” added Br. Michael, “They embody the Lasallian spirit and remind us of the relevance in a world grown cynical by posturing and promises without action.”