Making a World of Difference: Students Honor Six Professors Who Inspire Learning Beyond the Classroom

BRISTOL, R.I. – At Roger Williams University, the impact of a professor is often measured in moments that extend beyond a lecture, assignment, or semester. Through the Professor of the Semester Award, students recognize faculty members who make learning meaningful by offering support, creating engaging classroom experiences, and helping students connect their education to their goals.

Led by the RWU Student Senate’s Academic Affairs Committee, the award invites students to nominate and vote for professors who have made a significant impact on their academic experience. This spring, 80 professors were nominated across six of the university’s schools, drawing 400 student votes in recognition of faculty who bring care, expertise, and dedication to their teaching.

“The Student Senate is passionate about recognizing our faculty, especially this year,” said RWU Student Senate Academic Affairs Chair Sam Carter. “Oftentimes, our professors’ small gestures, favors, and acts of kindness outside the classroom can make a world of difference to a student’s learning journey. Without their gracious efforts inside the classroom and out, Roger Williams would not produce such thoughtful, impact-driven scholars, or more importantly, well-rounded people.”

This semester’s honorees reflect the many ways RWU faculty support student success, from making complex material accessible to serving as mentors, role models, and advocates inside and outside the classroom.

Cummings School of Architecture

Ryan Danby | Adjunct Faculty

Ryan Danby is recognized for his patient, thoughtful approach to teaching and his commitment to helping students understand both the material and the purpose behind each assignment. Students praised his willingness to answer every question, provide detailed tutorials, and continue helping them solve challenges beyond class time.

“Professor Danby is one of the most understanding professors I’ve had so far and really works to ensure that all students understand the material and thinking behind each assignment,” one student wrote. “For each new thing that we do, he does an in-depth tutorial and will answer any question no matter how simple. When I was having trouble with my submission on InDesign, he sat with me to try and figure it out, and when we didn’t find a solution in class, he did research to help resolve the issue.”

Mario J. Gabelli School of Business

Elizabeth Carey | Lecturer of Marketing

Elizabeth Carey has quickly made an impression on students through her enthusiasm, care, and commitment to their learning. Students noted that even in her first year at RWU, she has created a classroom experience where they feel supported and inspired to learn.

“Professor Carey, despite being new this year to RWU, has been such an amazing professor, and I’ve learned so much from our classes,” one student wrote. “I’ve been lucky enough to take her for this semester and last semester, and she’s just great and she really cares about her students.”

School of Engineering, Computing, and Construction Management

Maija Benitz | Associate Professor of Engineering

Maija Benitz is celebrated for combining clarity, kindness, and high expectations in the classroom. Students described her as a strong role model in STEM who makes challenging engineering concepts easier to understand while creating an effective and supportive learning environment.

“Dr. Benitz is the ultimate example of a woman in STEM,” one student wrote. “She perfectly balances the kindness of a professor that students love with just the right authority to make her classes effective. She makes her lessons very comprehensive and is willing to re-explain concepts if there is confusion. I cannot think of a better professor for this award.”

Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts, and Education

Bernardo Motta | Associate Professor of Journalism

Bernardo Motta is recognized not only for his work in the classroom, but also for the mentorship and opportunities he provides to students beyond it. Through his teaching, advising, and leadership with the Communities of Hope podcast, students said he has helped them grow as writers, journalists, and advocates in the wider Rhode Island community.

“Bernardo was my FYS professor and later became my work-study advisor,” one student wrote. “He is a journalism professor who also spearheads the Communities of Hope podcast. He’s a strong role model in the RWU community and great in and out of the classroom. Bernardo has written multiple recommendations for me, got me into Communities of Hope, and continues to help me pursue environmental justice advocacy in the Rhode Island community.”

School of Justice Studies

June Speakman | Professor of Politics and International Relations

June Speakman is honored for creating a classroom experience that is both engaging and deeply connected to the world beyond campus. As a State Representative for Rhode Island’s District 68, she brings current events and real-world political analysis into the classroom, helping students apply course concepts and think like political scientists.

“Dr. Speakman is an amazing professor,” one student wrote. “Every time I attend her class, I know I am going to enjoy myself while also learning valuable information. For example, each Monday we do a briefing on a current event/news story. This then provides us with an opportunity to discuss the topic ‘like political scientists.’ It allows us to apply our learning to an actual real-world context. She’s just great.”

Feinstein School of Social and Natural Sciences

Jim Lemire | Adjunct Professor of Biology, Marine Biology, and Environmental Science

Jim Lemire is recognized for his passion for teaching and his student-centered approach in both lecture and lab settings. Students described his classes as engaging, encouraging, and empowering, noting the care he puts into helping them understand the material and take pride in their work.

“Professor Lemire is a wonderful professor who cares deeply for his students and does his best to accommodate and help every student he can,” one student wrote. “He is an exceptional lecturer who puts time into slides and explaining examples to students in detail to help convey the material. I find his class to be genuinely fun and refreshing, and he is passionate about what he is teaching and his students. In lab, he uses his knowledge to help students feel empowered and proud of their work and often reminds us of how we are working well together and producing exceptional results. He deserves this award because of these reasons and countless more things he does for the RWU community.”