Besse Award
The Excellence in Teaching Award in Honor of Ralph M. Besse is presented annually for up to four full-time faculty members and up to four adjunct faculty or lecturers selected for exceptional professional competence and commitment to helping students succeed. Specifically, these award winners demonstrate a commitment to academic quality, stimulation of intellectual development, and investment with students within and beyond the classroom. Students are the initial driver of the list of nominees. The award is given in honor of Ralph M. Besse, Cleveland community leader and champion of higher education, who was instrumental in founding Tri-C.
2026 Call for Nominations:
Tri-C Students, do you have a faculty member who inspires you, challenges you to think differently, or goes the extra mile to support your success? Now’s your chance to recognize them! Each year, Tri-C presents the Excellence in Teaching Award in Honor of Ralph M. Besse to faculty who exemplify outstanding teaching and a genuine commitment to students.
Up to four full-time faculty and four adjuncts or lecturers are honored, with winners announced at Fall Convocation. They’ll receive a plaque, a monetary award, and professional development support, but the true honor begins with you.
Nominating is quick and meaningful. By completing a short electronic form, you’ll share how your professor demonstrates academic quality, sparks intellectual growth, and invests in students both inside and outside the classroom. Your voice is the first and most important step in the selection process, and your nomination ensures that deserving faculty are seen and celebrated. Please take a few minutes to recognize the faculty who’ve made a difference in your Tri-C journey. Submit your nomination(s) today!
Congratulations to our 2024-2025 BESSE Award Winners!
Full-time Faculty Winners
- Miriam Bennett, Professor, Film, Metropolitan Campus
- Elaine Brunschwig, Professor, Biology, Western Campus
- Mardy Chaplin, Assistant Professor, Paralegal Studies, Western Campus
- Alan Gerding, Assistant Professor, Psychology, Metropolitan Campus
Adjunct/Lecturer Winners
- Judith Allen, Lecturer, Business Administration, Western Campus
- Amelia Caldwell, Adjunct Faculty, Business Administration, Metropolitan Campus
- Robert Gala, Adjunct Faculty, Philosophy, Metropolitan Campus
- Gayatry Jacob-Mosier, Lecturer, Chemistry, Metropolitan Campus