Tobin Professor Receives Prestigious Award for Academic Service-Learning Work

William Reisel, Ph.D., Professor of Management, received the Academic Service-Learning Faculty Award at the St. John’s University Faculty Convocation on September 4.

Dr. Reisel received the prestigious university-wide award, given once a year to a single faculty member who embodies the mission of Academic Service-Learning and the mission of St. John’s, for his dedication to the AS-L program. In particular, Dr. Reisel was recognized for his academic service-learning projects that have been introduced to high school students on Staten Island, which he named the Difference Makers.

“To be singled out among all of our wonderful faculty at St. John’s is truly an honor,” said Dr. Reisel. “I am deeply touched to receive this year’s faculty Academic Service-Learning Award from President Gempesaw.”

Starting with Susan Wagner High School in 2016, Difference Makers has grown to include Tottenville High School in 2017 and Curtis High School in 2018, engaging more than 90 high school students. The unique AS-L project not only introduces high school students to service-learning, but they are introduced to St. John’s. At the end of semester, the students, their families, high school teachers and administrators are invited to St. John’s for the Certificate of Completion Ceremony.

In the spring, students have the option of taking a three-credit college course giving the high school students a full-year of college readiness.  Students are eligible for scholarships to take this course in management.

Through his work, Dr. Reisel helped to establish multiple community partners on Staten Island while enhancing the education of St. John’s students and the high school students. Difference Makers has had projects addressing childhood cancer treatment, immigration, hunger and healthy food, tutoring of elementary students, elder care, and anti-violence. The students have also raised close to $3,000, which they have donated to not-for-profits on Staten Island.

The Difference Makers gives students the opportunity to learn what being Vincentian means and to put the Vincentian Mission into action.  Dr. Reisel notes that participation in Difference Makers has encouraged students from these high schools to apply to St. John’s.

Difference Makers is supported by the St. John’s Office of Academic Service-Learning, the Vice Provost of Staten Island, James O’Keefe and Associate Provost Robert Fanuzzi, the New York City Department of Education and grants from the Staten Island Foundation, Richmond County Savings Foundation, and the Northfield Bank Foundation.

“Dr. Reisel’s expanding Service-Learning efforts demonstrate our commitment to service and the variety of learning opportunities made available to our students,” said Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, Ph.D., President of St. John’s.