MCC Daily Tribune

MCC: TCC Gratitude Series - Day 9: Celebrating our English Faculty

As we begin this week, I’d like to take a moment to share well-deserved kudos for our English Department. These include heartfelt messages from students to MCC’s English faculty, as well as appreciation from fellow faculty members. Thank you all for your continued dedication and the incredible work you do!

From Colleagues to Colleagues

April Daniels (English/Philosophy, Receiving Two Nominations)

April was my student years ago and I was thrilled when she was hired in the TRS department and then became part of the English & Philosophy dept this year when our departments merged. I have long admired April's limitless compassion for MCC's students, especially those from the most vulnerable populations. She is a fierce and tireless advocate for them, whether that advocacy occurs in her classroom, in a committee meeting, on the faculty senate floor, or as active member of our Union. Never afraid to speak up for justice and equity, April shows up every day, ready to fight not only for her students, but for her colleagues and the Rochester community. And yet, this ferocity is joined with one of the kindest smiles and most caring of hearts you'll ever encounter. When you square up and ready yourself for battle, you want April Daniels standing shoulder to shoulder with you. I'm so grateful for her.
She has been a wonderful mentor to me this semester. I am the integrated academic coach in her TRS 090/091 class and I love watching her interacting with the students. She is unfailingly encouraging to them and makes them feel successful, without sacrificing academic quality. She also lets me pick her brain about why she does certain things or what she thinks about ideas I have.

Meghan Glaser (English/Philosophy, Receiving Two Nominations)

Meghan Glaser has a gift allowing her to connect with students in an unremarkable way. She is able to see each students individual talents, highlight them, and use that to help them flourish. Meghan is one of the most open-minded, kindest, generous, and involved professors I have had the pleasure learning from and working with. I firmly believe she is the mold of what an educator should be and other educators can benefit from her example. Thank you Meghan for showing students and colleagues what it truly means to educate and guide students through their journey, the world would be a better place with more people like you.
A huge shoutout to Meghan for her leadership as Chair of the Academic Policies Committee. This year brought a whirlwind of projects, and through it all, Meghan remained thoughtful, steady, focused, and collaborative. Thank you, Meghan, it's been a true pleasure to partner with someone so dedicated to our processes and people--always keeping our students at the forefront of our discussions!

Catharine Ganze Smith (English/Philosophy)

Catharine has been an exemplary and hard-working leader during her time as Interim Dean. I've greatly appreciated her support for my department and for me individually.

Maria Brandt (English/Philosophy)

Kudos to Professor of English Maria Brandt for all she does to support our students and campus community. In addition to being a treasured instructor, Maria leads our High Impact Practices (HIPs) efforts, helping students connect their learning in meaningful, proven ways.

Additionally, through her work with The Sixth Act, Maria brings creative, cross-disciplinary programming to our students, making MCC a more vibrant place to learn and grow. These are just a few examples of how Maria brings her passion for writing, teaching, and learning to MCC. Thank you, Maria, for your dedication and impact!

Lilia Frank (English/Philosophy)

Lilia is an amazing colleague who served as an Academic Coach in one of my courses and labs. Her ability to establish and cultivate meaningful connections with students contributed greatly to cultivating the overall sense of community in our classroom. Lilia is knowledgeable, flexible, and is willing to meet students wherever they are in their learning journey. Thank you for making such a positive impact on our students, Lilia!

From Students to Faculty

Meghan Glaser (English/Philosophy Receiving Two Nominations)

Professor Meghan Glaser is dedicated to helping her students flourish and wants them to succeed. She takes pride in knowing she is making a difference in her students' lives. She works you on an individual basis which is incredibly helpful.
Professor Glaser is always very helpful when I need support for not just English homework but is willing help me with organizing for other courses as well . She is also willing to work with me if something goes wrong or I can't turn something in on time. Thank you for all you do Professor Glaser.

James Senden (English/Philosophy Receiving Two Nominations)

The effort that he gives during class is truly an inspiration to me as well as the people in his life who he has impacted, I believe that he is very underappreciated as a blind man who is teaching students coming right out of high school he has great value through his experience of life as well as his wonderful insight into critical thinking in the course that I did with him. Mr.Senden is a great and inspiring mind who awakened a part of me that was always there, but his perspective helped unearth it to its full ability. I see his lessons on critical thinking as a tool that everyone needs to have in their life to be a better thinker and add value to their overall way of life that they may not have thought of before.
He has been an amazing professor, creating an environment that encourages all students to participate and build connections. He is also always willing to help and take time out of his day to meet with students who are struggling. I can’t recommend him enough. It is apparent that he really does care about his students’ wellbeing, and reaches out to offer support, the only professor I’ve had so far that has done that.

Maria Brandt (English/Philosophy Receiving Two Nominations)

The Paraclete, from a Greek word meaning to stand in place of, but going beyond the primitive
idea to mean traditionally the helper, the one who comforts and assists, cannot without fundamental loss be jettisoned. Even if taken no longer in the supernatural sense, the concept remains deeply in the human consciousness inevitably. Humanitarianism is no reply, for not every person stands in the place of every other person for this other's comrade comfort. But certain are chosen out of the human race to be the consoler of some other. Of these, for example, is Maria Brandt, Ph.D. Of intellects not the first yet of true intellect and lambent instructions, given to that which is intuitive and irrational, not to what is logical in the strict word, what is judged by her is of the heart and not the head. Here is one chosen, in that she chooses her self to stand in the place of another for comfort and consolation. To her more than another I give my gratitude. But not in the aspect of the Paraclete only is Dr. Maria Brandt established, for she must be the Paraclete to another aspect of herself, that which is driven and persecuted by the lack of understanding in the world at large, so that she in herself embodies the full history of mankind's tribulations and, overflowing upon others, notably the present writer, is the ultimate end.
Mrs. Brandt makes the classroom enjoyable. She allows for good energy and creativity to flow through the room. She helps motivate you and helps you see and recognize your potential and power .

Scott Rudd (English/Philosophy, Receiving 2 Nominations)

I really appreciate the time and effort that Professor Rudd puts into helping his students. With his guidance and feedback, I have grown to new levels as a writer, and the engaging and thought-provoking discussions he facilitates in class have been very intellectually rewarding for me.
Professor Rudd is one of the most passionate, engaging, and entertaining teachers I personally have ever had. His ability and enthusiasm encourages class participation and critical inquiry like few others, and he is always quick to praise the contributions of his students. In doing so, he has fostered a thoughtful, incisive, and inclusive atmosphere in his classes.

Mary Mulligan (English/Philosophy Receiving Two Nominations)

I have never had a teacher that cares so deeply for her students success. I have felt supported and truly understood in her class. She takes time to check in on each student offering them support or someone to talk to. She has helped build amazing relationships in the classroom and I feel so comfortable with all of my peers. I have always had trouble inn school but Professor Mulligan truly inspires me to be the best I can be. I will always remember her teachings not only about writing but about life.
As a 37 year old returning student and single mother, I was beyond overwhelmed. Ms. Mulligan has been a beacon of light. She has been so incredibly kind and patient. I look forward to coming to her class. I have grown so much from the thoughtfully curated assignments I've completed. Ms. Mulligan took the time to build a community in the classroom. My colleagues have become in school friends and people I have come to rely on for school support. I am so grateful for Ms. Mulligan.

James McCusker (English/Philosophy, Receiving 2 Nominations)

Mr. McCusker, my English teacher from last semester, made a truly meaningful impact on my education and personal growth. His teaching was nothing short of remarkable, he had a unique way of making literature come alive and helped me see the deeper meaning behind words and ideas in ways I never had before. He challenged me to think critically, write with purpose, and believe in my own voice, and because of that, I’ve grown so much as a student. What truly sets him apart, though, is his incredibly kind and supportive nature. He always made time for his students, offering encouragement, thoughtful feedback, and a genuine sense of care that made the classroom feel like a safe and inspiring place. Mr. McCusker has one of the biggest, most compassionate hearts of anyone I’ve met, and without a doubt, he’s one of the most influential and unforgettable professors I’ve ever had.
Professor McCusker is an excellent professor. His lectures are engaging and funny. He creates an environment in class which makes participation easy. I feel like my perspective is welcome and valuable. Throughout the semester I have learned so much about writing. He has changed my perspective of the writing process.

Carl Silvio (English/Philosophy, Receiving 2 Nominations)

Every morning professor Silvio checks in with each student and is more than welcoming with everyone to his class! The content he teaches is unique and made his class something to look forward to. He is passionate about teaching, and the effort and energy he puts into his teaching truly made the semester great!
Prof. Silvo's passion for literature in story form and poetry is very engaging and exciting. He has an open floor forum and steers my classmates and I to grasp what an author is telling us; rather its vague or has a deeper meaning than the surface.

Jean McDonough (English/Philosophy)

Professor McDonough is a very dedicated and personable instructor. Her drive and ambition to help students reach their full potential in writing helps to keep students engaged and motivated. Professor McDonough is approachable, warm, and easy to talk to. Grateful to have made a connection with McDonough and hope to take more of her classes.

Yulanda McKinney (English/Philosophy)

Professor McKinney creates a lighthearted, engaging atmosphere in her classroom that emphasizes the fun of studying literature without dismissing the serious topics present in the texts.

Elizabeth Johnston (English/Philosophy)

Dr. Johnston's passion for her subject is unavoidable and infectious. She works hard to engage with all students and freely compliments and encourages the insights of her class. When giving feedback on assignments she is constructive, helpful, encouraging, and above all, fair. Learning under her has greatly invigorated my devotion to my craft, and I eagerly anticipate learning more from her in the future.

Matthew Fox (English/Philosophy)

Matthew Fox makes writing very engaging and exciting. I like that we get to focus on pop culture topics we are already passionate about, just writing them in different formatting and writing styles. It makes the class very engaging because we're learning how to analyze different forms of media besides just stories and articles. Having more creative freedom when it comes to the subject matter of our assignments makes the class feel fun and free! Matthew is a great help when it comes to articulating ideas, and he pushes all of us to be passionate about writing. He has made college composition enjoyable, easy to understand, and interactive.

Laura Tepper (English/Philosophy)

She helped me during my college orientation class, by an assignment that helped me pick a major in what I really want to do, Childhood education.

Heather Williams (English/Philosophy)

A great person and educator who puts a lot of effort into her role and does amazing at it!

Tyrell Jackson (English/Philosophy)

I appreciate Mr. Jackson because he’s a very patience and understanding professor. He connect with us and when he teaches we all pay attention.

Angelique Johnston (English/Philosophy)

She's an incredible professor who not only allows but encourages very real conversations in the classroom. She does an amazing job of providing feedback while still managing to keep me feeling confident as a writer. I would take every class with her if I could.

Tokeya Graham (English/Philosophy)

Dr. Graham is very personable. She helps students actively learn. She gives great feedback and her video lectures are very helpful! I have learned so much from her.

Shawn Graves (English/Philosophy)

Dr. Graves is a remarkable and incredibly compassionate educator who genuinely cares about each student's academic and intellectual progress.

Both within and outside of the classroom, he continually goes above and beyond to foster a positive, student-centered learning environment. Students find it simple to interact with him and ask for assistance when they need it because of his warm and approachable manner.

Every lesson is explained in detail by Dr. Graves, who makes sure that students comprehend the subject matter completely and are prepared to succeed academically. He provides extra support to help students excel and is always prepared to make accommodations for their requirements. He is an exceptional educator and mentor because of his dedication to student learning and love of teaching. To any student searching for a fulfilling and intriguing academic experience, I strongly suggest Dr. Graves.

William Dunning (English/Philosophy)

Professor Dunning has opened my eyes to the wonderful and spectacular world that is English comprehension. He has shown me that words are not just language that you put together to form sentences, they are also feelings, emotions, statements, expression, and a new for students to have a voice. What the professor has taught me in class has helped me build a new confidence in my ability to bring to life my thoughts and ideas though my writings. He goes above and beyond for all of his students, and he empowers each of us to be better version of ourselves through our rhetoric.

Kelli Eberle (English/Philosophy)

Made class so interesting and sparking everyone’s curiosity in ways I never expected. The support and understanding from her meant so much and truly helped me feel more confident. Most of all, thank you for making me feel seen and heard, it made all the difference.

Melis Kural
Teaching & Creativity Center
05/27/2025