12/10/2024

Two Ignite Seminar instructors were honored with the 2024 Ignite Instructor of the Year Award.

Shannon Cooper-Sadlo, Ph.D. (Social Work), and Meadow Campbell, Ph.D. (Center for Anatomical Science and Education) were recognized for their work in teaching Ignite seminars. Cooper-Sadlo won for her Spring 2024 seminar entitled “Conversations with a Mom, but not Your Mom.” Campbell was the Fall 2024 winner for her seminar entitled “Dissecting a Timeline: Anatomy Through the Ages.”

The Ignite Seminars are part of SLU’s University Core program. The Ignite Seminars are designed to introduce students to what makes teaching and learning at SLU distinctive and transformative. These seminars strive to "ignite" first-year students’ sense of intellectual wonder and inspire curiosity about the world around them.

In presenting this year’s awards, Core Director Ellen Crowell, Ph.D., praised the work of all the Ignite instructors. Crowell said that the winners were selected from over 100 student nominations and 50 different instructors nominated. 

The winners were selected by a committee and were honored at a reception on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the historic Samuel Cupples House. 

Cooper-Sadlo was praised by students for the way the class handled difficult conversations. 

“She recognizes the challenges that many college students grapple with, from navigating grief and anxiety to understanding the complexities of love, relationships, and finding one's path in life,” a student wrote in their nomination. “Rather than shying away from these topics, she embraces them, creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel empowered to explore and share their experiences.”

Another student said Cooper-Sadlo’s seminar was a space where they never felt like the class was passively learning. 

“With her guidance, we not only gain academic insights but also cultivate empathy, resilience, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others,” the nominator wrote. “Dr. Cooper-Sadlo's impact extends far beyond the confines of the classroom, encouraging me and my classmates to reflect on the relationships and themes we go through in life.”

A student in Campbell’s seminar said the class helped reinforce that they were on the right track. 

“I have wanted to do forensic pathology for a while now and this ignite seminar has done nothing but ignite passion in me and solidify my feeling that I am in the right field of work,” the student wrote. “I love learning about this topic and I am so grateful for the opportunity to take this class.”

Another student said Campbell’s teaching has had a major impact on how they view themselves and the world around them. 

“Taking Dr. Campbell’s seminar has really encouraged me to appreciate the value that everyone's unique interpretations have,” the student wrote in their nomination. “Looking back through time at all of the different ways cultures throughout the world have developed has shown me how everyone's own perceptions and beliefs are valuable and allow the world to be a much more vibrant place. Being aware of this has allowed me to understand that I bring a unique aspect to SLU in and of myself and through being a person with their own experiences, as do all of the rest of my classmates.”

Other Finalists

In addition to Cooper-Sadlo and Campbell, the ceremony also recognized the 18 finalists from across the university. 

Spring 2024 Finalists

• Amy E. Wright, Ph.D. (Languages, Literatures, and Cultures)
• Ajlina Karamechic-Maratovic, Ph.D. (Sociology and Anthropology)
• Carolyn O’Laughlin, Ph.D. (Education)
• Patricia Bass, Ph.D. (Jesuit Worldwide Leader)

Fall 2024 Finalists 

• Martha Allen (Libraries and Museums)
• Bobby Wassel, Ph.D. (Center for Social Action)
• Abigail Jorgensen, Ph.D. (Sociology and Anthropology)
• Caitlin Stamm and Katie Mascari (Libraries and Museums)
• Allen Brizee, Ph.D. (English)
• Mary Maxfield, Ph.D. (Women's and Gender Studies)
• Ness Sandoval, Ph.D. (Sociology and Anthropology)
• Joan Hart-Hasler, Ph.D. (Theological Studies)
• Emily A. Phillips, Ph.D. (English)
• Filippo Marsili, Ph.D. (History)
• Jesse Helton, Ph.D. (Social Work)
• Leah Sweetman, Ph.D. (Center for Social Action)
• Mark Ruff, Ph.D. (History)
• Mitzi Brammer, Ph.D. (Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences)