Teaching Excellence Tom Swensen, assistant professor of exercise and sport sciences (pictured, center, with New York State Electric and Gas community projects manager Dennis Mastro and IC president Peggy R. Williams), was a 1997–98 recipient of the Independent College Fund of New York Teaching Excellence Award, sponsored by NYSEG. Swensen was one of eleven faculty members statewide who were recognized for their resourcefulness and leadership in independent college education. The criteria for the award include a nominee’s subject mastery, presentation, interaction with students, and dedication to teaching. A. Craig Fisher, chair of exercise and sport sciences, called Swensen "the epitome of high energy. He feeds off his students’ inquisitiveness and they in turn feed off his knowledge and energy." In accepting the award, Swensen said, "I want to expand my students’ expectations by showing them what is possible rather than just telling them what is possible." And, he noted, "by the end of the academic year I truly love my students."