Of the many factors that shape an undergraduate student’s time on campus, the classroom experience often tops the list. At Case Western Reserve University, faculty members are vital to shaping students’ futures by inspiring curiosity, fostering critical thinking and creating a supportive learning environment—one that empowers students to explore their passions as they achieve academic success. It’s no debate: an outstanding teacher helps students reach their full potential.
Each year during the commencement convocation ceremony, the university recognizes two faculty members who have had this type of outsized impact in the classroom with the Carl F. Wittke Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. The award honors Carl Wittke, who joined Western Reserve University in 1948 as a history professor and dean of the Graduate School; he went on to serve as chair of the Department of History and vice president of the university.
Recipients of the award are nominated by undergraduates and interviewed by a committee of students. Read about this year’s winners.
Catherine McManus
Vice Chair for Education, Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine
As an undergraduate student, Catherine McManus found one professor to be especially inspiring. In addition to teaching the material, the professor found ways to impart lessons beyond the syllabus—an approach McManus now takes when designing her nutrition courses.
“I was always excited to come to her class and felt valued,” said McManus of her own experience. “What I remember most is that she taught me the positive and lasting impact you can have on others through teaching. I make every effort to emulate her pedagogy and hope I’m having a similar positive impact on my students.”
To this end, McManus pays close attention to her students’ learning preferences and interests, fostering a challenging yet comfortable classroom environment in which students are eager to share their experiences.
Her students appreciate the approach—so much that they nominated her to win the Carl F. Wittke Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.
One student nominator wrote, “Dr. McManus masterfully blends academic rigor with personal connection, ensuring each class feels intellectually stimulating and personally relevant.” Adding, “This integration of personal experience with academic learning is something I will always remember and deeply appreciate.”
McManus has been an assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University since 2017. Having worked part-time for a profitable food company while earning her PhD from The Ohio State University, she found herself with two job offers following commencement, one within the food industry and the other, at Case Western Reserve University. She chose academia and never looked back.
“There has not been one day that I’ve regretted that decision,” said McManus, who notes she “absolutely loves” her career. “I want nothing more than to have a positive impact on our students and help them grow and develop not only professionally but personally. Receiving this award reassures me that I’ve been able to have this impact on our students and I could not ask for anything more.”