Temple University School of Pharmacy (TUSP) has announced its faculty and staff award recipients for the 2025–2026 academic year, recognizing educators and staff whose teaching, mentorship, dedication, and innovation have shaped the experience of students across the school. The honorees were celebrated at TUSP's annual awards luncheon, where students and colleagues shared reflections on the impact each recipient has had on the past year of pharmacy education.
Star of the Semester
The Star of the Semester award recognizes outstanding teaching as nominated directly by students, honoring faculty who foster a love of learning and encourage students to think critically and independently.
Dr. Van Hellerslia, clinical professor in the Pharmacy Practice Department, was named the Fall 2025 Star of the Semester. Students praised her enthusiasm and dedication in the classroom, with one noting, "Whether there are 10 or 100 students in class on a given day, she teaches as if she has a filled auditorium."
For Spring 2026, Dr. Melissa Potts, clinical associate professor in the Pharmacy Practice Department, received the honor, citing her ability to create an engaging learning environment both in and out of the classroom. Students highlighted how she uses office hours and other touchpoints to support individual needs and to inspire students considering residencies, fellowships, and specialized career paths in pharmacy.
TUSP's graduate students selected Dr. Ellen Walker, chair and professor in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, as Star of the Year for the Graduate Program. Nominators described her classroom as one built on thought-provoking questions and meaningful discussion, and praised her ability to bridge theory and real-world pharmacology practice for students with a wide range of learning styles.
Excellence in Mentoring Award
The Excellence in Mentoring Award recognizes faculty, staff, or administrators who support students' personal and professional growth across research, career, and social or inspirational mentoring. This year's recipient, Dr. Patrick McDonnell, clinical professor in the Pharmacy Practice Department, was nominated by members of the PY4 class, who credited his teaching in infectious diseases, gastroenterology, and adverse drug reactions with building the clinical foundation they relied on throughout their IPPE and APPE rotations. As a preceptor at Temple Jeanes Hospital, Dr. McDonnell was described as a driving force in his students' professional growth and as a model of commitment to patient safety and advocacy.
Golden Apple Award
The Golden Apple Award honors teaching excellence and innovation, recognizing faculty who bring a strong teaching philosophy, innovative techniques, and a commitment to lifelong learning into the classroom. This year's recipient, Dr. Mark Cinquegrani, clinical assistant professor in the Pharmacy Practice Department, was recognized for his work redesigning the PY1 Pharmacy Lab course sequence in collaboration with the curriculum committee, aligning the coursework with Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) standards. Colleagues supporting his nomination noted that his leadership produced innovative, student-centered learning activities that balance foundational knowledge with practical, real-world application.
AACP Teacher of the Year Award
The AACP Teacher of the Year Award recognizes the TUSP faculty member with the highest performance on Student Feedback Form (SFF) evaluations for the academic year. This year's honoree, Dr. Nima Patel-Shori, clinical professor in the Pharmacy Practice Department, earned the distinction for AY 2025–2026 and represented Temple University School of Pharmacy at the AACP Annual Meeting for Pharmacy Education in July 2026.
Staff Excellence Award
The Staff Excellence Award recognizes TUSP staff members whose work directly advances the school's mission, demonstrated through exceptional performance, dependability, and a consistent commitment to supporting students, faculty, and colleagues. This year, two staff members were honored for their outstanding contributions.
Lisa Becker, senior director of advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs), was recognized for her leadership of the school's experiential education program during a period of significant growth. With the recent expansion of the APPE curriculum to include two additional required rotations per student, Becker has overseen a sharp rise in placement volume, scheduling complexity, and preceptor and student. Her nominator credited her expertise as essential to TUSP's recent accreditation self-study and its continued alignment with the 2025 ACPE Standards, writing, "Working closely with Lisa has given me a much deeper understanding of the expertise and dedication this work demands every day."
Carmen Cruz-Adames, department administrative specialist in the Office of the Dean, was honored for her proactive, dependable service across the school, including her role supporting the Research and Recognition Day Committee. Colleagues praised her ability to anticipate needs and follow through without reminders, from coordinating guest speaker logistics to helping assemble the event's abstract book. As her nominator wrote, "What truly stands out is her proactive approach and willingness to assist with any task."
Together, this year's honorees reflect the range of excellence that defines Temple University School of Pharmacy. As TUSP marks its 125th anniversary this year, these awards are a reminder that the school's legacy is built, year after year, by the faculty and staff who go above and beyond for their students and each other.