Title: Professor Emerita Company: Calumet College of St. Joseph Location: Hammond, Indiana, United States
Valerie H. Pennanen, Professor Emerita with Calumet College of St. Joseph, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in history education.
From 2010 to 2023, Dr. Pennanen served the Calumet College of St. Joseph as a full-time faculty member. Now a professor emerita, she previously served the institution as adjunct faculty from 1995 to 2009. In 2005, she garnered experience as faculty at Prairie State College, and from 1987 to 1993, she was a faculty member at Arkansas State University. Dr. Pennanen began her career as faculty at Tulane University from 1986 to 1987 and worked as a faculty member at the University of Michigan in 1992.
In preparation for her career, Dr. Pennanen graduated from Bryn Mawr College, summa cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts in classical and near-Eastern archaeology and Greek in 1977. In 1979, she obtained a Master of Arts in classical art and archaeology from the University of Michigan. Dr. Pennanen concluded her higher education at the University of Michigan, graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy in classical art and archaeology in 1983.
For her professional excellence, Dr. Pennanen has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 2007, she received a professional development grant from the Independent Colleges of Indiana, and in 2002, she was named Adjunct Teacher of the Year by Calumet College of St. Joseph. In 1977, Dr. Pennanen earned the M. Carey Thomas Prize for Distinction in Writing for her paper “Roman Female Coiffures, ca. 60 B.C. – 80 A.D.” In the same year, she earned the Katherine Stains Prize for Excellence in Greek Literature for her piece “The Homeric Hymn to Ares.”
Dr. Pennanen attributes her success to the opportunity to teach at the Calumet College of St. Joseph, as it afforded her the chance to teach others while continuing her professional development. Among her accomplishments, she is proudest of her career as an educator. In the coming years, Dr. Pennanen plans to write book reviews, remain involved in her community, and volunteer with environmental organizations and children’s literacy programs.
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