The College of Arts & Sciences is pleased to announce Dr. Megan Thornton Velazquez, Associate Professor of Spanish in the Department of Ancient and Modern Languages and Cultures, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Lucrezia Culicchia Award for Teaching Excellence.
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Dr. Thornton Velazquez has a deep dedication to innovative teaching and mentorship. Her courses were described as rigorous, engaging, and transformative, blending traditional academic excellence with immersive experiences that connect language learning to culture, politics, and lived experience.
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In their letters of nomination, students repeatedly highlighted how Dr. Thornton Velazquez creates a welcoming and empowering classroom environment that builds confidence and fosters curiosity. Her interactive lessons include music, film, cuisine, and live conversations with peers in Spanish-speaking countries. Of particular note, she has built bridges into the local community by having students do weekly service learning experiences at La Esperanza, helping local Latine students thrive. Her efforts have inspired many students to major or minor in Spanish, often changing the trajectory of their academic and professional lives. One student summarized her impact succinctly, noting
She believed in me when I didn鈥檛 believe in myself, and she is a professor I will never forget.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Thornton Velazquez is a tireless mentor, both for students and for part-time instructors teaching Spanish language classes. For the last seven years she has led the Spanish section, helping build the curricula that has a very broad reach, typically touching about 50% of the students completing the language requirement at JCU. From guiding students through study abroad opportunities to helping them secure scholarships and graduate school admissions, her support has opened doors for students across disciplines. In this regard, one alumni letter highlighted how she helped them gain admission to Georgetown University鈥檚 Latin American Studies program, shaping their path to a career in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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Dr. Thornton Velazquez鈥檚 extraordinary commitment to student growth, inclusive pedagogy, and academic excellence exemplifies the values of the Lucrezia Culicchia Award.听Thanks to the selection committee for their hard work. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Megan Thornton Velazquez on this well-deserved honor.
