Randolph-Macon College issued the following announcement.
Dr. George Spagna, Associate Professor of Physics and Director of the Keeble Observatory, was honored with the 2021 Sigma Pi Sigma Outstanding Service Award, celebrating his 35 years of service to Randolph-Macon College students.
The national physics honor society noted Dr. Spagna’s commitment to increasing the public’s understanding of science, as well as his commitment to making “both Randolph-Macon and the field of physics more inclusive and diverse.”
In addition to his teaching and his role as Director of the Keeble Observatory, Spagna served as the facilitator of the Astrophysics minor, the Physics Department Chair, and the Sigma Pi Sigma advisor. He also served on many college committees, including those focused on improving the climate of the college for minorities. The society noted Dr. Spagna’s efforts to modify a general education course in astronomy for the visually impaired, and work to ensure that the Keeble Observatory was accessible to all.
As the longtime director of the Keeble Observatory at Randolph-Macon, Dr. Spagna spearheaded the major overhaul of the telescope and observatory building. The new observatory, built in 2017, now houses the largest telescope located between Washington D.C. and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In announcing Dr. Spagna’s award to his faculty colleagues, nominator Rachelle Dominguez, Assistant Professor Physics at Randolph-Macon, told the assembled group: “In true liberal arts fashion, [Dr. Spagna] has brought many hats to the job. He is not just a physicist. He is not just an astronomer. He is an Episcopalian, who has studied the intersection of physics and theology. He is an organ donor, who gave a kidney to a colleague. He is a public servant, who served as the mayor of the town of Ashland, among many other roles. And he is a family man: a husband, a father, and now a very proud grandfather.”
Spagna will become Associate Professor Emeritus of Physics and Director of the Keeble Observatory Emeritus upon his official retirement at the end of June.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Randolph-Macon College
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