George McMurtry helped get the School of Information Sciences and Technology off the ground from August 1998 through December 1999 when he served as acting administrator. As a special assistant to the provost, he and Jim Thomas, implementation committee chairman and now dean, hired the first faculty members, brought staff on board, figured the budget and developed the curriculum.
Now retired, McMurtry continues to give to IST.
The former associate dean for administration and planning in the College of Engineering has pledged $5,000 to the George J. McMurtry Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award. Established by IST in 2002, the award is given annually to a faculty member who demonstrates innovative teaching, commitment to student learning and creative interaction with students.
McMurtry’s pledge is the first gift for what eventually will become a $20,000 endowed faculty award. Award recipients receive a $500 cash gift and $500 for professional development.
“IST owes much of what it is today to George McMurtry’s dedication and vision,” said Thomas, IST dean. “His gift reflects his continued interest in and support of the school and its mission as a model for integrating scholarship, teaching and service.”
Brian Cameron, recipient of the 2004 McMurtry award, is committed to the kind of teaching the award was meant to recognize. The assistant professor designs classes that immerse students in complex, problem-based learning situations with corporations needing actual technology solutions. The problems mirror what students will face once they graduate, Cameron said.
“IST provides the freedom to explore innovative pedagogy in the classroom,” he added.
McMurtry came out of retirement in 1998 to help with the establishment of IST. His University career, spanning more than 30 years, included serving as a professor of engineering and associate dean for the College of Engineering. He also was chairman of Faculty Senate from 1979 to1980.
“It is very gratifying to go back and think in August 1998 how we didn’t have anything and to look at it now,” McMurtry said. “It’s fabulous, and it’s very satisfying to have had a hand in it.”
To contribute to the George J. McMurtry Teaching and Learning Award endowment, please contact Chuck Craven, Director of Development and Alumni Relations Office at (814) 863-7548 or mail your contribution to the Development and Alumni Relations Office, School of Information Sciences and Technology, The Pennsylvania State University, 332 IST Building, University Park, PA 16802-6822.
