Three St. Bonaventure University faculty members have been recognized with 2026 Awards of Excellence, honoring outstanding achievement in teaching, scholarship and service.

Dr. Andrew Belfield, assistant professor of Theology and Franciscan Studies, received the Junior Faculty Award. Dr. Kaplan Harris, professor and chair of the Department of English, was honored with the University Service Award. Sally Kwiatkowski, adjunct instructor of Mathematics, received the Adjunct Faculty Award.

The annual awards recognize faculty members whose work exemplifies the university’s Franciscan mission and commitment to academic excellence. They were publicly recognized at the annual Staff and Faculty Awards ceremony May 7 and again during the university’s Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony May 17.

Junior Faculty Award: Dr. Andrew Belfield

Since joining St. Bonaventure in 2021, Belfield has quickly established himself as an outstanding educator, productive scholar and committed member of the campus community.

In the classroom, Belfield emphasizes active learning, critical reading and reflection, helping students engage complex theological ideas while connecting them to contemporary issues and personal values. His teaching consistently earns strong evaluations, with students praising his ability to foster discussion and create an inclusive, engaging learning environment.

Colleagues note his thoughtful and intentional approach to teaching, balancing structure with flexibility to support student success.

“Drew is incredibly in tune with the needs of our students and the challenges they face,” wrote Dr. Karie Altman, associate professor of Biology. “He is thoughtful in preparing his courses and creates an environment where students are eager to engage.”

Belfield’s scholarship centers on medieval theology and early Franciscan thought, particularly scholastic Christology. Since arriving at St. Bonaventure, he has published peer-reviewed work, contributed a chapter to The Cambridge Companion to Christology, and presented at national and international conferences 

He also contributes to his field through editorial and collaborative work, serving as book review editor for Franciscan Studies and helping organize conferences in the United States and abroad.

Beyond the classroom and his scholarship, Belfield has made significant contributions to university service. He represents Arts faculty on the Faculty Senate and co-chairs its Curriculum Committee, where he has overseen the review of more than 150 proposals affecting academic programs and general education.

“Dr. Belfield’s service to St. Bonaventure is nothing short of extraordinary,” wrote Dr. Kaplan Harris. “He has sustained a broad record of service that spans faculty governance, program development, student mentorship and institutional initiatives.”

Through his teaching, research and service, Belfield has become a key contributor to the university’s academic mission.

University Service Award: Dr. Kaplan Harris

Harris was recognized for nearly two decades of sustained and transformative service to the university.

As chair of the Faculty Senate, he has played a central role in shared governance, academic policy and institutional planning. His leadership has helped guide major initiatives, including curriculum reform, accreditation efforts and policies addressing emerging issues such as artificial intelligence in higher education.

“As chair of the Faculty Senate, Dr. Harris has been a crucial advocate for our shared governance model,” wrote university President Dr. Jeff Gingerich. “His record of service is not merely extensive; it is transformative.”

Harris also serves on the President’s Council and the University Planning Commission, contributing to strategic decision-making and long-term planning. His work has helped shape the university’s strategic plan and strengthen faculty participation in institutional governance.

Colleagues cite his ability to navigate complex challenges while advancing initiatives that support faculty and students.

“Kaplan has an impressive record of sustained service at the department, school and university levels,” wrote Dr. Mary Rose Kubal, associate professor of Political Science. “He has shown a remarkable ability to advance initiatives while keeping shared governance running smoothly.”

Within the Department of English, Harris has led curriculum development, faculty mentoring and program growth as department chair. He has also expanded opportunities for students through experiential learning initiatives, including publishing and editing programs and campus literary events.

His work reflects a commitment to collaboration, transparency and the long-term health of the institution.

Adjunct Faculty Award: Sally Kwiatkowski

Kwiatkowski was honored for decades of dedicated teaching and service to St. Bonaventure.

A member of the university community since 1987, she has taught in both the School of Business and the Department of Mathematics, while also supporting students as a tutor and as a math specialist for the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program.

Even after retiring as a full-time lecturer in 2020, she has continued to teach as an adjunct instructor, consistently stepping in to meet student and departmental needs — including taking on additional courses mid-semester to ensure continuity for students.

“She is a team player and helped out Bonaventure when we were in a bind,” wrote Dr. Christine Uhl, professor of Mathematics.

Kwiatkowski is widely recognized for her strong rapport with students and her commitment to their success, both in and out of the classroom. She has also volunteered regularly for campus events, including the Challenge 24 mathematics competition.

“She is beloved on campus by faculty, staff and students,” Uhl wrote.

Her nearly four decades of service reflect a lasting impact on the university community.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #8 for value and #19 overall by U.S. News and World Report (2025).