For immediate release

BLOOMSBURG — Bloomsburg University faculty members Nathaniel R. Greene, professor of physics and engineering technology, and Thomas J. Starmack, associate professor of educational studies and secondary education, have been selected as BU’s Teaching and Learning Enhancement (TALE) Outstanding Teachers of spring 2012. They will be honored at BU’s spring commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12.

Greene and Starmack were nominated for the award by students who will graduate next weekend. Each will receive a $750 professional development stipend, sponsored by the Bloomsburg University Foundation, and a plaque to recognize his achievement.

Greene’s nominators believe he deserves this award because he is “exceedingly brilliant” and “knows how to explain things in many different ways.” Nominators said he encourages students to think “out of the box” and his praise motivates them to work harder and excel in all of their classes.

Starmack was nominated for being a professor who is “inspiring and encouraging” and “makes the effort to get to know each and every student” providing them with the “necessary tools to excel after graduating.” His mentorship, counseling and direction have been so highly valued that nominees name him an “exceptional educator” who is deserving of this award.

Starmack will be recognized during graduate commencement at 6 p.m. Friday, May 11, in Haas Center for the Arts, Mitrani Hall; Greene will be recognized during undergraduate commencement for the College of Science and Technology and College of Business at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 12, in the Academic Quadrangle.

Bloomsburg University is one of 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. BU serves approximately 10,000 students, offering comprehensive programs of study in the colleges of Education, Business, Liberal Arts and Science and Technology.