Chapman Clapp Outstanding Advisor Award recipients recognized

Ohio University recognized Dr. Bruce Martin and Michael Rinaldi-Eichenberg with the Chapman Clapp Outstanding Advisor Award for the 2019-20 academic year on April 19, 2022. 

The annual award recognizes outstanding staff and faculty advisors with a plaque and a stipend to support professional development. Award selection and recognition for the 2019-20 academic year was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Dr. Martin is the department chair and a professor in the Department of Recreation, Sport Pedagogy and Consumer Sciences in the Patton College of Education. His teaching and research interests are focused on the practice of outdoor leadership and psychosocial processes and outcomes related to adventure programming.

“He is responsive, writes letters of recommendations, is accepting, inclusive, and genuine! He responds to all emails, and he has accessible office hours,” said the student who nominated Dr. Martin. “You can tell he is a very busy person due to being a professor, the head of the department, and an advisor. Yet, he still always tries his best to fulfill what you are requesting of him. He understands what it is like being a student and can empathize with you. He wants his students to succeed.”

Rinaldi-Eichenberg is an advisor for OHIO Online. In addition, he serves on Ohio University Administrative Senate and has served on the Majors Fair committee for several years.  

“As an older student, trying to finish my degree, work full-time, and carry on the rest of my activities has been a challenge,” said one of Rinaldi-Eichenberg's nominators. “Mr. Rinaldi-Eichenberg has been encouraging, a wealth of knowledge, and has gone above and beyond to help me complete my degree.”

Another nominator said Rinaldi-Eichenberg helped her stay informed and on track. “He is unlike anyone I’ve met in the level of responsiveness he provides,” she said. “He has taken care to make sure I have a clear path to graduation.”

The University celebrates the important work of faculty and staff across campus whose strong advising makes a positive impact on students’ academic careers. Through shared responsibility and engagement, strong student-advisor relationships ensure academic success. 

The Chapman Clapp Outstanding Advisor Award was created in honor of Laura Chapman, former University College assistant dean for student services, and Lora Clapp, former University College assistant dean for first-year programs. Retired Dean David Descutner established the endowed, university-wide award to celebrate Chapman and Clapp's 50 collective years of caring, student-centered advising. 

The Center for Advising, Career and Experiential Learning seeks nominations for the 2021-2022 Chapman Clapp Outstanding Advisor Award. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to submit nominations using the online form. Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, May 30.