University of New England announces recipients of the President’s Award for Constructive Discourse

The University of New England recently recognized two members of the UNE community for their commitment to free expression, open inquiring, and civil discourse in the pursuit of knowledge, exemplifying the University’s commitment to fostering a robust marketplace of ideas. 

Andrew Rotondo, Ph.D., professor of Philosophy, and Marc Ebenfield, Ph.D., director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, were presented with the inaugural President's Award for Constructive Discourse during the annual Fall Assembly on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at UNE’s Biddeford Campus.  

Established by UNE President James Herbert, the award recognizes a member of the faculty and a member professional staff who have shown exceptional dedication to promoting constructive, thoughtful discourse on difficult or controversial topics within the UNE community. The award carries a $1,000 honorarium. 

In the announcement, Herbert underscored the importance of fostering an environment where challenging conversations can thrive both in and out of the classroom.  

“As recipients of the President's Award for Constructive Discourse, Andrew and Marc have clearly demonstrated our University's leadership in fostering constructive dialogue,” Herbert said. “Their exemplary efforts not only play a crucial role in addressing the challenges confronting our world, they set an example for the UNE community in how to engage in this important work.” 

Andrew Rotondo 

Rotondo, an associate teaching professor of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been awarded the faculty category for his deliberate efforts to encourage thoughtful discourse in his classes. 

In his nomination letter submitted by one of his students, Rotondo is celebrated for encouraging students to challenge or defend ideas they themselves do not hold and for teaching students how to have intellectual conversations about current topics and how to constructively disagree with one another. 

Beyond the classroom, he serves as the academic advisor to UNE's Philosophy Club, where he promotes a forum for students to discuss contemporary topics in ethics and morality. The club's semesterly debates provide students with exposure to constructive disagreements on relevant issues. 

Marc Ebenfield 

Ebenfield, director of UNE's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, was selected for the professional staff category for his work around constructive discourse surrounding the center’s educational outreach efforts. Ebenfield has provided both faculty and professional staff with the tools to foster conversations on difficult topics, both inside and outside the classroom.  

He has organized “Difficult Discussions” brown bag sessions and “Lunch and Learn” events related to promoting constructive conversations. One session encapsulated the spirit of the award, emphasizing the creation of a "respectful, collaborative, and critical learning space in which to develop more comfort with these topics" with students.  

Ebenfield also compiled a resource for faculty to use to help facilitate constructive conversations about challenging subjects and is actively working on a foundation grant proposal to further support these efforts.