Alwood, a journalism professor in the School of Communications since 2002, runs the class like a newsroom. "It can be frustrating, however, because every four months, I have a complete turnover in 'staff,'" he says with a chuckle.

Patricia Bennett MS '06, who has worked as a journalist for 25 years, was one of the individuals who nominated Alwood. She said he gave her a newfound enthusiasm for her profession and inspired her to branch out in new directions.

"Professor Alwood's teaching approach combines a mastery of and enthusiasm for the material; an abiding respect for students' ability and intelligence; and the drive to both support and challenge the student to grasp the matter and then move beyond"to make accurate, critical evaluations," she said.

"I feel very appreciated," Alwood said. "I put a lot of thought and energy into the classes I teach." A native of Macon, Ga., Alwood said the civil rights movement inspired him to become a journalist. "It is the only thing I wanted to do since I was 12."

Alwood earned his undergraduate degree in journalism in 1972 and a doctorate in journalism and mass communications in 2000, both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also received a master's in public communications from American University in 1994.

He worked as a general assignment reporter at Channel 5 in Washington, D.C., as a financial reporter at Channel 9 in Orlando, Fla., and later worked as a Washington correspondent for CNN. He received awards for writing and producing and five Emmy nominations.

Alwood also enjoys and teaches the history of journalism. He has published two books: Straight News: Gays, Lesbians and the News Media, and Dark Days in the Newsroom: McCarthyism Aimed at the Press. He taught at Temple University before moving to Quinnipiac, which appealed to him because of its greater emphasis on teaching.

Alwood, who lives in Hamden, describes himself as a student as well as a teacher. "I think in 'pictures' and I use graphics and a lot of video in my classes," he said. "I think my style is a coaching style. I don't think education should ever be boring."

Other recipients of the Excellence in Teaching Award are: Aileen Dever, assistant professor of Spanish, and Sean Duffy, associate professor of political science. Recipients of the Excellence in Service to Students Award are: Alfred Carbone, associate dean of admissions; Robert Poppendieck, security officer; and Peter Sumby, associate director of the Ed McMahon Center, School of Communications.

These awards represent Quinnipiac's highest recognition of excellence in and outside the classroom. The honorees are selected from a pool of nominations by students, faculty, staff and alumni. The recipients were introduced to the Board of Trustees' at its first meeting of the academic year. In addition, they will be recognized formally at the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Service to Students' annual dinner on Nov. 1.

-- Claire L. Hall