Each month, Concordia University Ann Arbor students are given the opportunity to nominate an outstanding faculty and staff member to receive recognition.
The honorees for the month of April are Neal Migan, professor of English, and Frank Rubino, assistant professor of social science. The honorees for the month of May are Alex Martin, associate professor of chemistry and Bryant Lepic, veteran outreach coordinator and school certifying official.
April faculty of the month: Neal Migan
What is your role at Concordia?
I’m a professor in the Department of English
When did you join CUAA’s faculty?
2005
In summary, how would you describe your role at Concordia?
I attempt as best I can to “educate” students, i.e., to “lead” their inherent genius “from” them.
What’s your favorite part about your role?
When the electricity comes on…when the process of education takes hold and lives are positively altered.
Why is Concordia’s mission important to you?
Because so few modern institutions consider the soul as an element of the self that might require attention.
April faculty of the month: Frank Rubino
What is your role at Concordia?
I’m an assistant professor here at Concordia in Ann Arbor. I’m shared between the Psychology Department and the Department of Justice and Public Policy.
When did you join CUAA’s faculty?
First hired in as an adjunct in January of 2017 and have been full time since January of 2020.
What’s your favorite part about your role?
My favorite part of my role here at Concordia has to be my opportunity to work directly with students as they attain their educational goals and work toward their occupational goals. I have the opportunity to work with industry leaders in both the areas of mental health and law enforcement and help link them with our Concordia students. That is a very rewarding experience for me.
Why is Concordia’s mission important to you?
I think that our mission here at Concordia is so important because we need to produce educated professionals but we also need people faithful to Christ and the Church. Now more than ever, our faith is needed in our communities and Concordia’s mission to help reflect that faith in all we do is critical. I love that we openly embrace our faith and make it a part of the education we all enjoy here. No education is complete without faith, and here at Concordia, we celebrate that!
May faculty of the Month: Alex Martin
What is your role and Concordia?
I am an Associate Professor of Chemistry in the Physical Sciences Department.
When did you join CUAA’s faculty?
August 2016
In summary, how would you describe your role at Concordia?
I spend most of my time teaching with courses ranging from introductory science through organic chemistry. In addition to teaching, I get to spend time in the research lab mentoring undergraduate students, developing new chemical syntheses for active pharmaceutical ingredients.
What’s your favorite part about your role?
I enjoy the daily interaction with my students. The smaller class setting allows me to get to know my students as individuals and help them achieve their goals.
Why is Concordia’s mission important to you?
Concordia is a special place that provides students a space to develop a strong academic background, build lasting relationships, and grow in their faith.
May staff of the month: Bryant Lepic
What is your role at Concordia?
Veteran Outreach Coordinator and School Certifying Official
When did you join CUAA’s faculty?
May 2021
In summary, how would you describe your role at Concordia?
To support student veterans and military-affiliated students in all aspects during their time at CUAA and to ensure their courses are certified through the Dept of Veteran Affairs
What’s your favorite part about your role?
Assisting veterans and their families with issues throughout their education journey and seeing them achieve success. My motto is “Vets Helping Vets’.
Why is Concordia’s mission important to you?
Concordia’s mission of helping students develop through mind, body, and spirit is especially significant for veterans. Many veterans have experienced hardship, and Concordia’s passion for the whole self ensures that veterans aren’t just getting a degree but are healing and developing themselves holistically to continue their service in our communities
Thank you all for the dedication you put into your work!
— This story is written by Allie Milot, social media manager for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. She may be reached at alexandria.milot@cuaa.edu or 734-995-7403.
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