Daniel I. Linzer Award for Faculty Excellence in Service

The Daniel I. Linzer Award for Faculty Excellence in Service celebrates faculty exemplars of academic citizenship and service.

Linzer Award recipients have performed extraordinary service that has had a positive impact on the University as an institution and on the members of the university community. This service has significantly enhanced the quality of Northwestern as an educational institution and community of scholars.

AWARD AND NominATION INFORMATION Past Recipients

Please direct questions to Director of Faculty Initiatives Jordan Hughes.

2026 Recipients

Vicky Kalogera

Daniel I. Linzer Distinguished University Professor, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Vicky Kalogera has performed extensive service to the University through various committees and interdisciplinary efforts both as a member and chair, going back to co-chairing the committee that led to establishment of the research computing facility Quest, and most recently Program Review Council, the Honorary Degrees Committee, the President’s Advisory Committee on Free Expression and Institutional Speech, the Provost Search Committee, and the Data Science and AI Steering Committee. Kalogera also leads two URICs, CIERA and the newly founded SkAI institute.

Ted Quiballo

Instructional Technologies Librarian, Northwestern University Libraries

Ted Quiballo received nominations from across Northwestern highlighting his ongoing efforts to help students, faculty and staff better leverage technology in the classroom. He has played a significant role in the MakerLab and video production studio in the University Libraries/Mudd Library.

Sara Sood

Professor of Instruction, the Chookaszian Family Teaching Professor and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education, McCormick School of Engineering

Sara Sood is recognized for her extensive leadership of undergraduate operations and initiatives in the computer science department, as well as her mentorship of fellow teaching track faculty. Sood played a critical role in leading the launch of the new interdisciplinary AI minor. She’s been praised by students for her support and mentorship in and out of the classroom.

Noriko Taira Yasohama

Professor of Instruction and Co-Director, Language Resource Center in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Noriko Taira Yasohama's service includes her leadership as director of the Asian Language Programs from 2013-2023, during which she led transformations of language curriculum and policies. She is also honored for her University-wide contribution as co-chair of the Council on Language Instruction, chair of the Language Proficiency Committee and co-chair of the Language Resource Center.