Of the many factors that shape an undergraduate student’s time on campus, the classroom experience often tops the list. At Case Western Reserve University, faculty members are vital to shaping students’ futures by inspiring curiosity, fostering critical thinking and creating a supportive learning environment—one that empowers students to explore their passions as they achieve academic success. It’s no debate: an outstanding teacher helps students reach their full potential.
Each year during the commencement convocation ceremony, the university recognizes two faculty members who have had this type of outsized impact in the classroom with the Carl F. Wittke Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. The award honors Carl Wittke, who joined Western Reserve University in 1948 as a history professor and dean of the Graduate School; he went on to serve as chair of the Department of History and vice president of the university.
Recipients of the award are nominated by undergraduates and interviewed by a committee of students. Read about this year’s winners.
Cara Byrne
Lecturer, Department of English
When Cara Byrne was a student at Case Western Reserve University, she immersed herself in her interests—an opportunity made possible by faculty who gave her the space to do so. Now a lecturer at her alma mater, Byrne (GRS ’11, ’16, English) applies this same approach, shifting course material based on the engagement she sees around discussion questions or class activities.
Her courses have centered on creative writing, comic books and graphic novels, topics that offer countless opportunities for inspiration. Her latest course is on children’s picture books, where Byrne challenges students to look outward, challenging them to take part in the community around us. This includes reading with young Cleveland-area students and volunteering for the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank.
“Community engagement gives my students a chance to go into parts of Cleveland that they may be unfamiliar with and collaborate with second graders and their teachers,” Byrne said. “I make a connection that goes beyond CWRU.”
As a member of the Writing Program’s faculty, Byrne challenges students to further expand their writing and communication skills. She hopes they will transfer these skills to other areas, such as how to understand audiences and make effective arguments.
Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, now landing her recognition with the Carl F. Wittke Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. As one student nominator commented, “[Byrne] [aims] to ensure that her students put in the effort. Her enthusiasm encourages us to reflect on the significance of children’s literature in our lives and on society.”
In Byrne’s experience, tapping into her own enthusiasm for course subjects is what can really drive a concept home.
“I come to class enthused and I shift my teaching based on the interest that I see from my students,” she said.
In one example, a nominator recalled a time when someone made a comment about a movie in class and, instead of forcing them to “stay on topic,” Byrne connected the reference back to course materials and facilitated a discussion.
“I’m incredibly grateful to receive this award, especially because students nominate and choose the winners,” Byrne said, also noting the inspiration she draws from colleagues. “I’m lucky to teach here because our students are so incredible; they are curious, wise and hardworking, and they make me look forward to each and every class.”
Catherine McManus
Vice Chair for Education, Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine
As an undergraduate student, Catherine McManus found one professor to be especially inspiring. In addition to teaching the material, the professor found ways to impart lessons beyond the syllabus—an approach McManus now takes when designing her nutrition courses.
“I was always excited to come to her class and felt valued,” said McManus of her own experience. “What I remember most is that she taught me the positive and lasting impact you can have on others through teaching. I make every effort to emulate her pedagogy and hope I’m having a similar positive impact on my students.”
To this end, McManus pays close attention to her students’ learning preferences and interests, fostering a challenging yet comfortable classroom environment in which students are eager to share their experiences.
Her students appreciate the approach—so much that they nominated her to win the Carl F. Wittke Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.
One student nominator wrote, “Dr. McManus masterfully blends academic rigor with personal connection, ensuring each class feels intellectually stimulating and personally relevant.” Adding, “This integration of personal experience with academic learning is something I will always remember and deeply appreciate.”
McManus has been an assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University since 2017. Having worked part-time for a profitable food company while earning her PhD from The Ohio State University, she found herself with two job offers following commencement, one within the food industry and the other, at Case Western Reserve University. She chose academia and never looked back.
“There has not been one day that I’ve regretted that decision,” said McManus, who notes she “absolutely loves” her career. “I want nothing more than to have a positive impact on our students and help them grow and develop not only professionally but personally. Receiving this award reassures me that I’ve been able to have this impact on our students and I could not ask for anything more.”