In 2008, the Richard A. Bloom, M.D. Award was established to honor distinguished teaching in the SAGES program, part of Case Western Reserve’s current core undergraduate curriculum. Each year, students are invited to nominate their instructors who go above and beyond both in and out of the classroom. The winner is recognized during the commencement ceremony, where they receive a $2,000 prize.
The 2021 recipient is Lisa Nielson. She was nominated by three students who offered high praise for her teaching and support. They wrote:
- “Her passion for her teaching is clear and radiates throughout the classroom.”
- “Every student participates in this course because Dr. Nielson makes it such an inviting space for students to engage in the course material.”
- “As a mentor, Dr. Nielson went even further to ensure and protect the happiness and well-being of her students. Dr. Nielson guided all her students with empathy.”
Nielson previously won the award in 2012. Nielson is a historical musicologist with a specialization in women’s studies. She was the inaugural Anisfield-Wolf SAGES Fellow and, as such, she teaches classes dedicated to the mission of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards of fostering cultural tolerance and promoting inclusion.