Ignatian Educator Award Presented to Mr. Michael Vode

Mr. Michael Vode, a long-serving member of the Regis faculty, was presented with this year's Patricia Hannon Ignatian Educator Award.

Named in honor of the late Mrs. Patricia Hannon, the Ignatian Educator Award recognizes a faculty member whose dedication to his or her students fosters a learning environment that is the model of Ignatian pedagogy.

Mr. Vode earned a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Assumption College and a Master’s degree in English Literature from Montclair State College. He taught at Paramus Catholic High School for seven years before arriving at Regis in September 1981. After his third year of teaching at Regis, he was selected as the first Regis Dean of Students, a position that was newly-created that year by the administration, and he served in that capacity for seven years before returning to the classroom. In all, Mr. Vode served the Regis learning community for the last 35 years, until his retirement at the end of last academic year.

Mr. Vode was an innovative and beloved English teacher, most recently teaching freshmen and juniors while also offering popular senior electives that included his passion for poetry, contemporary American literature, and insights into non-western cultures and literature. He was a long-serving academic advisor and, outside the classroom, he had previously served as moderator of The Regian (yearbook), The Owl (student newspaper), and the classical music society.

"Michael Vode is the great mix of a spiritual person, a teacher, a mentor, and a cheerful and supportive colleague—and, thus, embodies the spirit of St. Ignatius with good teaching, generosity, and spirituality," said Dr. Gary Tocchet, Regis Principal.

A plaque honoring all winners of the Ignatian Educator Award is mounted in the 84th Street Foyer.