Arts professors Loughlin, Piorkowski earn coveted "distinguished" SUNY faculty rank
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 Tom Loughlin is the first Theatre and Dance faculty member to achieve the Distinguished Teaching Professor rank. |
Two longtime members of SUNY Fredonia’s thriving fine and performing arts community, Tom Loughlin and James Piorkowski, were among just 24 faculty members throughout the 64-campus SUNY system to be recently appointed to the "distinguished" ranks by the State University of New York Board of Trustees.
These honors represent the highest system tribute conferred upon SUNY instructional faculty and are awarded to celebrate their extraordinary achievements as teachers, scholars and mentors, said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher.
Loughlin, chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, was promoted to Distinguished Teaching Professor, an honor that recognizes mastery of teaching, outstanding service to students and commitment to ongoing intellectual growth, scholarship and professional development, along with adherence to rigorous academic standards. A member of the SUNY Fredonia faculty since 1988, Loughlin specializes in acting and directing.
At SUNY Fredonia, Loughlin has directed several multimedia productions and helped to form and lead the Media Arts Program. He served as chair of the Department of Visual Arts and New Media for three years and was interim dean of the College of Arts and Humanities in 2007. Loughlin is the first member of SUNY Fredonia’s theatre and dance department to achieve Distinguished Teaching Professor.
A veteran performer on Buffalo stages, Loughlin will play the role of Leonato in the Shakespeare in Delaware Park production of “Much Ado About Nothing,” beginning in June. Loughlin earned his master’s degree in Fine Arts at the University of Nebraska.
Piorkowski, a multi-faceted musician who performs as a soloist and actively composes, arranges and records, was named Distinguished Professor, an honor that acknowledges significant contributions through artistic performance or achievement in the fine and performing arts or to research literature. Candidates must also achieve national or international prominence and a distinguished reputation within the individual’s chosen field.
Passionate about chamber music, Piorkowski has directed the Guitar Studies program at the School of Music since 1983. He has performed in Europe, Asia, South and North America, and the Caribbean as a member of the world renowned Buffalo Guitar Quartet. His catalogue includes music written for guitar and flute, guitar and cello, guitar and voice, guitar and choir, and guitar and symphony orchestra.
Honors previously conferred upon Piorkowski include the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Robert W. Kasling Award for Scholarly and Creative Excellence and the William T. Hagan Young Scholar/Artist Award. Piorkowski has received the ASCAPLUS Award, a formal citation issued by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, for 10 consecutive years. Piorkowski earned his master’s degree in Music at SUNY Fredonia.
