Outstanding Lasallian Educators
Each year during Lasallian Heritage Days, a member of the faculty and staff are honored during the Academic Convocation as Outstanding Lasallian Educators, for their dedication to the mission of Saint Mary's College and the five Lasallian Core Principles. All members of the community may nominate colleagues, selected by the Lasallian Heritage Days planning team.
Congratulate our 2026 Winners, Professor Alice Baldridge and Mr. Connor McCaslin
Mr. Connor McCaslin, MFA, Coordinator Honors Program, Collegiate Seminar, and January Term
Officially, Connor is currently the manager of academic data and communications for Academic Affairs. After graduation with an MFA in Creative Writing, Connor chose to stay at Saint Mary’s. He has assumed different roles, most recently as coordinator for Core academic programs Seminar, January Term, and Honors, providing invaluable support, leadership, and camaraderie for students. Connor is someone whose commitment to Lasallian education is felt by many on campus. He is known for his expertise, his work ethic, his demonstrated respect for others, and his kind and big heart. Connor remarked that one of his favorite SMC activities is to walk to the cross, which he says he has done over 200 times, whether it’s in the early morning fog or the golden hues of sunset. A lesser known love of Connor's? Theatre! Connor has been involved in theatre both on the stage and behind it, and he likes to apply his theatrical creativity in designing sets to how he approaches his different administrative roles.
Professor Alice Baldridge, Interim Dean of the School of Science and Professor, Environmental and Earth Sciences
Alice, like Connor, was selected as an Outstanding Lasallian Educator for her steadfast commitment to Saint Mary’s, and the many ways she lives the Lasallian Core Principles. Hired as a Professor of Geology in the Environmental and Earth Sciences Department, Alice currently serves as the Interim Dean for the School of Science. Alice’s research areas include the processes that have shaped planetary surfaces, comparing laboratory, field, and remote spectroscopic data to solve various problems in Earth and planetary science, and increasing accessibility and representation in field sciences. Alice is currently part of a project funded through NASA to further the science that astronauts are able to perform on planetary surfaces. In addition to her amazing research topics, Alice has a strong commitment to support students, and involve them in active research questions. She has created opportunities for students to train, research, and collaborate with professionals. Whether it be in the fields of Death Valley or Yosemite, or leading rafting trips down the Grand Canyon, Alice’s work is respectful, intentional, and inclusive. She goes above and beyond for colleagues and students, and cares deeply about our community, our college, and our environment.
Congratulations Alice and Connor!
Prior year winners include:
2025 Professor Steven Cortright (Philosophy) and Ms. Sally Jamison (Office of Mission)
2024 Professor Claire Williams (Kinesiology) and Ms. Amaury Avalos (Academic Affairs)
2023 Professor Roy Williams (Physics and Astronomy) and Ms. Jen Herzog (Student Life)
2022 Professor Jyoti Bachani (Business Administration) and Ms. Karla Henriquez (Financial Aid)
2021 Professor Shawny Anderson (Communication) and Ms. Samantha Alberto (Residence Life)