At a year-end reception on May 12, Carthage College honored numerous employees for their dedication and excellence throughout 2025-26.
Distinguished Teaching Award
Jennifer Clark, an assistant professor of economics, received this year’s Distinguished Teaching Award. Created in 1967, it remains Carthage’s most prestigious faculty honor.
After several years as an adjunct instructor, Prof. Clark joined the full-time Carthage faculty in 2022. Students have gravitated to her relatable and inclusive teaching style.
“She consistently introduces new material by giving clear, relevant examples and then breaking them down in a way that helps you understand the concepts more deeply,” one student wrote on the nomination form. “She invites the entire class into thoughtful discussions, encouraging you to analyze ideas, share perspectives, and connect the content to real‑world situations.”
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Prof. Clark incorporates job and internship search tips into her economics classes, drawing on knowledge she previously accumulated over six years as an internship director for a university in Chicago.
Deeply committed to local governance, Prof. Clark has served on the Lake County (Illinois) Board since 2018. She’s also treasurer for the Lake County Forest Preserves board.
“Her experience as an elected government official adds another level of inspiration,” read another student’s nomination. “She shares real situations she has dealt with, which makes the subject feel more important.”
Distinguished Staff Award
The Distinguished Staff Award was presented to Carthage’s director of public safety, Michael Polzin, who came to the College in 2022 after a 31-year career with the Racine Police Department.
Based on nominations from the campus community, the Staff Council annually selects a recipient who demonstrates service, teamwork, attitude, and reliability. Colleagues raved about Mr. Polzin’s contributions in each of those categories.
His integrity, clear direction, and humility motivate the department’s staff to “go the extra mile” for him.
“His calm presence brings comfort in stressful moments,” one nomination explained, “and his unwavering dedication creates a sense of safety that people depend on every single day.”
Under Mr. Polzin, the Office of Public Safety has expanded its collaboration with other campus departments and community law enforcement agencies to provide excellent service and a safe environment.
“He doesn’t stand on the sidelines — he stands with his team,” another staff member wrote. “In extreme heat, bitter cold, pouring rain, and snow, he is right there beside them. That kind of leadership isn’t just seen — it’s felt. It builds trust, strengthens unity, and reminds everyone that they are not alone.”
Quality of Life Award
Longtime music professor Greg Berg accepted the Quality of Life Committee’s annual Person of the Year Award. This summer, he’ll begin a phased retirement after 31 years of service to the College.
Nominators laid out the many ways Prof. Berg has cultivated generations of musicians. Besides teaching, he provides accompaniment for Carthage’s choral ensembles as a pianist at their performances and guides students to outsized success at statewide singing competitions.
Supporters added that the recital hall is “packed to the rafters” for Prof. Berg’s solo recital each fall. As one submission summed it up, “He is indeed ‘Mr. Music’ for our region and, as such, has enhanced the quality of life here since his arrival.”
Fellow Carthaginians appreciate Prof. Berg’s “genial willingness to lend a helping hand in any endeavor.” That includes reviewing essays for the Lincoln Scholarship competition, sitting in on incoming students’ auditions, and simply being a supportive colleague.
Beyond campus, Prof. Berg is widely recognized as the longtime host of “The Morning Show” on local public radio station WGTD.
