Honor a mentor who ignited your love for languages and teaching!
Who ignited your passion for languages? Perhaps it was a family member, a beloved teacher, or a mentor.
Consider continuing that legacy by making a donation to the AATSP in honor of the person who inspired you to become the teacher that you are today.
If you would like to see someone honored on this page, click the button below to make a donation in honor, or in memory of, an honoree.
Her dedication to her students and her professional service were exceptional. Her participation in the AATSP, SHH, and NSE highlighted her unwavering commitment to her students and to the profession.
- Honored by Mary Anne Vetterling
Ana Roca
Mi queridísima amiga y mentora.
- Honored by María Carreira
Dr. Celestino Ruiz
Has been enrolled into the AATSP Honor Hall for his outstanding service to AATSP teachers and their students. His dedication to fostering cultural exchange and language learning is exemplified by his decades-long commitment (1980-2023) to educational programs held at prestigious institutions such as the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
Born in Miraveche, Burgos, Celestino's academic journey began in Spain, where he received his high school and undergraduate education. Pursuing further studies in the United States, he earned his Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University before embarking on a distinguished teaching career at Purdue University Calumet, where he garnered acclaim as a two-time recipient of the Best Teacher award based on student evaluations.
One of his most significant contributions lies in the impact of his programs, which facilitated scholarships for over 50 NSE teachers and their students through the National Spanish Examinations. Additionally, he collaborated with the then former director of the NSE, Kevin Cessna-Buscemi, to establish a summer program for high school students participating in the National Spanish Exam. Now retired, he resides with his wife, Nancy, who shares his passion for education as a retired Spanish teacher.
His own words underscore his commitment to broadening perspectives and enhancing cultural understanding through education abroad. "Nuestra misión es hacer posible que el estudiante vaya a otros países a estudiar y disfrutar lo más
posible lo que son otras culturas para poder entender mejor lo que es la cultura propia. "
Sr. Marguerite Dankulich, SSCM (1932-2021)
Has been enrolled into the AATSP Honor Hall by her student, Kevin Cessna-Buscemi, Director Emeritus of the National Spanish and Portuguese Examinations.
Sr. Marguerite was Kevin's Spanish teacher at Andrean High School in Merrillville, Indiana and the first person to introduce him to the National Spanish Exam.
Little did she know that 30 years later, her student would become the national director of the very program to which she introduced him.
Sr. Marguerite taught both elementary and high school and was a member of the sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius of Danville, PA.
Joy Renjilian-Burgy
Nicknamed "Alegria " (joy/happiness) by her colleagues, Joy's professional career, success as an author, and academic accomplishments were prolific, but Joy was foremost a teacher whose love for students spanned over 50 years of passion, energy, and innovation in the classroom.
Joy established a professional home base at Wellesley College where she was tenured for more than 45 years.
Joy was the recipient of dozens of awards, fellowships, and grants including the Harvard Foreign Language teaching prize. In 2017, Joy was honored by King Felipe VI of Spain with "La Orden de la Cruz de Isabel la Católica ", one of the highest civil honors awarded by the Spanish government for individuals fostering the study of Spanish language and culture.
When Joy wasn't at work, she was often... working! Joy was an author and co-author of many works, served on many Boards, and was President for the Armenian International Women's Association (AIWA) and a force for both women's and Armenian causes.
Over the years, Joy (and Don) welcomed countless people into their home. Their dinner table was a place where royals mixed with refugees and students, and over time, through laughter and food, the many disparate individuals were woven into one big Joy-full family.
Kevin Cessna-Buscemi
With over 40 years as an active AATSP member, Kevin Cessna Buscemi embodies the best of our community.
As Director of AATSP Exams (NSE Exams) from 2006 to 2021, he guided the program to record participation levels, reaching more students and teachers than ever and advancing the study of Spanish on a national scale.
Kevin's distinguished 42-year career in world language education includes authoring numerous articles, leading countless workshops, and presenting frequently at conferences on language teaching, learning, and assessment. He has taught Spanish, Italian, and business at both secondary and university levels and has served as Director of Curriculum Development and Assessment in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Since retiring from the AATSP in 2020, Kevin's commitment to language education remains unwavering. In 2021, he established the Kevin Cessna Buscemi Global Citizen Scholarship, offering U.S.-based language immersion opportunities through Concordia Language Villages for students of Spanish and Portuguese.
Today, he continues his mission by volunteering as a Spanish instructor for those preparing to serve Hispanic communities.
Joseph Robert Weyers
After graduating from Bethel Park High School, he earned his Bachelors degree from Allegheny College, Masters degree from the University of New Mexico, and his PhD from UNM in 1995 in Romance Linguistics. In this same year, he arrived at the College of Charleston in South Carolina to begin his career teaching Spanish language, culture, and linguistics. A lover of Latin America, but especially Mexico and Colombia, one of his missions was to dispel stereotypes and to show the beauty of these cultures to his students.
He served his department in many functions, including department chair from 2005-2010. In 2009, through a grant from the US Department of Education, he and Dr. Rene Dentiste Mueller created the Global Scholars program to promote global citizenship through the study of language and study abroad. More recently in 2023, he revived the South Carolina chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, of which he was the president.
As a scholar, Joe left a profound mark on Spanish linguistics. He averaged an article per year throughout his career. His research has been cited nearly 600 times, and a piece published in 2002, "The Effect of Authentic Video on Communicative Competence " comprises 357 of those mentions. He has one publication forthcoming in a premier venue in his field, Hispania, titled, “A postcards approach to addressing culture.”
To his Hispanic Studies family and his hundreds of students, he was more than a colleague or professor. He was a mentor who used his time, energy and wisdom to nurture, support, share ideas and listen.
Joseph was an avid traveler, proud Papi, and talented chef. His wanderlust was insatiable. In his 25 years with husband Michael, they toured 41 states and 18 countries, focusing on the natural beauty of national parks, and cultures of everyday neighborhoods off of beaten tourist paths.
Bernard (Bernie) Lopez
Bernie graduated from Mt. St. Michael Academy in 1969 and Iona College in 1973. He devoted his life to education, teaching Spanish and Italian at Monsignor Farrell H.S., McKee H.S. and Taft H.S., before rising to an administrator with oversight of 150 schools throughout Queens. Bernard proudly served as the president of the Metro New York Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP), championing the importance of language education and cultural understanding on a national level.
Bernard is survived by his wife of 50 yrs, his son, granddaughters as well as many cousins and in-laws who adored him.
Walter Thomas Alsop
Tom's passion, adventurous spirit, and creativity characterized his distinguished professional career, spanning 58 years teaching Spanish at the middle-school, high-school, and college levels, with his longest tenures spent at Ben Davis High School and Butler University. He authored over 350 books and classroom teaching materials, led countless student trips abroad, directed teacher workshops in Spain, Mexico, and Cuba, and served multiple state and national professional language teaching organizations. For his dedication and efforts, he received numerous accolades, including a Rockefeller fellowship, The Nelson Brooks Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Culture, and the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Languages Founders Award for promotion of language learning, leadership, and contribution to the field.
Outside teaching, Tom led an equally full life. He loved music, concerts, and dancing, was an ardent Indianapolis sports fan who reveled in the highs and lows of the Colts and Pacers and had a tremendous enthusiasm for travel. Loyal in support to family, friends, and colleagues, his greatest pleasure was having fun with those who were important to him. Tom was most proud of his three grandchildren, who received his unending praise and attention.
Tom's light will shine on through the many people who had the joy of knowing him, especially his loving family: his wife of 56 years Jill (DeShon) Alsop, his son Dan Alsop, his daughter Nicole Alsop-Arbuckle, his grandchildren Cooper Alsop-Arbuckle, Tristan and Tinsley Alsop, and his siblings Sharon (Alsop) Thiesing, Diane (Alsop) Beal, and Ron Alsop and their families.
Helena Curtain
Helena's intellect, appetite to continue learning and acknowledgment of teachers' efforts for their students inspires me to continue to support PD for teachers in ways that serve their needs most.
-Honored by Victoria Gilbert
Dr. Alan Garfinkel
Dr. Alan Garfinkel was my college Spanish professor who made teaching Spanish seem to be more of a life-long endeavor to educator students.
As an aspiring teacher back then in the early 1970's, I was amazed at his cheerful approach to teaching us. He was also hugely a jokester.
So, my affinity for Spanish was compounded by his love for the language. He introduced me to people who encouraged me by their desire to likewise make an impression on the world through their teaching.
I am still in the profession and still carry the banner of honor that teaching Spanish is a passion and a lifetime endeavor.
For that and much more, I am nominating Dr. Alan Garfinkel (former Professor at Purdue University). "Ever faithful, ever true " all hail our own Purdue, Dr. Alan Garfinkel.
-Honored by Louis Lillard
Carole Stroud
Carole was genuinely fun to work with. She held herself and her students to the highest of standards, and she did it with love, compassion, and dedication to the teaching and learning of Spanish. DEP
-Honored by Liz Matchett
Ofelia García
Ofelia is one of the most influential scholars in bilingual and multilingual education today.
Her groundbreaking work on translanguaging and bilingual education has reshaped how educators and scholars understand language learning in culturally diverse contexts.
Beyond her academic accomplishments, Dr. García has been a mentor and inspiration to generations of students and educators.
Her life story - as a child immigrant from Cuba and a heritage speaker of Spanish - stands as a powerful testament to the enduring contributions of immigrants to the intellectual and cultural fabric of the United States.
- Honored by María Carreira
María Carreira
Has been enrolled into the AATSP Honor Hall by Anne Fountain.
"Deseo reconocer el liderazgo de los cubanos/cubano americanos que han sido fuente de inspiración para mí en la AATSP. Son dignos de nuestro aprecio y agradecimiento. Honrar, honra. "
Liliana Soto Fernández
Has been enrolled into the AATSP Honor Hall by Anne Fountain.
"Deseo reconocer el liderazgo de los cubanos/cubano americanos que han sido fuente de inspiración para mí en la AATSP. Son dignos de nuestro aprecio y agradecimiento. Honrar, honra. "
Eduardo Zayas Bazán
Has been enrolled into the AATSP Honor Hall by Anne Fountain.
"Deseo reconocer el liderazgo de los cubanos/cubano americanos que han sido fuente de inspiración para mí en la AATSP. Son dignos de nuestro aprecio y agradecimiento. Honrar, honra. "
Dr. Gladys Ilarregui
Dr. Ilarregui was the person who inspired me to study Spanish. My life would be completely different if I had not listened to her excellent guidance. Dr. Ilarregui is a one of a kind professor.
- Honored by Alondra Pacheco
Ada Ortouzar-Young
Has been enrolled into the AATSP Honor Hall by Anne Fountain.
"Deseo reconocer el liderazgo de los cubanos/cubano americanos que han sido fuente de inspiración para mí en la AATSP. Son dignos de nuestro aprecio y agradecimiento. Honrar, honra. "
Francisco García - Quezada
Francisco García-Quezada, a longtime and deeply dedicated member of the AATSP, is a living example of the American Dream and a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of language educators.
A first-generation college student, Francisco has devoted his career to supporting immigrant students and their families, ensuring they never face the challenges he once navigated alone.
His work at the RBERN at the Center for Educational Partnerships at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education has led to programs that uplift and empower multilingual learners.
His life and service embody the mission and heart of the AATSP and offer a shining example of what it means to uplift students, families, and whole communities through language.
- Honored by Maria Carreira
Anne Fountain
Anne Fountain, Emerita Professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies at San José State University, has built a distinguished career through her scholarship on Cuba, U.S. Hispanic literature, and literary translation, as well as her outstanding teaching, recognized by awards from the California Language Teachers Association (2009), the Southern Conference on Language Teaching (1998), and the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (1994).
A devoted member of the AATSP, she strengthened our organization through her leadership as the 2016 President and continues to serve through her contributions to the Active Retirees Special Interest Group.
Her recent publication, Indigenous America in the Spanish Language Classroom, offers essential historical and cultural knowledge about Indigenous peoples for Spanish-language curricula and guides educators in integrating these perspectives through a social justice perpective. Professor Fountain's legacy of scholarship, leadership, and service reflects the highest ideals of the AATSP.
- Honored by Maria Carreira
Mary Anne Vetterling
Mary-Anne Vetterling is a second-generation AATSP member whose mother was an active chapter leader in the 1930s.
She joined our organization in 1973 while completing her Ph.D. in Medieval Spanish Literature at Harvard University and has served with extraordinary dedication for five decades—as chapter treasurer, editor, president, and secretary; on the Board of Directors since 1977; on the Executive Council (1997-1999, 2002-2004); and as National Vice President (2002), President (2003), and Past President (2004).
She also served for many years as the AATSP's conference photographer and as editor of Conference Wrap-Up.
Her contributions to teaching and scholarship have been nationally recognized, including the AATSP Spanish Teacher of the Year Award (University Level, 2012) and the AATSP Lifetime Achievement Award (2022). Her recent comprehensive bibliography of the Libro de buen amor is a groundbreaking contribution to the study of one of Spain's most important medieval texts.
Prof. Vetterling's record of scholarship, leadership, and service exemplifies the best of the AATSP and continues to guide and elevate our professional community.
- Honored by Maria Carreira
Milton M. Azevedo
Milton M. Azevedo is a long-time member of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, whose service to the organization has been both sustained and exemplary.
He served as AATSP President in 2009 and for many years as Associate Editor of Hispania.
From 1976 to 2015, Professor Azevedo served on the faculty of the University of California, Berkeley, as Professor of Spanish and Portuguese, where he also helped develop the Catalan Studies program and later became Professor Emeritus. His distinguished scholarly record includes an extensive body of influential publications in linguistics, language pedagogy, and literary analysis.
In recognition of his scholarly distinction and professional impact, he was elected a full member of the Academia Norteamericana de la Lengua Española in 2012.
SISTER JUDITH MURPHY
Honored by María Carreira
"My very first HL teacher in 1971. She got it, back in 1975! "
ALMETRIS JACKSON
Honored by Jimeen Jackson-Lucas
"She was also a teacher, and amazing teacher and my mother. Love you, mom.❤"
EVELYN WHELPLEY
Honored by Evelyn Ledezma
"My mom made me bilingual and gave me my love of languages."
DOMINGO CARREIRA
Honored by María Carreira
"Papi... Mi gran papi. Te quiero un montón y nunca te olvido."
DR. VASILE CALESI
Honored by Parthena Draggett
"Dr. Celsi was an inspirational Spanish professor and my faculty advisor in my undergraduate studies - It is a privilege to honor him."
EDUARDO ZAYAS-BAZÁN, LILIANA SOTO-FERNÁNDEZ, ADA ARTÚZAR-YOUNG, MARÍA CARREIRA
Honored by Anne Fountain
"Deseo reconocer el liderazgo de los cubanos/cubano americanos que han sido fuente de inspiración para mí en la AATSP. Son dignos de nuestro aprecio y agradecimiento. Honrar, honra."
SISTER AQUINA
Honored by María Carreira
"My first 'bilingual' teacher in 1971! A real pioneer."
MARTA MORAN ARCO
Honored by María Carreira
"Mi Mami: Una gran maestra y una fuente de amor y alegría. Te quiero."
DR. ANGELA ZUBAR
Honored by Parthena Draggett
Dr. Angela Zumbar had a great influence on me and was a truly dynamic and motivating professor of Spanish at Mount Union College (now the University of Mount Union).
When I was asked to teach at Mount Union, she also became my colleague and friend. In fact, together we worked to revise the advanced level course offerings to expand beyond literature, in what was then known as the Department of Modern Languages.
Dr. Zumbar was innovative and forward thinking in seeking opportunities that would propel her students to be both proficient communicators of Spanish and pedagogues.
In fact, she invited me to my first opportunity as a Spanish teacher, asking me to teach one of her college classes when she had to be away from campus, and I was still an undergraduate college student myself!
Dr. Zumbar later also served as the Lester D. Crow Chair of Education and as head of teacher education. While at Mount Union, Dr. Zumbar spent sabbaticals in Spain and México and served as a study abroad advisor.
In 1998, she was invited to serve as an evaluator in the Ohio Department of Education for higher education programs.
I believe that I became a Spanish (and French) teacher largely because of the influence of this motivating professor, and two others, one of whom I honored last year.
Although she retired in 2001, she has continued to contribute to the communities of Alliance, Ohio and Stark County as a whole.
In fact, in 2013, she was chosen for the Athena Award, one of many awards bestowed on her over the years, recognizing her impact in the community.
In the Alliance Review, the local newspaper, I found a quote, which really resonated with me, since I personally saw Dr. Angela Zumbar in her roles, both as a mother and a Spanish professor, having invited our class to her home for dinner.
It states, "By her example at the University of Mount Union, Dr. Zumbar illustrated that it is possible for women to advance to senior positions in academia," wrote a nominator. "She arrived on the scene at a time when pay scales were not always equitable, and she raised four children and earned a Ph.D. while working full time.
She never lost sight of her goals, and she achieved them.
I am proud and honored to recognize Dr. Angela Zumbar for the AATSP Honor Hall.
LAURA ARONICA
Honored by Mary Jo Aronica
JAN MODLOFF
Honored by Sheri Spaine Long
MY PARENTS
Honored by Mary-Anne Vetterling
RITA POWELL
Honored by Sheri Spaine Long
AUNT DORIS
Honored by Karen Brunschwig
If you would like to see someone honored on this page, click the button below to make a donation in honor, or in memory of, an honoree.
