Cassel, a professor of Computer Science in Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was one of six educators selected internationally to receive the honor  

VILLANOVA, Pa. – Lillian (Boots) Cassel, PhD, professor of Computer Science in Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was named one of six recipients nationwide of the “Distinguished Educator” Award from the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

The ACM– the world’s largest educational and scientific computing society made up of 100,000 members– developed the Distinguished Member Recognition program in 2006 to honor members [with a minimum of 15 years’ experience and five years of recognized Professional Membership] who have demonstrated significant achievements in computing science.  The Distinguished Educator award is presented by ACM to educators who have had an impact on students and other educators, as well as on the community beyond their own institution.

Dr. Cassel was recognized for her leadership and contributions in computing education, including her role as lead principal investigator in the “Ensemble Project,” a site dedicated to connecting computing educators and providing access to resources, communities, and technology.

“Through their [Distinguished Members] participation in building the foundations for groundbreaking technologies, they [the recipients] have achieved exemplary levels of professional standing,” noted current ACM President, Dr. Vinton G. Cerf, “We celebrate their entrepreneurial spirit, their creative energy, and their leadership in strengthening the computing community.”

“I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with wonderful people from around the world in the development of computing education and interesting research opportunities,” noted Cassel. “I am honored to be in this company.”

About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's five colleges – the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Nursing and the Villanova University School of Law. As students grow intellectually, Villanova prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them.