Distinguished Faculty Award

2024 Distinguished Faculty Award (New in 2024)

Faculty is the heart of a Hood education and their influence and inspiration often stays with us for a lifetime. This award is designated to recognize and honor a retired faculty member who truly demonstrated a commitment to the four pillars of Hood College: Hope, Opportunity, Obligation and Democracy through their advising, teaching, mentorship, and support of Hood students. The recipient is honored during the annual Hood College Reunion Weekend.

Dr. Margery Elfin

Dr. Margery Elfin
We are honored to present our inaugural Distinguished Faculty Award to professor emerita, Dr. Margery Elfin. During her tenure at Hood, Dr. Elfin was not only a professor to many Hood students, but also a trusted mentor, advisor, and friend. Dr. Elfin earned her B.A. at Wellesley, M.A. at the New School and her Ph.D. at Columbia University. She served as the Virginia E. Lewis Professor Emerita of Politics and chair of the department of history and political science. 

A scholar, educator, published author, Dr. Elfin and her husband Mel, a revered journalist in his own right, often invited students to their Washington, D.C. home for dinner, and a chance for vibrant conversations on topics of the day. As a testament to Dr. to her influence, several Hood alumnae established a scholarship in her name to honor the incredible impact she, and political science colleague, Carol Kawecki, had on them as students, and then alumnae. 

After retirement, Dr. Elfin continued to be involved with the College; she and was named to the Board of Trustees in 2008, and served until 2016, and her influence on her former students continues to this day.