2007 Walton S. Bittner Service Citation

For Outstanding Service to UCEA

The Walton S. Bittner Service Citation, established in 1968, recognizes a member for outstanding contributions to continuing education at his or her institution, and for service of major significance to UCEA. The award was initiated in appreciation of Bittner's long-term commitment as a NUEA executive officer, and in recognition of the devotion with which he served the Association. Bittner was Secretary/ Treasurer of NUEA from 1927-1956.

Dorothy Durkin

Dorothy Durkin Associate Dean, School of Continuing and Professional Studies
New York University

If continuing higher education embodies innovation, creativity, and a sense of community, then Dorothy Durkin could be considered its public face. Her outstanding work not only in marketing the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at NYU, but also in advancing the principles of adult and professional education, serve as benchmarks for fellow educators.

"Dorothy is unquestionably regarded as the preeminent marketing professional in our field," says Robert Lapiner, Dean of SCPS at NYU. "By intellect, vision, energy, commitment to research and exploration, and unwavering devotion to the advancement of opportunities for teaching and learning, she has had an unexampled impact on how universities across the country reach the publics they aspire to serve."

Harvey Stedman, New York University Vice Chancellor Emeritus, says Durkin is "considered by many to be the nation's leading expert on the adult student market."

Durkin has served the Association in many capacities. She chaired the Council for Continuing Education Management and Administration and served on the Board of Directors from 1991-1993. She also served two terms on the Commission on Futures and Markets, from 1998-2001 and 2003-2006. She currently chairs the Association's Strategic Marketing Committee.

"Her generous professional style and engaging personal manner have made her a prized colleague of hundreds of professional members of UCEA and the array of other organizations with which she has been affiliated during her career," says Stedman. Says Lapiner: "In various roles within the Association over three decades, she has fostered the professional development of continuing education practitioners."

"In addition to her professional expertise, Dorothy brings warmth and openness to her interactions with colleagues and friends at all levels," notes John Ebersole, President of Excelsior College. "This, combined with a sincere desire to share her knowledge, has made her one of the most beloved members of our organization."

Durkin has served at NYU for more than 35 years; she currently serves as Associate Dean for Strategic Development, a position she has held since 2003. Earlier, she was Associate Dean for Strategic Marketing and Communications for more than 20 years. She holds an M.A.-and currently is a doctoral candidate-in media ecology from New York University School of Education, and a B.A. in English from the State University of New York, Stony Brook.