Tracy Van Oss of North Haven, clinical associate professor of occupational therapy at Quinnipiac University, received the James Marshall Award for Service to the Quinnipiac Community during a recent ceremony.
“I am honored to receive the James Marshall Award,” said Van Oss, who has taught at Quinnipiac since 1998. “I value working alongside my colleagues in the occupational therapy department, the School of Health Sciences and across Quinnipiac University to provide service to our students in and out of the classroom.”
The Faculty Senate at Quinnipiac created the award in 2002 to recognize faculty who exhibit qualities of unselfish service and dedication to the Quinnipiac community.
The award was named after the late James Marshall, assistant professor of health management in the School of Business, who died suddenly in April 2002. Dr. Marshall was known for his community work, including serving as chairman of Quinnipiac’s Black History Month Committee.
“Our students are learning not only how to enhance themselves academically, but also how to make an impact in communities where they will eventually live and work,” said Van Oss, who is co-chair for the Committee on Service and Service Learning at Quinnipiac.
A plaque with the names of past recipients is on display in the Faculty Dining Room in the Carl Hansen Student Center at Quinnipiac.
In addition to education, Van Oss is on the board of directors for the Columbus House in New Haven. She also provides occupational therapy home care at Masonicare and VNA Community Healthcare.
Van Oss has presented locally, nationally and internationally and gives Quinnipiac students the opportunity to develop leadership skills by presenting with her. She has an upcoming presentation at a conference in Barbados where she will teach an inter-professional service learning class. She will be accompanied by two graduate occupational therapy students.
Van Oss received a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications and master of public health degree from Southern Connecticut State University. She also received a certificate of occupational therapy from Quinnipiac. She has a doctor of health science degree from Nova Southeastern University.