Teaching Excellence Award
Peter J. Bertocci
Professor of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences

Peter Bertocci joined Oakland University in 1968 and was instrumental in creating the program in Anthropology and the combined major in Sociology and Anthropology with a rigor that allowed OU students to be accepted into prestigious graduate schools such as Harvard and the University of Chicago. He assists students through his dual roles as professor and anthropology adviser. His students praise his inspiring courses. Former students are currently in academic positions including professor of Anthropology at Trent University, historic archaeologist at University of Colorado, and senior care and support advisor for HIV/AIDS programming in Africa. A colleague said, “Bertocci is an inspiring and selfless teacher, with the best interests of his students at heart, with a devotion to his discipline and with the ability to provide inspiration to his colleagues.”