![Geri Salinitri](http://www.uwindsor.ca/dailynews/civil/sites/uwindsor.ca.dailynews/files/styles/full/public/600_gerisalinitri.jpg?itok=IbMlp23I)
Earning a series of degrees from the University of Windsor helped Geri Salinitri (BSc 1977, B.Ed 1978, B.Ed honours 1992, M.Ed 1998, PhD 2004) build a 35-year career in education, serving not only as a teacher but as a mentor and advocate for her students.
Now her accomplishments in and out of the classroom have earned her the Alumni Award of Merit, which will be conferred on her by the Alumni Association during its annual general meeting Thursday.
Dr. Salinitri — now associate dean, pre-service, in the Faculty of Education — began her career in the secondary school system in the areas of computer science, science, mathematics, guidance, and adult education.
There, she established a co-operative education program that introduced students to University of Windsor labs, working under the guidance of professors in math and science. During the first year of the program, one of her students won a gold medal at a national science fair, the first-ever for Windsor- Essex. In its second year, two of her students were invited to attend the Nobel Prize ceremonies as Canadian representatives of youth in science.
She joined the faculty of the University of Windsor in 1999, helping to mold students into the teachers of tomorrow. In 2009, she received the Alumni Award for Distinguished Contributions to University Teaching.
The Alumni Award of Merit honours graduates for distinguished accomplishments which have brought honour to the University of Windsor in any field of human endeavour. Other awards to be presented Thursday include the Odyssey Award recognizing graduates in the early years of their careers and the Excellence in Mentoring Award for faculty contributions to the development of students before and after their graduation.