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PROVIDENCE, R.I. – At its Commencement ceremony on May 16, ɫ����̳ Extension School (RWU EXT) recognized two of its educators for their dedication to students and academic careers. 

Marian Fattore was named recipient of the Thomas J. Carroll Outstanding Teacher Award for her work as an adjunct writing professor and Susan Votto received the 2025 Outstanding Instructor Award for Professional Certifications and Licensure Program. RWU Extension School, whose home is in the university’s Providence campus, serves all learners through certificate programs, associate and bachelor’s degrees, professional development opportunities and partnerships with businesses and community organizations that align education with workforce needs.

Laying the Groundwork for Long-Term Achievement

Marian “Mimi” Fattore started her career as a high school English teacher and guidance counselor before moving to higher education. Fattore has split her writing instruction career between ɫ����̳ and RWU EXT, as well as the Community College of Rhode Island, building students to become better writers and setting them up for success in their professional lives.

Fattore teaches several introductory writing courses, focusing on building the foundations through Aristotle's teachings and later expanding into writing for the professions. Her favorite course to teach is How Writing Works, because she enjoys explaining the importance of Aristotelian rhetorical appeals: ethos, pathos, and logos.

“Although Aristotle founded them long ago, they are still relevant today,” Fattore said. “If you have all three, anyone can write an essay.”

Teaching students critical writing skills not only helps them academically, but also expands their thinking into becoming better communicators and storytellers, Fattore said. It lays the foundation for students to clearly and concisely share their ideas and perspectives in an organized manner. 

Over the years, former students have reached out to say her teachings have impacted them throughout their academic career. Known as “Professor Mimi,” Fattore is recognized as a friendly and reliable source of support for students seeking assistance.

“If I say I’m going to do something, I’m following through,” Fattore said.

Fattore hopes to continue inspiring students in her academic teachings while remaining a lifelong student herself in her 50 years in the corps de ballet at State Ballet of Rhode Island.

A Lifelong Educator

Prior to the classroom, Votto spent years in the trades industry before her husband convinced her to transition to teaching her craft. After receiving additional certifications and degrees, Votto transitioned to a career and technical education (CTE) teacher in the Providence Public School District before advancing to CTE director positions in schools at Woonsocket and Chariho, and the William M. Davies Jr. Career and Technical Centers over the next 23 years. Her passion for the trades continued at a higher level when a professional connection within RWU EXT led her to a position as an adjunct professor in the CTE Teacher Training Program. With her combined experience, Votto taught industry professionals how to translate their on-the-job experience into becoming effective high school educators.

“I help these new teachers become better teachers,” Votto said. “They have the background. All they need to know is delivery, pedagogy, and methodology.”

RWU EXT’s one-year, RIDE-accredited program prepares trades experts for their first year in teaching and just completed its fifth cohort. Votto says that preparing CTE professionals to become teachers of the next generations has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her career. These professionals already have an established career in the field and a desire to pass on the knowledge and applied experience to show students the field outside of the classroom.

“In my 34 years of teaching, I feel my success in education was because I always put my students first,” Votto said. “I always made sure they had the best opportunities to have the best future.”

Although Votto retired from working with students in schools last December, she continues to pass on her knowledge of the trades through the RWU EXT program as well as her consultant work. Receiving the 2025 Outstanding Instructor Award gave her affirmation that she is best serving students in this next part of her career.

The next cohort of the CTE Teacher Certification Program begins July 7. Enroll now.