Outstanding Faculty Recognized at Honors Day
The class of 2009 chose Dr. Mark Oemke, Dr. Catherine Fobes and Dr. Will Nichols for the Outstanding Faculty Award, which recognizes one professor each in humanities, social sciences and natural sciences that has most impacted the senior classes’ education.
Honored faculty Dr. Holly Liu, Dr. Will Nichols, Dr. Catherine Fobes and Dr. Mark Oemke.
The president, provost and faculty personnel committee recognized Dr. Holly Liu, assistant professor of German, as the Outstanding Junior Faculty member.
Oemke, assistant professor of biology, was recognized for teaching environmental science to students during the early part of their time at Alma.
“Instilling curiosity into his students and supporting the drive to explore, he has opened the floodgates of inquisitiveness to many students,” Devon Anthony, senior class president, says.
“I am absolutely shocked and delighted to receive this award - I just about fell off my chair when they called me name,” says Oemke. “You never realize how many people you have touched.”
Associate Professor of Sociology Fobes was recognized for her generosity, support and being a motivational leader.
“She has encouraged a number of Alma students to look into the world that we live in and continues to challenge students to explore their own assumptions about how society works,” says Anthony. “Her active involvement extends far beyond the classroom into the lives of our community and she has truly been outstanding in every way, shape and form.”
Nichols, Secrest Professor of Music and director of choirs, was recognized for his commitment to students and his willingness to mentor.
“He has not only been a part of my Alma journey for all four years, but a personal mentor as well,” Anthony says. “While serving as a leader to one of the largest groups on campus he willingly takes time out of his day to meet and become attached to each and every one of his students.”
“Well, it’s really not fair,” Nichols says in jest, “because I have such a large group of students to teach! But honestly, I am flattered and really pleased with the award.”
Liu was honored for her excellence in teaching, her cheerful personality and her work in helping students understand and celebrate culture.
“Her teaching, while centered on the student, reflects an uncompromising commitment to quality,” says Provost Michael Selmon. “Her nominators praise the wide range of pedagogically relevant activities and games she offers in her classroom and note that her literature classes nonetheless present students with cutting-edge materials.”
“I am very grateful to be selected for this award,” says Liu. “I enjoy doing my work very much because I feel supported and appreciated by my colleagues and students!”
Two retiring faculty members also were recognized:
Charles A. Dana Professor of Psychology Dr. Carol Slater came to Alma College in 1967 and taught 5364 students over 19730 hours in over 300 courses. She was recognized for an outstanding commitment to students and is a previous faculty Barlow Award winner.
Charles A. Dana Professor of English Dr. Ute Stargardt came to Alma College in 1982 and taught 2781 students in 225 courses. She also was recognized for her commitment to students and for winning the faculty Barlow Award, as well as for the creation of the Wroclaw Project, a service-learning course in Poland to clean and restore a Jewish graveyard.
Posted: Wed, April 1st, 2009 at 10:09AM
