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Alma College Names Top Faculty at Commencement

Dr. Jim Hutchison, top, receives the Barlow Award for Faculty Excellence from Alma President Dr. Saundra Tracy and, above, Dr. Margarita Krakusin receives congratulaions from her colleagues for winning the Barlow Award.
Alma College named the top faculty at commencement exercises April 23 and granted bachelor's degrees to 262 members of the class of 2005. Mary Kramer, associate publisher and editor of Crain's Detroit Business, delivered the Commencement address and received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree.

Dr. Jim Hutchison, Towsley Professor of Chemistry, and Dr. Margarita Krakusin, professor of Spanish, were named recipients of the 2005 Alma College Barlow Award for Faculty Excellence during the ceremony. Krakusin also was promoted to professor.

Established in 1982 by Dr. Joel Barlow, a 1929 honors graduate of Alma College, the award and cash honoraria recognize two faculty members every year who have contributed the most by their work and example, often at personal sacrifice, to furthering the educational mission of the College. Recipients shall have excelled in teaching, in scholarly, creative or performing work, and in community service.

A committee of former Barlow winners and students selects three to four candidates from nominations submitted by faculty, students and staff for the president’s final two choices. No professor may receive the recognition more than once in a five-year period. It is the first Barlow Award for both professors.

Hutchison has taught at Alma since 1973. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Wittenberg University and a doctorate from Princeton University. Krakusin, a faculty member since 1998, earned a bachelor’s degree from Universidad Pontificia Boulivariana, a Master's of Education degree from Central Michigan University and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University.

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Student Profile

Martin Kuustik

Martin Kuustik
Graduation: 2010
Major: Business Administration
From: Saku Harju, Estonia
Interests: Greek Life, Cultural Awareness

While most international students are here for one year, some stay for four years and earn an Alma degree. These students have the opportunity to get involved in student life taking on positions of leadership and enjoying a well-balanced social life.