University Times

Five faculty members have won the 1999 Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Awards. Richard L. Blevins, associate professor of English at the Greensburg campus; Georgia K. Duker, assistant professor in the School of Medicine's Department of Cell Biology and Physiology; Heidi M. Feldman, associate professor in the medical school's Department of Pediatrics; Ronald G. Hoelzeman, associate professor of electrical engineering, and Gary P. Stoehr, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences, School of Pharmacy, were honored by Chancellor Nordenberg for individual efforts that stand as an example of excellence in the role of University teacher. Nordenberg said the Chancellor's Distinguished Research Award and Public Service Award winners will be announced later this month. Winners of the three awards will be recognized at the 23rd annual honors convocation, which will be held Feb. 26 in Carnegie Music Hall.

The awards consist of a $2,000 cash prize for each faculty member, plus $3,000 for support of that faculty member's work. Award winners also will have their names inscribed on a plaque in the William Pitt Union.

In a letter to Blevins, Nordenberg wrote, "The honor recognizes your 20 years of outstanding teaching at the Greensburg campus in a variety of courses and within the areas of English literature, creative writing and composition." The chancellor praised Blevins for innovative approaches to teaching, for helping students to 'find their own voices' and for contributions to curricular reform and mentoring. Blevins also was cited for a high level of scholarship as evidenced by publications of poetry, nonfiction and literary criticism, and for his national reputation as an editor and literary critic.

He had previously won the Greensburg campus's Distinguished Teaching Award.

Duker was honored for having a major impact on the education of first- and second-year medical students. Nordenberg praised her for "making difficult material not only comprehensible but also exciting," and for integrating material over the biochemical, cellular, tissue and organ levels.

Nordenberg pointed to Duker's roles of lecturer, problem-based facilitator, lab instructor, board reviewer and mentor. "The personal interest you take in students, illustrated by your learning the names of over 140 students each year and being accessible to all, has earned you their respect," the chancellor wrote.

Pediatrics professor Feldman was recognized by Nordenberg for creativity, energy and enthusiasm in her varied teaching roles. The chancellor wrote, "Many medical courses have been strengthened by your contributions related to child development and family and cultural issues, and the new Concentration in Disabilities Medicine in the School of Medicine is a direct result of your vision and hard work." Feldman also was cited for her excellent teaching in traditional and nontraditional settings within the medical school. "You have been successful in bringing together University faculty and students, community service providers and leaders in business, government and philanthropy with individuals with disabilities and their families to provide clinical, research, policy and leadership training and promote community-based systems of health care," Nordenberg wrote.

The teaching award acknowledges the 28-year career of Hoelzeman and his contribution to engineering education. Nordenberg wrote, "Your leadership in the design and implementation of the interdisciplinary computer engineering program has resulted in its immediate success and popularity." The chancellor also pointed to Hoelzeman's contributions to undergraduate education and curriculum and courseware development and his special rapport with students. "Over the years you have been honored for your teaching and contributions to education by your school, by national companies and by your international professional society," Nordenberg wrote. "The University is proud to extend this well-deserved recognition of your many years of teaching excellence." Stoehr was recognized for his leadership role in the revision of the School of Pharmacy's curriculum to incorporate a student-centered learning approach with inquiry-based courses that integrate science and practice in the health care field. Nordenberg wrote, "Students and colleagues have great respect for your tireless efforts in organizing the leadership retreat for student leaders and incorporating active learning activities and collaborative learning in the Profession of Pharmacy courses you developed." The chancellor also pointed out that pharmacy students have twice honored Stoehr for excellence in teaching. "Their recognition of your excellence is now extended with this University-wide honor," Nordenberg wrote.

The featured guest speaker at this year's honors convocation will be David Levering Lewis, Martin Luther King Jr. University Professor at Rutgers and 1994 Pulitzer Prize winner for biography.

–Peter Hart