October 16, 2008
Nominations now open for a host of annual awards
Nominations are now being sought for the University’s annual awards that honor outstanding teachers, staff, librarians, mentors and those engaged in leadership and public service. Awards are administered by a variety of groups on campus. Below is a brief description of each award and instructions on how to submit a nomination.
The Distinguished Teaching Award, given once during the individual’s lifetime, honors several professors based on a number of criteria including, but not limited to, the ability to engage students both within and outside the classroom; innovative course and curriculum design; ability to rouse independent and original thinking in students and mastery of the subject matter.
The Excellence in Teaching Award is given to two graduate teaching assistants for their demonstration of extraordinary ability in the teaching and learning process as a graduate TA. Recipients of both the Distinguished Teaching and Excellence in Teaching awards will receive a $5,000 award.
The S. Sterling Munro Public Service Teaching Award, thanks to a gift from the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, is given annually to a faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in community-based instruction, including public service internships and community partnership projects. The faculty member recognized, in addition to the $5,000 award, will receive funding from Undergraduate Academic Affairs for a graduate student during his or her award year.
The James D. Clowes for the Advancement of Learning Communities honors a faculty or staff member who transforms undergraduate learning at the UW by creating or sustaining learning communities among students. The president will recognize the faculty or staff member with an award of $3,000. In addition, Undergraduate Academic Affairs will award $2,000 to the recipient’s program or department to support student participation in learning communities.
To nominate a faculty member, graduate teaching assistant or staff member for any of the four awards above, submit a letter no more than two pages specifying examples of the nominee’s attributes. The letter should be submitted to: 2009 Teaching Awards Selection Committee, Box 352800. Specify the name of the award on the submission letter along with your name, address (postal or campus) and/or e-mail address. The deadline for all nominations is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Nominations are also accepted via the web at: http://www.washington.edu/uaa/teachingacademy/awards.html.
The Distinguished Staff Award is given to five individuals or teams who have made extraordinary contributions to their departments and the University. This year the size of eligible teams has changed from six to 10. Individual recipients receive a stipend of $5,000. Recipients of a team award receive $5,000 to share.
To nominate someone for this award, complete an online nomination form at the Distinguished Staff Award Web site (http://www.washington.edu/president/evp/dsa) between Oct. 25 and Dec. 15. The selection will be made by a committee of staff appointed by the vice president for Human Resources. Complete criteria for the award are listed on the site.
The David B. Thorud Leadership Award is given to one faculty member and one staff member who have demonstrated exceptional abilities to lead, serve, inspire and collaborate with broad impact. The award is named in honor of David B. Thorud, who served the University in leadership positions for 25 years. Each recipient receives a $2,500 stipend.
To nominate someone for this award, send a one-page letter to the Thorud Leadership Selection Committee, Mindy Kornberg, c/o Liz Mason (emason@u.washington.edu). The selection is made by a committee appointed by the president. Nominations are accepted between Oct. 25 and Dec. 15. Further information is available at http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/thorud/.
The Distinguished Librarian Award recognizes excellence in librarianship, especially as it benefits the academic community through innovative approaches to practice, research, teaching and learning. Additional factors include creativity, leadership, service, scholarship and demonstration of UW values. The awardee receives $5,000.
To nominate someone for this award, send your contact information, the nominee’s contact information and a short essay (no more than 500 words) describing the nominee’s accomplishments and how he or she contributes to the libraries and to the University to Theresa Mudrock, Box 352900. The deadline is Monday, Dec. 15. More information is available at http://www.lib.washington.edu/about/dla/.
To nominate someone, send a letter of up to two pages to Jerry Pangilinan, Box 353770, or jlpang@u.washington.edu. The letter should include the nominee’s department and current mailing address. Nominators are encouraged to cite specific instances of excellent mentoring. The deadline is Monday, Jan. 5, 2009.
The Outstanding Public Service Award recognizes faculty or staff efforts to improve the quality of people’s lives locally, nationally or internationally. The selection committee considers the nature and extent of the public service activity, the amount of time and effort involved, and the lasting impact it has had. The honoree receives $5,000.
To nominate someone for the award send a letter of no more than two pages including a description of the nature, extent and impact of the service, how long it lasted and whether the nominee received any compensation for it. Nominations should be sent to the Outstanding Public Service Award Committee, Box 351241, or by e-mail to Gus Kravas, gkravas@u.washington.edu. The deadline is Friday, Jan. 23, 2009.
The Distinguished Contributions to Lifelong Learning Award honors faculty who have taught or designed courses, seminars or workshops aimed at working adults and other nontraditional students, and who have received excellent teaching evaluations for that work. The winner receives $5,000.
To nominate someone for this reward, send a cover letter that describes the number of students served, the length of time the faculty member has participated in lifelong learning activities, and the creativity and innovative nature of these lifelong learning programs. Attach a list of the courses taught and student evaluations in a form that can be compared to a standard UW evaluation form. Nominations should be sent to Dave Szatmary, Box 359492. Or e-mail the material to dszatmary@extn.washington.edu. The deadline is Monday, Feb. 2, 2009.
Even as the current UW faculty and staff who deserve honors are being sought, the Alumni Association is looking for former students for its annual Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus Award. Established in 1938, the award recognizes graduates who have made profound contributions not only to their fields, but to society as a whole. It is not based on the individual’s work for the preceding year, but rather on his or her lifetime record. It is the highest honor the UW bestows upon its graduates.
To nominate someone for this award, submit a letter to Chuck Blumenfeld, UW Alumni Association, 1415 NE 45th Street by Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009. A committee made up of six representatives of the Alumni Association and six from the UW will make the selection.
President Mark Emmert will announce the award winners in late March. They will be honored at the annual Recognition Ceremony, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, in Meany Hall. A reception will follow in the Walker-Ames Room, Kane.
