Graduate assistants receive teaching awards

Twelve graduate teaching assistants from throughout the University were recognized by the Seven Society last month as finalists for the society’s Graduate Fellowship for Superb Teaching. Through the Teaching Resource Center, the University also awarded four All-University Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards and two other awards.

Unlike other teaching awards based on departmental or faculty recommendations, nominations for the Seven Society Fellowship are made solely by former students. More than 100 undergraduates made nominations. Jonathan Stoltz of the philosophy department received the $7,000 award that recognizes the highest ideals of teaching at the University: dedication to students, substantial knowledge of the subject matter, and skill in conveying passion for that knowledge.

Two other graduate assistants won $5,000 fellowships for superior teaching: Melin Huang of the physics department won the Frank Finger Graduate Fellowship, given by the Seven Society, and Daniel Kent of religious studies won the Class of 1985 Graduate Fellowship for Creative Teaching, awarded this year for the first time.

Winners of All-University Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards, each carrying a $1,000 prize for teaching excellence, were: Jacqueline Bussie, religious studies; Gail Dempsey, chemical engineering; Rebecca A. Dillingham, M.D., School of Medicine; and Charles Irons, history.