Awards & Distinction
University Honors Program Awards for Excellence
W. Robert Parks Honors Commendations
2007 - 2008 UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM
AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
Each year the University Honors Program confers two awards for excellence: one for Excellence in Honors Teaching and one for Excellence in
Honors Mentoring and Advising. Nominations for these awards come from faculty and administrators. Winners are then selected by a committee of
Honors faculty, staff, and students on the basis of their commitment to Honors students and Honors education.
Award for Excellence in Honors Teaching - Dr. Eugene Takle
Dr. Gene Takle has been a strong supporter of the University Honors Program for many years. His passion for working with undergraduates, especially in the field of research, is absolutely remarkable and a model for others. He has mentored several senior honors projects and has worked closely with faculty members throughout the campus to create academic initiatives in areas such as online learning, electronic portfolios and undergraduate research. His tireless efforts have greatly benefited the students in the Honors Program. As the Faculty Director for the Honors Program he has pushed his level of commitment to the next level by creating pedagogy that challenges the why Honors student approach their education. The true testament to Dr. Takle's devotion to teaching is that no matter what he has on his daily agenda, he will always find time to meet with students.
Award for Excellence in Honors Advising and Mentoring - Dr. Daniela Dimitrova
Professor Dimitrova has distinguished herself as an exemplary Honors mentor and advisor. "Under Dr. Dimitrova's guidance, I learned and experienced the entire research process, from choosing a topic to presenting at a national conference," reports one of her mentees. Sharing with a colleague her motivation to mentor new students, Dr. Dimitrova commented that her "... most satisfying moment is when I see the flicker in their eyes, when they see the results of their research efforts and realize the importance of their interpretation." Daniela Dimitrova clearly serves as a model for how faculty members, through careful mentoring, can have major impacts on the lives of high-ability students.
2007 - 2008 W. ROBERT PARKS
HONORS COMMENDATIONS
Each year the W. Robert Parks Honors Commendations are awarded to a faculty member, a friend, and a student associated
with the University Honors Program. Honors students nominate individuals in each of the three categories who have
demonstrated outstanding contributions to the Honors Program. The Honors Student Board (HSB) then selects the recipients.
To nominate an individual for next year's Parks Awards, click here to download the form.
These are the words of the nominators of:
Student Award: Ian Ringgenberg, senior, Anthropology:
"Ian Ringgenberg has been an excellent contributor to the Honors community and the entire Iowa State community. He has been actively involved in various HSB leadership positions, and as strong leader in the Government of the Student Body (GSB). Ian has had a positive impact on students' college experience and has been a model Honors student."
Friend Award: Jane Jacobson: Liberal Arts and Science Honors Academic Adviser
"Jane shows exemplary support for Honors students preparing honors projects through the college of LAS. She has an all-encompassing knowledge of everything honors. She is extremely approachable and makes herself available to meet students' needs. I can tell that she always has students' best interest in mind. She is willing to take time to assist at additional programs and reaches out to help students."
Faculty Award: Dr. Elizabeh Schabel, English Senior Lecturer:
"Dr. Schabel offers a unique teaching style that allows students to be actively involved in not only what they are learning, but how they are learning. I always look forward to her class, and each day I take away something new and useful. Students have fun learning with Dr. Schabel, and we feel that she cares about us as learners and as individuals."
