Five people will be honored at the annual UCSB Alumni Association Awards Banquet on June 6 at 7 p.m. in Corwin Pavilion.

Recognizing teachers’ special contributions, Petra Van Koppen, senior lecturer in chemistry and biochemistry, will receive the association’s Distinguished Teaching Award.

A motion picture executive, an honored basketball coach, and a long-time supporter of the campus will also be saluted. Fox 2000 President Elizabeth Gabler, ’77, a film production executive and former agent, and recently retired women’s basketball coach Mark French, ’73, will both receive Distinguished Alumni Awards. Chancellor Henry Yang has hailed French’s for 21 years of service.

Jim Barber, ’67, will receive the Graver Alumni Service Award. His association with UCSB spans many decades.

Philanthropist Arthur Rupe, who gave his name and a substantial donation to the launch several years of the Rupe Great Debates series in 2001, has been chosen Honorary Alumnus for 2008.

Ticket information is online at <www.ucsbalum.com/awards/banquet.html> and Mary MacRae (x2957) will field questions.