AT ITS APRIL meeting, the Academic Senate recognized 11 scholars from departments across campus for their extraordinary contributions to the teaching mission of the University.

Recipients of Distinguished Teaching Awards for 2009-10 include Apostolos Athanassakis, the Argyropoulos Professor of Hellenic Studies; Jason Raley, professor of education; David Seibold, professor of communication; Simon Williams, professor of theater and dance; and Nicholas Tingle, a lecturer in the Writing Program.

Outstanding Graduate Mentor Awards were presented to Sarah Cline, professor of history, and Beth E. Schneider, professor of sociology.

Receiving Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards were Denise R. Gill, a doctoral student in the Departments of Music and Feminist Studies; Brian David Janssen, a doctoral student in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology; Joomi C. Kim, a doctoral student in the Department of English; and Nicole Starosielski, a doctoral student in the Department of Film and Media Studies.

The awards were presented by Chancellor Henry T. Yang.

Teaching and research are essential duties of Senate faculty members, and the Distinguished Teaching Award program is designed to encourage and reward excellence in teaching. Established in 1981, the program also acknowledges the efforts of Senate faculty members who have successfully united the roles of teaching and research.

Any member of the Academic Senate and non-Senate faculty who has taught a minimum of three academic quarters in residence is eligible for nomination.

Distinguished Teaching Awards include a cash award and a framed certificate.