Individual and team winners selected for 2002 Howe awards
(June 13, 2002)--UTSA President Ricardo Romo yesterday (June 12) presented the 2002 Richard S. Howe Excellence in Service to Undergraduate Students awards to biology professor Aaron Cassill and team members of the Honors Program including Ann Eisenberg, Judi Edelman, Stephanie Drenner, Angela Varoff, Erineo Granado and Cynthia Tarrillion.
"Whether one is a faculty member, physical plant employee or president of UTSA, we are here for one reason -- to help our students learn and become successful members of our community," said Romo. "I understand from the committee this was a difficult decision to make as they deliberated over the numerous nominations from the UTSA community. I am not surprised by that fact, as UTSA is filled with individuals and groups who give 110 percent or more to help students succeed."
Established three years ago through a gift to the university by Mrs. Walter W. McAllister Jr., the awards are named in honor of longtime engineering professor Richard Howe and recognize extraordinary faculty or staff contributions to the education and academic experience of UTSA's undergraduate students.
Cassill said, "I think that UTSA should be especially grateful to Mrs. McAllister for establishing this award. As we move toward improving our research and graduate programs, it is important to keep ourselves focused on serving the many needs of our undergraduate students and the community which hopes for so much from its only four-year public university."
"This is the most personally meaningful award I have received in my career," he added. "But at the same time, I know that I would not have been able to do what I have done for the students without the energy and enthusiasm of many other people at this campus -- especially Rosalie Ambrosino, vice president of student affairs -- who are creating an atmosphere of service and change to help our students."
Individual award nominees:
Felix D. Almaraz, professor of history
Daniel Ayala, student development specialist in the Tomas Rivera Center for
Student Success
Shirley M. Banez, coordinator in student financial aid (scholarships)
Sally C. Bench, academic adviser in the College of Engineering
Stuart J. Birnbaum, associate professor in earth and environmental science
Lisa Blancas-Olivares, coordinator in student financial aid (scholarships)
Lisa G. Blazer, assistant vice president for student financial aid
Aaron J. Cassill, associate professor in biology
Celita V. De Armond, reference librarian
Miguel D. De Oliver, associate professor in political science and geology
Glenn B. Dietrich, chair of information systems
Bridget A. Drinka, associate professor in English, classics and philosophy
Leticia E. Duncan, associate director of operations for the Tomas Rivera Center
for Student Success
Judi Edelman, academic adviser for the Honors College
Ann R. Eisenberg, associate dean of the Honors College
Linda M. Felan, administrative assistant in biology
Richard A. Gambitta, director of the Institute for Law and Public Affairs
Gregoria A. Garcia, administrative assistant in academic advising
Virginia L. Garcia, administrative assistant in disability services
Rebecca P. Garza, PC specialist in the Tomas Rivera Center for Student Success
Beate Gersch, lecturer in communications
Robert P. Gonzales, administrative assistant in bicultural- bilingual studies
Sara M. Gonzales, student coordinator in student activities (student leadership
and cultural programs)
Amir Karimi, chair of mechanical engineering
Elnora Kennedy, development assistant in development office
Robert C. Kolar, university police officer
Barbara A. Lawrence, assistant director of education and technology for the
Institute of Texan Cultures
Tracy J. Lopez, program coordinator for learning communities
Michael J. Maltrud, lecturer in computer science
Azucena Martinez, library assistant
Maxie A. McAlpin, administrative secretary in music
Roxi L. McCloskey, senior lecturer in art and art history
Tricia M. McElligott, academic adviser in the Tomas Rivera Center for Student
Success
Stephanie S. Miller, program coordinator in alumni programs
Elli M. Mitchell, student development specialist in enrollment services center
Judy Moreno, administrative assistant in registrar's office
Parimal Patel, professor of electrical and computer engineering
Joleen M. Reynolds, coordinator in testing programs
Jan A. Schwarz, administrative assistant in the College of Sciences
David M. Senseman, associate professor in biology
Cindy M. Solis, events manager in music
Betty S. Travis, professor of mathematics
Brandon J. Van Delden, teaching assistant in mathematics
Cindy Solis, events manager in music
Naomy Ybarra, administrative assistant in music
Team award nominees:
Advising administration for college advising centers
Alumni programs
BANNER implementation team
College of Engineering advising office
Institute of Texan Cultures education and technology initiative
Engineering Advising Center
Enrollment Services Center
Honors Program
International Trade Center, Institute for Economic Development
President's office
Tomas Rivera Center for Student Success
University police
University publications
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