One is a former Auggie infielder turned coach and educator. Another empowers undocumented students and spends her Saturdays offering one-on-one financial counseling to Latino families. And yet another advocates for inclusion and mentors LGBTQIA students.<\/p>\n
Their passions and purposes may differ, but these are among the faculty and staff lifted up at year\u2019s end as champions of the qualities and commitments Augsburg collectively embraces: a focus on deep and transformative learning experiences, the pursuit of meaning through the rigor and discipline of scholarship and creative work, and service within our communities to advance a more sustainable, inclusive world.<\/p>\n
Two faculty and one staff member were honored with the 2016 Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning Award, given to individuals or groups that have made exemplary contributions to creating an engaging academic learning environment through teaching, scholarship, or service. Six staff members received the Outstanding Staff Award, and the university celebrated 18 faculty and staff members who completed the Diversity and Inclusion Certificate, an 18-credit program to increase intercultural competence in and out of the classroom.<\/p>\n
All full-time faculty and staff who have been employed at the college for at least three years are eligible for one of three Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning awards given each year. “Selecting winners from dozens of nominees is a tough task,” said Karen Kaivola, provost and chief academic officer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are so many faculty and staff who, given their deep dedication to the college and its mission, would be worthy of the honor the awards bestow,\u201d said Kaivola, who approves juried award recommendations submitted by a cross-campus committee. \u201cThose selected are recognized for their unique and distinctive contributions, and these awards matter because they name and honor superior dedication, work, and service to Augsburg students.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe Underhill, assistant professor of political science, received the Distinguished Contributions to Teaching award for his drive to \u201cpush the pedagogical envelope\u201d through his work with the Model UN, International Relations program, and several study abroad and experiential trips. His most recent commitment to place-based learning: The River Semester<\/a>, a three-month educational journey down the length of the Mississippi River. Powered by canoes, more than a dozen Augsburg students engaged in research, classes, and field trips that integrated the sciences, art, and humanities.<\/p>\n The Distinguished Contributions to Scholarship Award was given to history Professor Michael Lansing, who has established a \u201cstrong record\u201d of publicly engaged scholarship and research. His latest book, Insurgent Democracy: The Nonpartisan League in North American Politics<\/a>, has captured the interest of academics, amateur historians, and the general public by drawing parallels between the progressive movement and today\u2019s political climate.<\/p>\n Dulce Monterrubio, director of Latin@ Student Services, was recognized for her Distinguished Contributions to Service. Nominees spoke of her thoughtful and holistic support of Latino students through passionate advocacy, caring mentorship, and comprehensive efforts to educate and empower individuals to achieve their full potential. Her particular focus on nurturing undocumented students has elevated Augsburg as a leader in inclusion and education for this often voiceless population.<\/p>\n The awards were announced in April at the Honors Convocation and at the Faculty Recognition Luncheon.\u00a0As the Excellence in Teaching Award recipient, Underhill will speak this fall at Opening Convocation, where the campus community welcomes incoming students. The Center for Teaching and Learning<\/a> website lists recipients since 2004 and explains more about the criteria and nomination process.<\/p>\n At the close of the academic year, Augsburg also pauses to honor six staff members who exemplify the college\u2019s mission statement through their exemplary work and service. Knowing one\u2019s work is appreciated is important, said Jim Matthias, staff senate chair, and these awards highlight the innovation, dedication, and passion of staff contributions.<\/p>\n From 18 nominees, the staff senate settled on six winners. The awards, Mathias said, do not fall along division lines, but a good representation from across campus is the goal. Because the pool of nominees is so impressive, senate has begun highlighting all nominees during the Staff Appreciation Event in March, which also recognized staff members for their length of service.<\/p>\n \u201cAward selection is one of the more difficult and exciting processes. On the one hand, it is extremely encouraging to read about the amazing work that Augsburg staff members do, most of which is done on a daily basis. But we must narrow it down to six, which strikes a good balance between recognizing as many staff members as possible without diluting the recognition,\u201d said Mathias, administrative liaison for computing. \u201cThe selection process takes into account many factors, including length of service as well as impact on our mission and strategic plan. This work goes beyond job descriptions, visibility, divisional representation and previous recognition.\u201d<\/p>\n The following staff members were honored for their outstanding service:<\/p>\nOutstanding Staff Awards<\/h2>\n
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