Pacific Lutheran University

December 15, 2006

Faculty, staff and administrators were honored for their service to the university at the annual Christmas Luncheon last week.

Terry Bennett, Eva Frey Johnson, Nancy Shonk and Ross Winters received the Distinguished Staff and Administrator Awards, which recognize outstanding service. The four employees were nominated by colleagues, students and faculty, and the final selections were made by the President’s Council.

The university also honored six faculty members for outstanding accomplishments in five areas: teaching, service, research, mentoring and advising. Nominated by their peers, the recipients of this year’s Faculty Excellence Awards were Craig Fryhle, Ann Kelleher, Sid Olufs, Samuel Torvend, Clifford Rowe and Fern Zabriskie.

The university also recognized Leadership Seminar graduates for the 2005-2006 academic year, employees who graduated with bachelor’s or master’s degrees from PLU since last December, and those employees celebrating their anniversary of employment at PLU in increments of five years.

Please read on for short synopses of each award recipients’ citation:

• Terry Bennett joined the School of Nursing in 1990 and is the programming assistant in the Continuing Nursing Education program. She was recognized for her calm and unfailing willingness to help.
• Since returning to her alma mater in 2000, Eva Frey Johnson has served tirelessly on numerous committees. As the director of Student Involvement and Leadership and the Diversity Center, she has had great success in building partnerships on behalf of PLU with community partners, and on behalf of SIL with campus organizations and departments.
• As the administrative assistant for the departments of mathematics and computer science and computer engineering, Nancy Shonk was applauded for her calm and the efficient way she tackles challenges. Shonk joined the university in 2001, and her colleagues describe her as the glue that holds the departments together.
• In his role as the university plumber, Ross Winters has been instrumental in helping the university save money and resources, and in educating students and community members, since he joined the staff in 1983. Winters works with a diverse group of people across campus, all of whom expressed their gratitude for his problem-solving skills and professional demeanor.
• Craig Fryhle, professor of chemistry, was recognized with the Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching for his inspiring teaching and pedagogical innovations in organic chemistry. He is recognized as a master teacher who brings high expectations to the classroom, and he led the natural sciences division in the use of online discussion groups, eCourse and quick response clickers.
• Political science professor Ann Kelleher received the Faculty Excellence Award in Service for her constant support of the university, including strengthening the social sciences division during her tenure as dean and serving on numerous faculty committees. During her 26 years at PLU, she has distinguished herself as a visionary leader in international education and as an effective administrator.
• The K.T. Tang Faculty Excellence Award in Research went to Sid Olufs, professor of political science, and Samuel Torvend, assistant professor of religion. Olufs is the author or co-author of five books. He joined PLU in 1982, and the award recognizes his consistent record of scholarly production that contributes directly to his teaching and the benefit of his students. Since his tenure-track appointment in the fall of 2000, Torvend has established himself as one of PLU’s most talented faculty members. He received the award for scholarship of exceptional quality that directly addresses the university’s mission and makes explicit the power of its theological roots.
• Communication professor Clifford Rowe was recognized for his unfailing skill in mentoring students, graduates and colleagues with the Faculty Excellence Award in Mentoring. A journalist of impeccable ethical integrity and deep compassion, Rowe’s former students aspire to emulate his standards.
• Assistant business professor Fern Zabriskie is committed to student learning inside and outside of the classroom, and she excels at guiding students to find their own paths. She was honored with the Faculty Excellence Award in Advising for being an effective academic advisor and her willingness to extend herself on behalf of her students.