Top, from left: Timothy Aurand, Rebecca Hannagan.
Bottom, from left: Betty La France and Tim Pierce.
Every college student dreams of one day donning a cap and gown. It’s a moment of pride – a sign of perseverance and strength.
But long before these students flip their tassels, each encounters a teacher or an instructor who motivates them to think, to learn, and most importantly, to succeed.
This month, during Celebrating Excellence, four of NIU’s finest educators – Timothy Aurand, Rebecca Hannagan, Betty La France and Timothy Pierce – will be recognized for their efforts in providing students with an exceptional learning experience.
Aurand (Department of Marketing), Hannagan (Department of Political Science) and La France (Department of Communication) are honored with the Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award for their contributions in and out of the classroom.
Pierce (Department of Communication) is awarded with the Excellence in Undergraduate Instruction Award.
“Learning to me is a fun experience – and shouldn’t it be? Shouldn’t college be fun?” Aurand said. “If I enjoy what I’m doing up there, it’s more likely the students will enjoy coming to class each day. And I enjoy what I do.”
Initiated in 1966, the awards honor excellent undergraduate teaching at the university, encourage improvement of instruction and promote discussion among members of the university community on the subject of teaching.
Nominees must be full-time faculty whose major responsibility is teaching and must have worked at least five full academic years at NIU.
The Faculty Awards Reception is planned from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, April 22, in the Altgeld Auditorium. The ceremony honoring each of the following will begin at 4 p.m.:
This event is part of Celebrating Excellence at NIU, scheduled from Sunday, April 14, through Sunday, April 28. Celebrating Excellence highlights the accomplishments and contributions of NIU students, faculty, staff and alumni to the university’s mission of promoting excellence and engagement in teaching and learning, research and scholarship, creativity and artistry, and outreach and service during the academic year.
