In Fall 2015 we received 39 nominations for Appreciation Awards! We are glad so many SSD students had great experiences with faculty and staff this semester and took the time to send in their nominations. The full list of nominees is available in PDF form at the following link Appreciation Award List Fall 2015. The full list of past nominees is available on the SSD Appreciation Award page of our website.
Here are some excerpts from students’ nominations:
“Dr. Brownstein clearly cares a great deal about his students well being, and goes out of his way to make sure students questions get answered. He teaches many life lessons that I hope students take with them after the course (like the difference between facts and personal values), and does an outstanding job of teaching science in a practical, relevant way.”
“Dean Hogeda is supportive, informative, and extremely understanding…whenever I meet with Dean Hogeda I don’t feel like a student struggling with disabilities; I feel confident in my belief that I’m a student dealing with life and determined to continue my education. Dean Hogeda’s passion and commitment to his students shines through during every interaction I’ve had with him.”
“Dr. Runggaldier was very easy to approach and always did her best to make a great learning environment for all of her students. She also reached out to me and made sure all was well with my accommodations which I appreciated. I think she deserves to be recognized with this clock because of her commitment to making the class the best it could be for both myself and other students.”
“When I finally registered with the SSD, Professor Cabello de Martinez dedicated herself to making sure I was given the opportunity to excel in her course despite every challenge I faced. Not only the accommodations, but the kindness and understanding she offered were things I never knew I needed to continue on with treatment in the midst of earning my degree. I want to make sure she knows how much her sweetness and encouragement meant to me throughout the semester…How she treats her students, especially those in need, enables them to press on both in learning and life despite any difficulty.”
“Chris has worked extremely hard to ensure students with disabilities at McCombs are treated equitable and constantly makes students with disabilities feel welcomed and empowered. He truly consummates the idea of equality for all and for this he should be recognized. Chris has never displayed frustration or deference to all that he does for me. He has made my first semester memorable and enjoyable.”
“Professor Kathy Fuller-Seeley.. made a point of allowing me access to helpful material to better my experience in her class. She has always met me with a happy and positive attitude that has given me confidence and encouraged me to speak openly with her about my accommodations. Each class she teaches with an incredible passion for her subject and encourages all of her students to further their education outside of class time as well. My semester has been greatly impacted by her insightful teaching and wonderful personality. I greatly appreciate everything she has done for her students and believe her deserving of this appreciation recognition.”
“Dr. Keith Johnston went above and beyond to ensure that I would receive the help that I needed, but more importantly, he reminded me of how much professors really do care about their students and how they want nothing more than for their students to succeed. He gave me hope and motivation that my disability has only made me a stronger person. The drastic improvement that I made in this course was all made possible because of him.”
We are glad to have so many dedicated and supportive faculty and staff members at UT!