Award Archive

2001-2002 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Dr. Steven Zinn
Dr. Steven Zinn, Associate Professor of Animal Science, has taught a University Learning Skills class as part of the First Year Experience program since 2000. He has been one of the most active University faculty members in the FYE program ever since. In the Department of Animal Science, Dr. Zinn teaches courses in the Growth and Metabolism of Domestic Animals. Dr. Zinn's First Year Experience class this past fall tied into the Northwest Animal Science Theme Community, and his students were involved in a unique living-learning experience that tied living on a residential theme floor with his FYE class. Dr. Zinn's FYE class used a mix of instructor-moderated discussion, guest lecturers, field trips, and WebCT activities, and he actively used his Undergraduate Student Mentor as an integral part of the classroom experience.

Ms. Kathleen Labadorf, Undergraduate Services Library at the Homer Babbidge Library, has also taught a University Learning Skills class as part of the First Year Experience program since 2000. Kathy has not only served as an excellent FYE Instructor since then, but also as an important guest speaker, content expert, and learning resource to most other FYE sections. Kathy lended her library expertise to nearly 50 other sections of FYE this past fall alone. As her colleagues Brinley Franklin and Scott Kennedy explain, "Kathy is our library's leader in promoting information literacy for undergraduate students. She has designed online teaching modules for library staff and students in accodance with the Association of College and Research Libraries' Information Literacy Standards. But beyond all that, she has seemingly endless energy that she channels toward providing services for first year students. Kathy's use of new technologies, her active engagement of all her students, and her extraordinary ability to bring together disparate elements of campus life into a meaningful whole are a joy to experience."

Erica Miller
Erica Miller, an eighth-semester senior majoring in Human Development and Family Studies, has been a mentor in the First Year Experience program since Fall of 1999, working in the classroom with John Szarlan from the Department of Counseling Services. As Mr. Szarlan explains, "four years ago as a student taking my First Year Experience class, Erica demonstrated an enthusiasm for UConn, superior academic ability, and a caring for other students that resulted in a natural leadership style. Since then, as my class mentor, she has thrived. Her contributions have always been insightful and accurate while providing the informed student perspective. With her graduation this May, I have lost a partner who made every class interesting and helpful to students. I will miss her greatly."

Jeffrey Larson
Jeffrey Larson, a seventh-semester senior majoring in Education, has been a mentor in the First Year Experience program since Fall of 2000, working in the classroom with Erin Meacham from the Division of Enrollment Management. Ms. Meacham described Jeff with words such as "dedicated, inspirational, engaging, charismatic, positive, enthusiastic and quick witted." She writes that "Jeff is an excellent role-model as he is very involved in the University community, from intramurals to co-chairing the Husky Midnight Marathon to leadership positions in Greek Life. Through leading by example and showing great enthusiasm, Jeff actively encourages students to find their niche at UConn and to become involved. He contributed 110% effort and helped make our course a success."