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2002-2003 AWARD RECIPIENTS
Kevin Sullivan
Kevin Sullivan, a twelve-year veteran Counselor and Learning Specialist in the Office for Special Programs, has been teaching FYE classes since the inception of the program in the Fall 1996. Kevin has focused a great deal of his work with students on William Glasser’s “Choice Theory,” and he developed a first-year seminar centered around this, a class which is extremely popular with students. Kevin has been an integral part of the Honors component of the First Year seminars. He has developed a leadership and facilitation course for Honors students wishing to support incoming first-year students. This Honors facilitation course has grown to include 50 upper-class honors students. These students are then given the opportunity to assist the incoming honors students with their first semester at UConn. Kevin has not only served as an excellent instructor, he is a popular guest speaker on issues of time management and study skills. He has served as one of our content experts for developing course content focused on improving students learning strategies. Kevin is well known and adored by students at UConn. As his colleague, Trevor Tebbs, Assistant Director of the Honors Program, writes, “I respect and admire him as a colleague for his selfless dedication to the students of this University. He has engaged in the process of teaching young people ways whereby they may get to know themselves, their strengths, and their capacity for learning and productivity. He never underestimates the capabilities of young people.” Of his own work, Kevin writes, “Above all, I am consistently reflecting the student’s capabilities back to them. They can choose to not succeed, be even in that, their power is evident.
Leo Lachut
Leo Lachut, a counselor in Student Support Services for the past five years, graduated from UConn. Leo has taught a University Learning Skills class since 1998. For the past couple of years Leo has volunteered to teach both during the Fall and Spring semesters. Recently, Leo spearheaded the development of FYE classes geared toward the specific concerns first generation college students who enter through our Trio programs. Leo is a skilled counselor who has developed an impressive repertoire of classroom activities to engage students in the timely topics of college life such as dealing with stress, living in a multi-cultural world and awakening the C student. He is not only an excellent FYE instructor, but he is always willing to lend a hand with training other instructors. He is a frequent guest in many of the FYE classes and is proficient with the use of technology and incorporates WebCT into his classes. He is fun and creative at what he does and students respond with overwhelming admiration. Recently, Leo has begun teaching a peer counseling class that has been very successful in incorporating skill development and introducing new students meaningful co-curricular involvement. His students report that Leo loves what he does and he makes class a fun, learning experience. His colleague, Michael Menard writes, “I have witnessed first hand his passion, his wide-ranging knowledge, and uncanny ability to connect with students where they are. It seems there’s nothing he won’t do to make sure that students are engaged in the course – both within and beyond the classroom. Students are regularly endeared and impressed by his commitment to them and this course – as his fortunate co-teacher for the past four years, so am I.”
Lauren Miller
Lauren Miller, an eighth semester senior majoring in Business Management, has been a Undergraduate Teaching Assistant and Mentor for Dick Gorham from the University Center for Instructional Media and Technology since the Fall of 2000. Mr. Gorham describes Lauren as “more than my assistant. She has become my colleague, seamlessly blending her talents and insights with mine as we seek to guide our students and give them the confidence necessary to be successful at UConn. There is nothing ‘fake’ about Lauren's respect and interest in both the academic and social success of the students in our FYE class. She demonstrated her commitment to each student in every class and made herself available to students whenever they sought her assistance.” Of Lauren’s college career, Mr. Gorham writes, “Lauren is a remarkable young woman. She has a 3.6 GPA maintaining Dean's List status in the School of Business throughout her four years at UConn. Simultaneously, she has been involved in all aspects of campus life. She is a role model to others, least of all our first year students.”
Rebecca Maclure
Rebecca Maclure, a sixth semester student double-majoring in Animal Science and Agricultural Education, worked as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant and Mentor for Dr. Steve Zinn, an Associate Professor of Animal Science and one of the Living/Learning Community FYE classes for students in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. In his nomination, Dr. Zinn explains, “Rebecca is a dedicated mentor. She puts the students first and is always willing to go the extra distance to assist first year students. Last summer Rebecca was an Orientation Leader, assisted with the WOW program, and other programs designed for first year students. She was always positive and her participation made this First Year Experience a better class.” As a result of her contributions, outstanding abilities, dedication and leadership, Dr. Zinn has recommended that Rebecca teach her own FYE section next Fall. Rebecca’s academic work in Animal Science is impressive with a 3.5 GPA and she has been asked to work as part of a research team for 2 months in Helsinki Finland this summer. |
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