Annual CHaSS Awards Honor Students, Faculty and More
Professor Mark Damen (left) accepts his "Giraffe Award" from CHaSS Dean John C. Allen. The Giraffe Award is given each year to a member of CHaSS faculty or staff who, “sticks his or her neck out” and “tries something risky to better teach, further research, or improve College organization or programs.” Damen is a history professor who this year “flipped” his Latin class to include an online model.
Students, faculty, staff and friends of Utah State University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences all were honored recently at the college’s annual awards ceremony.
“The awards ceremony is one way we collectively recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of all of our community,” said CHaSS Dean John C. Allen.
Along with Dean Allen, Associate Deans Dawn Kirby and Patricia Lambert hosted the event.
Guest of honor during the event was Utah’s first Poet Laureate, David Lee. The Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award nominee offered a reading of some of his critically acclaimed works at a gathering in the Haight Alumni House.
Also recognized during the CHaSS Awards ceremony was the 2015 “Friend of CHaSS” Mona Higbee Richardson.
The Friend of CHaSS honor each year is presented to an individual whose positive influence and support greatly benefit the college.
Born in Cedar City, Utah, Richardson lived for many years in Logan, graduating from Utah State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. She taught school at Logan High and later was hired as USU’s first full-time academic advisor. After nearly 20 years in that position, she retired in 1987.
Richardson’s first husband, Art Higbee, worked for many years as director of radio and television at the university. All three of the couple’s children graduated from USU.
Ten years after Art Higbee passed away in 1997, Mona married Kenneth Richardson, also a graduate of USU. Still devoted to what she calls the “wonderful institution” of Utah State, Richardson said she feels she owes much to the university.
Many students were honored during the ceremony, including students of the year from each CHaSS department. “A-Pins” were awarded to students who achieved a 4.0 grade point average for two consecutive semesters in which they held 15 credit hours.
Faculty awards went to Diane Calloway-Graham, teacher of the year; Evelyn Funda, researcher of the year; Lezlie Branum, lecturer of the year; Rebecca Walton, outstanding undergraduate research mentor; and Crescencio Lopez Gonzalez, faculty advisor of the year. Kaylee Johnson was named outstanding undergraduate researcher. Johnson also was chosen scholar of the year and the 2015 college valedictorian.
Fran Titchener received the Ed Glatfelter Faculty Service Award.
A highlight of the ceremony was presentation of Dean Allen’s Giraffe Award. The annual honor is given to a faculty or staff member who “sticks his or her neck out” and “tries something risky to better teach, further research or improve college organization or programs.”
The 10 nominees this year included Marcus Brasileiro, LPCS; Candi Carter Olson, JCOM; Brian Champagne, JCOM; Susan Cogan, history; Mark Damen, history; Li Guo, LPCS; Jason Gilmore, LPCS; Scott Henrie, SSWA; Jessica Lucero, SSWA; and Lynne McNeill, English.
Damen was named 2015 Giraffe Award winner.
Honored for the innovative way in which he “flipped” his Latin course to embrace an online model that included building web materials, recording lectures, researching new media best practices and more.
“Latin is an extremely labor-intensive course to teach and learn,” said the letter nominating Damen for the award. “He has been absolutely fearless about putting this project together and there is not another Latin classroom like it in the country.
Dean Allen instituted the Giraffe Award and he spoke of the reasons for Damen’s win during the CHaSS Awards ceremony.
“When someone has been successful doing what they do, it is always a great risk to change,” he said. “Mark Damen did just that. He flipped his classroom, utilizing technology to enhance the learning environment.”
Each year’s CHaSS Awards event also includes service appreciation for faculty members who recently have or will retire.
Included in this year’s ceremony were Dr. Leonard Rosenband, professor of history who will retire at the end of the school year after having taught at USU since 1983; Dr. Jeffrey Smitten, former English Department head and came to USU in 1990; Dr Taira Koybaeva who began teaching in the Languages and Philosophy Department in 1993; and Nora Zambreno who came to USU in 1982 as a distance learning coordinator and in 1998 began working as the development and public relations specialist for Utah Public Radio.
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences includes eight departments, English; history; aerospace studies; journalism and communication; languages, philosophy, and communication studies; political science; military science; and sociology, social work and anthropology.
“It is wonderful to honor the individuals who help make CHaSS so special,” said Dean Allen. “I am very proud to represent such an excellent college.”
Related link:
USU College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Mona Higbee Richardson (left) is presented her "Friend of CHaSS" recognition by Dean John C. Allen. Richardson was acknowledged for her association with USU and longtime support of CHaSS.
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