Students were given the opportunity to honor five outstanding professors who they feel are dedicated to their profession and made a significant impact on their lives during the 2003 Milton Plesur Excellence in Teaching Awards ceremony on Monday afternoon.
The awards, which are sponsored by the Student Association, are student-nominated. The nominations are then reviewed by an SA committee that votes on which instructors will receive awards.
"Often, there are no greater heroes and leaders than teachers," said Les Skolnik, SA student affairs director, who opened the ceremony. "The Milton Plesur Award gives students a voice."
The award is named for Plesur, a member of the UB history department, an author and a scholar who died in 1987. After his death, SA renamed its Excellence in Teaching Awards for Plesur.
Nicole Draper, a senior English major, presented the first award to Kushal Bhardwaj, adjunct professor of African-American studies.
"Professor Bhardwaj - "Prof B"-- is a phenomenal giver of knowledge," said Draper.
Bhardwaj accepted the award and thanked his parents and students for being at the award ceremony.
"If it weren't for my mother, I wouldn't be here today," Bhardwaj said. "I teach with pride and will use this award as inspiration for many years to come."
James Holmes, a professor of economics, received his second Milton Plesur award from Tomasz Wieladek, a senior economics major.
"Dr. Holmes is one of the most caring faculty members," Wieladek said. "He has been a guiding light in many students' lives."
Holmes thanked his students for the award. "I actually feel guilty for getting paid for something I find to be pleasant," he said.
Mark Marino, a graduate student studying mathematics and a teaching assistant in the computer science department, presented the next award to Barbara Sherman, a fellow teaching assistant in the department.
"She personifies what it means to be a teacher," Marino said. "She's very enthusiastic and passionate about teaching. She has the ability to relate to all students."
Sherman said her passion for teaching comes from her involvement in students' lives and her commitment to their education.
"Next to my family, my students are very important in my life," Sherman said. "I strive to inspire my students. Milton Plesur was a phenomenal lecturer, and I am honored to be receiving an award in his name."
Kenneth Takeuchi, a professor of chemistry, received his fourth Milton Plesur award from Lisa Stabel, a freshman chemistry major.
"I have received other awards, but, to be honest, no award means more to me than this one because it comes from the students," Takeuchi said. "Students are my inspiration."
"I will always remember Dr. Takeuchi as a special teacher," Stabel said. "It has been a privilege to have him as a mentor and teacher."
The last award was given to Bernard Weinstein, a professor of physics, by Gloria Almeida, a student from the interdisciplinary degree programs in the social sciences.
"I just want to say thank you from all of your students," Almeida said. "You make our journey here at UB a more memorable experience."
Weinstein accepted the award and discussed his love for teaching and how he tries to relate the course material to life in general.
"I strive to show how what I teach relates to the students," Weinstein said. "This is indeed a great honor."
