Great teachers are often made, not born. Sometimes they fall into the profession by accident, only to find it is their "true love." Take Chris Diorio, a UW computer science professor who left a California high-tech firm for the classroom, or Biren Nagda, who came to America to become a dentist but ended up inspiring would-be social workers, or Robyn Hunt, who left a career on the stage to train others headed for Broadway and Hollywood.
These three belong to a group of UW teachers honored this month as winners of the UW Distinguished Teaching Award. Panels of faculty, students and alumni reviewed dozens of candidates before selecting the top teachers in Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma. The seven winners will be honored at the UW Recognition Ceremony held June 7 in Meany Theater and at commencement held June 9 in Husky Stadium. Both events are free and open to the public.
While the spotlight is on faculty, the UW will honor TAs, public servants and staff as well. Two teaching assistants are winners of the 2001 Excellence in Teaching Award; three faculty members have won public service awards, and five employees have won Distinguished Staff Awards. What follows is an inside look at faculty teaching plus a review of other award winners. In the September issue of Columns, we will also recognize the President's Medalist and departments that have won the Brotman Excellence in Teaching Award and the Brotman Diversity Award.
 | Chris Diorio |
 | Robyn Hunt |
 | Ronald S. Irving |
 | Andrea Kovalesky |
 | Biren Nagda |
 | Jose Rios |
 | Mary Pat Wenderoth |
Excellence in Teaching Awards
Recognizes outstanding educators who are teaching assistants.
 | John Armstrong |
 | Kathleen Cook |
Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award
Recognizes an outstanding faculty member who advises graduate students.
 | Judith A. Howard |
S. Sterling Munro Public Service Faculty Award
Recognizes a faculty member who encourages community-based instruction.
 | Margaret Levi |
Outstanding Public Service Award
Recognizes a faculty or staff member rendering exceptional public service.
 | Charles N. Mock |
Distinguished Staff Awards
Recognizes outstanding service to the University by its staff.
 | Roxana Augusztiny |
 | Pedro E. Borrayo-Alatorre |
 | David O. Duggins |
 | Sinh Simmons |
 | Susanna J. Westen |