In recognition of professors who went "above and beyond the call of duty," SGA and the Office of Residence Life awarded eight professors with the Crystal Apple Teaching Awards in a ceremony Wednesday night in the Winship Ballroom.
Former Student Government Association President Matt Maron said the awards were given to professors who dramatically affected students in a "labor of love."
According to University President William M. Chace, the recipients were honored for their passion and enthusiasm for teaching. He praised the recipients for their commitment to the teaching profession.
Professor of Pathology C. Whitaker Sewell received the Professional Teaching Award because of the effectiveness of his lectures and his sense of humor, according to SGA Vice President Anna Manasco.
Candler Professor of Anthropology Robert Paul and Assistant Professor of French Elissa Marder were awarded the Graduate Teaching Awards.
Professor of Theater Studies John Ammerman, Professor of Chemistry Ronald Johnson and Associate Professor of Middle Eastern Studies Mahmoud Al-Batal also received awards for undergraduate teaching.
College Council Secretary Snehal Desai praised Ammerman for his tremendous effect on students. "He is not only a wonderful actor himself, but is also a great role model and teacher," he said.
Like many students presenting the awards, former SGA Freshman Representative Michael Lee said he was personally moved by a professor. "Dr. Johnson treated me not only like a student, but like a fellow human being," he said.
Al-Batal said he was reluctant to brag about his achievement and feels the award should go to his students. "I'm very fortunate and blessed to have such dedicated students who have bestowed this honor on me today," he said.
Environmental Studies Lecturer John Wegner, received the William H. Fox Award for Emerging Excellence in Teaching and Service. SGA Junior Representative Diesel Hamad praised Wegner's concern for his students.
"Dr. Wegner has been admirably involved in campus politics and academically committed to his students," Hamad said.
Garland Richmond of German Studies received the Laura Jones Hardman Award for Contributions to the Community.
According to Maron, Emory students nominated candidates for the Crystal Apples. "Entire classes have awarded these prestigious awards tonight," he said.
Director of Residence Life Brit Katz said he expected the Crystal Apples to be lifetime symbols of teaching excellence.
"I hope you recipients will always enjoy the apples shining in the sunlight on your desks and credenzas," Katz said.
