Alum honored for inspiring students
Simply stated, Chris Monsour, ’99, represents what Heidelberg hopes for in its graduates. Chris, a 1999 graduate who now teaches high school biology, received the 2008 Young Alumni Achievement Award during homecoming festivities Friday night.
Presenting the award, Interim President Jim Troha said Chris' ”motor” is frequently in overdrive. “This guy has some passion. You can see it. You can feel it,” he said.The Award honors Chris for providing for his students a passion for science, the environment and volunteerism. Highly active as a college student, his leadership abilities began to take shape at Heidelberg. He was involved in Sigma Tau Nu and Inter-Fraternity Council, serving as president of both. In the classroom, he was a member of Tri-Beta academic honorary, worked at WHEI and the Kilikilik and was involved in theatre for three years.
But science was his true love. Chris served as a technician for the Water Quality Lab (now the National Center for Water Quality Research) and a teaching assistant for a botany course. For the past decade, he opened the world of science to his Tiffin Columbian High School students, teaching AP and molecular biology, zoology and human anatomy. Since 2002, he has been the department chair for K-12 science for the Tiffin City Schools. He returned to his alma mater to earn both his certification in secondary science and his master’s degree in education. Students at Heidelberg, Miami University of Ohio and Terra Community also have benefited from his teaching.
Chris brings science to his students from such places as Argentina, Namibia, Trinidad and Chile. This year, he taught English in China as part of the Heidelberg-Tianjin Normal University exchange.
Additionally, Chris finds time to devote to community service, serving as the blood drive chairman for the Red Cross, a tutor, and a volunteer for the United Way and the Salvation Army.
Several former professors came to support Chris as he received the award, a testament to what they think about him as a scholar and member of the Heidelberg family. In turn, Chris thanked them for their guidance. “Heidelberg opened doors for me and fostered my love of science and education. This is a great honor,” he said.
Troha added that this is just the beginning for Chris. “We hope he continues to make these contributions in his back yard so we can reap the benefits,” Troha said. “Thank you, Chris, for inspiring students and the community. We look forward with great anticipation to your many achievements yet to come.”
Posted on Oct. 13, 2008