Celebrating academic excellence

February may be noted for Ground Hog Day and the Academy Awards, but at Heidelberg, it’s a month to celebrate academic excellence. The celebration culminated in the presentation of three faculty awards and the successful conclusion of the 16th annual Student Research Conference Thursday and Friday.

 

During a dinner Friday night with members of the Board of Trustees, on campus for their winter meeting, three faculty members were honored for their teaching, research and commitment to the humanities. The recipient of the 2009 Ream-Paradiso Distinguished Teaching Award is Dr. David Kimmel, professor of English. In his remarks, Kimmel said he is someone who likes and embraces change. In a time when change is all around – Heidelberg recently transitioned from college to university – there are elements of the liberal arts education he hopes the university retains.

 

Educating the whole student is at the essence of a liberal arts education, Kimmel said. “Liberal arts are not an extra. It’s the core.” Second, he hopes the university will continue to view student life outside the classroom as important but not the No. 1 priority. The university, he said, should continue to put the needs of students first. And finally, the university must continue its commitment to intellectual engagement and collegial respect.

 

Dr. Douglas McConnell, professor of composition and chair of the Music Department, is the winner of the 2009 Distinguished Scholarship/Research Award for Faculty.

 

In his remarks, McConnell said his composing is greatly influenced by students. “I value the relationship between teacher and student,” he said. “The concepts I teach are based on my own interests, but with students in mind.” Most recently, McConnell composed “Elijah and the Raven,” commissioned by Dr. Grant Cook, conductor of the Concert Choir, and based on text written by English professor Dr. Bill Reyer. The Concert Choir performed the piece during its international tour last June.

 

The piece was intentionally difficult to perform. “I raised the bar on purpose,” he said. “It reminded me why I teach and compose – to inform, challenge, inspire and change the lives of students in a positive manner.”

 

Dr. Blake Grangaard, professor of religion, is this year’s recipient of the Jane Frost Kalnow Professorship in the Humanities. On sabbatical this semester, he is involved in helping professor emeritus Dr. David Noss with the upcoming edition of his “History of the World’s Religions,” a standard text in the field. “I’m honored David Noss sees fit to have me help him put out the next edition,” Grangaard said, adding that he’s been doing a lot of reading and writing. “This has been a wonderful opportunity to be a student again. It’s a great privilege.”

 

His sabbatical also has provided time for reflection, and Grangaard has thought at length about the leadership qualities important in people who seek lives of purpose with distinction through the study of liberal arts. “I want our leaders to learn something from literature. I want them to be international people who appreciate art and beauty. I want people who think big thoughts. And I want people to know something about religion and understand it and the power it has to affect societies and individuals.

 

“Hoorah for the humanities,” Grangaard said.

On Thursday, Heidelberg celebrated scholarship and research during “Minds at Work”, a daylong conference during which students from Heidelberg and surrounding colleges and universities presented their research. Nearly 80 students presented their work in the 16th annual event. The students heard from keynote speaker Dr. Chris Marsh of Baylor University, who explained his book, “Atheism’s Aftermath, The Survival and Revival of Religion in Russia and China.”

 

The student research conference was sponsored by the Academic Enhancement Committee. Student coordinators were Autumn Arp and Joe Rourke. Prize money for the best research paper is generously provided by alumni Dr. Ernest and Martha Hammel.

 

Faculty members set the standard for presenting at the annual Faculty Research Symposium earlier this month. Students also participated in a chess tournament and Academic Jeopardy.

 

 

Henry G. Rennie

Kenneth A. Krieger

Jan Younger

David G. Hogan

David Bush

Susan Carty

Wallace E. Dixon Jr.

Brian E. Bevelander

G. Michael Pratt

David B. Baker

 

David P. Kimmel

John H. Bing

Vicki J. Ohl

Bonnie D. Fors

William R. Reyer

Jan Younger

H. Robert Berg

Ruth M. Wahlstrom

 

John E. Owen

Ruth M. Wahlstrom

Amy C. Berger

Cynthia J. Lepeley

Henry G. Rennie

Richard W. Cordell

Kathryn Bradie

William R. Reyer

Catherine E. Thiedt

Wallace E. Dixon Jr.

Jeannine R. Studer

Robert C. Murray

Diane P. Armstrong

 

 

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