The University Council’s Special Achievement Awards Committee recently announced recipients of their Special Achievement Awards. Recipients are chosen from nominations by the campus community based on their extraordinary contributions. The University Council is the representative and legislative body of the University that deliberates and makes recommendations to the President on matters such as strategic planning, university policy, and other matters that pertain to the strategic direction, and operations of the University.
Three individuals in the College of Engineering received Special Achievement Awards from the Council — Dr. Christopher Daniels, Dr. Daniel Raible, and Heidi Cressman.
Christopher Daniels
2019-20 Outstanding Teacher Award
Dr. Christopher Daniels, associate professor of practice, mechanical engineering
"Dr. Daniels is an outstanding teacher and faculty member at UA," says Dr. Sergio Felicelli, Chair, Mechanical Engineering Department. "Students consistently praise him highly as one of the best instructors they have had in their engineering program. He manages to achieve this outstanding teaching performance while simultaneously conducting a highly successful research program in which he has brought over $10M in research funds to the department since his appointment.”
Daniel Raible
2019-20 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member Award
Dr. Daniel Raible, adjunct professor, mechanical and aerospace systems engineering
“Year after year, Dr. Raible’s student evaluations are among the highest in the department and his courses frequently draw unsolicited letters of recognition from his students,” says Felicelli. "Students not only love his teaching style – but they are also highly engaged with the course material thanks to the real-world experience he brings into his lectures."
Heidi Cressman
2019-20 Exemplary Service Award Contract Professional Category
Heidi Cressman, director of diversity and inclusion, engineering
“Heidi is a student-centered educator and she sets up a high standard serving our students and the greater Akron community,” says Dr. Julie Zhao, Assistant Dean, Recruiting, Retention, and Marketing. “Colleagues in our office enjoy her positive outlook of UA, admire her work ethic, and love her sense of humor.”
Through their teaching, research and service, and through their commitment to the student experience, diversity and community relationship building, these individuals have made a difference to our students and our campus community. Their achievements will be honored in the near future, to be announced.