41st Annual Recognition Awards - College of Education

The 41st Annual Recognition Awards recognized the achievements of students, faculty, alumni and friends who have made outstanding contributions to the MU College of Education and to the field of education and related fields. The awards ceremony was held April 18, 2009 at the Reynolds Alumni Center. Learn more about our 18 recipients below:

Friend of the College Award

Harold and Joanne Hook
Presented by Interim Dean Rose Porter

The College's highest honor, the Friend of the College Award, is awarded to individuals or organizations that have demonstrated evidence of outstanding contributions and support for the field of education or the MU College of Education. Harold Hook, BS BA '53, M Acc '54, is a recognized leader in innovative management techniques. His wife, Joanne, earned her bachelor's degree in education at MU in 1955.

Education Alumni Organization Awards (6 Honorees)

Alice Kuehn
Outstanding Achievement Award

Awarded to a graduate of the MU College of Education who has made an outstanding contribution to a profession other than education. Alice Kuehn, BSN, (1965) Catholic University of America; MSN, (1966 University of California - San Francisco); Ph.D. 1989 (MU). Biographical Information

Jim Leavitt
Outstanding Achievement Award

Awarded to a graduate of the MU College of Education who has made an outstanding contribution to a profession other than education. Jim Leavitt, BSE, 1978; ME, 1980 (MU). Biographical Information

K. Blake Danuser
Citation of Merit for Outstanding Achievement and Meritorious Service

Awarded to a graduate, faculty or staff member of the MU College of Education who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and meritorious service to professions served by education. K. Blake Danuser, BA 1969; ME, 1975; PhD 1978 (MU) Biographical Information

Madge Fisher Harrah
Citation of Merit for Outstanding Achievement and Meritorious Service

Awarded to a graduate, faculty or staff member of the MU College of Education who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and meritorious service to professions served by education. Madge Harrah, BSE 1953 (MU) Biographical Information

Frank D. Sachs
Citation of Merit for Outstanding Achievement and Meritorious Service

Awarded to a graduate, faculty or staff member of the MU College of Education who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and meritorious service to professions served by education. Frank D. Sachs, BSE 1973 (MU); MS (Central Missouri State University) Biographical Information

Wendy Sims
Honorary Alumni Award

Awarded to non-graduate of the MU College of Education who has made recognized contributions to the professional concerns, goals and objectives of the College or to the advancement of the quality of education at the state or national level. Wendy Sims, BME, 1978; MM, 1981 Kent State University; Ph.D., 1985 Florida State University. Biographical Information

Undergraduate Student Council Awards (3 Honorees)

Jenna Krueger
Undergraduate Student of the Year

Awarded to a junior or senior student in the MU College of Education who has demonstrated leadership and involvement in the College and in the field of education. Jenna Krueger is a senior Elementary Education major from St. Louis, Mo.

Eryca Neville
Undergraduate Instructor of the Year

Awarded to an instructor who has brought positive contributions to the experience of undergraduate students in the MU College of Education through exemplary classroom instruction. Eryca Neville is an assistant professor in the Teacher Development Program.

Michelle Bollinger
Staff Member of the Year

Awarded to a dedicated staff member who has made significant contributions to advance the mission of the MU College of Education. Michelle Bollinger serves as the coordinator of Career Services.

Graduate Student Advisory Council Awards (5 Honorees)

Melissa McNaught
Graduate Student Scholar of the Year

Awarded to a graduate student who best represents scholarship, including independent and collaborative research and dissemination activities, within their discipline and the MU College of Education. Melissa McNaught, mathematics education doctoral student. Nominated by the Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum Graduate Student Association.

Kelley Buchheister
Graduate Student Instructor of the Year

Awarded to a graduate student instructor who best represents exemplary classroom instruction within their discipline and the MU College of Education This year's award is shared by Kelley Buchheister, mathematics education doctoral student, and Christiana Kumalasari, doctoral student in information science and learning technologies.

Christiana Kumalasari
Graduate Student Instructor of the Year

Awarded to a graduate student instructor who best represents exemplary classroom instruction within their discipline and the MU College of Education This year's award is shared by Kelley Buchheister, mathematics education doctoral student, and Christiana Kumalasari, doctoral student in information science and learning technologies.

Melissa Stormont
Graduate Instructor of the Year

Awarded to an instructor who has brought positive contributions to the experience of undergraduate students in the MU College of Education through exemplary classroom instruction. Melissa Stormont is an associate professor in the Department of Special Education.

Linda Esser
Graduate Advisor/Mentor of the Year

Awarded to an instructor who has brought positive contributions to the experience of graduate students in the MU College of Education through service as an advisor and mentor. Linda Esser is an associate teaching professor in the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies.

Jennie Anne Schultz Staff Award

Jason Goran
Presented by the Interim Dean of Education, Rose Porter

This award was established in memory of Jennie Schultz, former Administrative Associate I in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology (now ES&CP). The award recognizes a staff member who best reflects honor upon Jennie's exemplary level of dedication, compassion, and reliability at the University of Missouri's College of Education. Jennie's legacy of excellence and caring about the success of the College of Education will be long remembered. Jason Goran serves as the coordinator of Learning and Performance Support for the College.

Excellence in Educational Leadership Award

Tom Bastean
Presented by the University Council for Educational Administration

This is an annual recognition for practicing school administrators who have made significant contributions to the improvement of administrator preparation. The MU Department of Education Leadership and Policy Analysis is proud to present this award to Tom Bastean. Assistant Superintendent of the Missouri School for the Deaf.