2005 Faculty Awards: Scholarship, Student Commitment Now Joined By Service

The awards landscape at the University of Cincinnati gets a new addition this year, with the debut of the Faculty Award for Exemplary Contributions in Service to the University of Cincinnati. The new award allows the Faculty Senate to recognize those faculty who reach out beyond their academic specialties to provide great service to the institution as a whole.

The new award joins the traditional lineup of Rieveschl, Cohen and Barbour awards. The honorees for each of the awards were introduced at the All-University Faculty Meeting on May 10.

Here's a lineup of this year's award winners, with links to individual profiles that tell the story behind the award:

Faculty Award for Exemplary Contributions in Service to the University of Cincinnati

Carl "Bert" Huether, a professor of biology from the McMicken College of Arts & Sciences, and Evelyn Brod, a professor of Spanish at Raymond Walters College, are the inaugural winners of this award. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Brod says that her service to UC has just been a reflection of her love for the university. Huether calls himself a "pathologic administrative type," which has kept him busy with service on Faculty Senate and UC committees for most of his 39 years at the university.

Rieveschl Award for Creative and Scholarly Works

Barbara Ramusack, a professor of history from the McMicken College of Arts & Sciences, wanted to find the kind of field to work in where she could break new ground. She found that in the princes of colonial India, an overlooked constituency in that country's rich history. Ramusack's work on India and the princes has been so thorough that last year she published their history by writing a volume in one of the world's most prestigious history series.

Rieveschl Award for Distinguished Scientific Research

Jeffrey Whitsett, MD, a professor of Pediatrics from the UC College of Medicine, has helped thousands of babies with breathing problems from around the world with his breakthrough research into pulmonary problems.

Cohen Award for Outstanding Contributions and Excellence in Teaching

Michael Romanos, a professor of planning from the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, has found that the excellence of his students not only inspires him, it sometimes "terrorizes" him. Because of his obligation to them, he never takes his field for granted and is constantly working to teach himself and those around him.

Cohen Award for Outstanding Contributions and Excellence in Teaching

Bruce Giffin, course director in Gross Anatomy and Brain and Behavior I and II from the UC College of Medicine, has become a favorite with his students because of his devotion to them as they try to conquer one of the most difficult areas of their medical education.

Barbour Award for Outstanding Service in Student-Faculty Relationships

Howard Tolley, a professor of political science from the McMicken College of Arts & Sciences, has taken his educational efforts beyond the classroom in trying to enhance the collegiate experience for his students.