May
2005• The monthly newsletter for UWT faculty and staff
Community
Founders Award: Dawn Lucien
Dawn
Lucien, a former member of the UWT Advisory Board, has been a
strong community advocate for UWT since before the campus was
established.
"Dawn
has dedicated many years to our campus, and her support has meant
so much for us," said Carol Van Natta, assistant chancellor
for advancement. "Her contributions to the growth and development
of UW Tacoma have been invaluable."
She
has been a tireless advocate to the state Legislature, working
to connect community interest with the needs of UWT. She led the
community legislative council for more than six years and served
on the committee that helped located the UWT campus.
Distinguished
Teaching Award: Mike Allen
Mike
Allen, a history professor in the Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
program, is known across campus as a lively teacher. Students
find his teaching style and enthusiasm refreshing and say Allen's
classes make history fun and enjoyable. He's also a performer,
occasionally putting on a blue sequined vest and black top hat
to become Mike the Magician, purveyor of tricks that mystify and
delight.
Allen
is the author of a number of books, including volumes about rodeo
cowboys and western American history. In 2004,
he published "A Patriot's History of the United States: From
Columbus' Great Discovery to the War on Terror" with co-author
Larry Schweikart. He is currently working on books about the Confederation
Congress and the Ellensburg Rodeo.
Distinguished
Research Award: John Banks
John
"Buck" Banks, a professor in UWT's environmental science
program, has made a name for himself nationally and internationally
as a researcher in agroecology, an emerging field that has far-reaching
implications for the future of agricultural science and ecology.
His
research focuses on how insects respond to the vegetation in their
habitat, and how careful planting around agricultural areas could
provide a natural way to keep pests away from crops, eliminating
the need for harmful chemical insecticides.
Considered
a world leader in this field, Dr. Banks has broken new ground
by combining ecological science with mathematical and statistical
modeling to determine new methods of agriculture that would have
less impact on the environment and human health. Nominators said
they believe his work is sure to bring visibility to UWT's environmental
science programs and increase opportunities for new collaborations
between faculty and students.
Distinguished
Service Award: Jessica Roshan
Jessica
Roshan started her career at UWT as a student. She graduated in
1999 but never really left, working her way up from hourly employee
to program administrator in the CSS program.
On
the UWT campus, Roshan is known for her hard work, determination
and genuine desire to contribute to the UWT community and beyond.
Staff and faculty at the Institute of Technology say she is well-organized,
team-oriented and friendly. Roshan is co-chair of the UWT Staff
Association and serves on the Professional Development Committee,
helping organize free, on-campus workshops and classes for UWT
staff. She also serves as a mentor for new staff members, who
report that they are impressed with her attitude and drive.
UWT
staff members who have not met Roshan in a professional capacity
will probably remember her as a tireless organizer of charity
projects. For the past two years, she has taken charge of the
annual UWT holiday charity projects, collecting donations of presents
and cash for needy families.
Distinguished
Service Award: Kim Davenport
One of UWT's unsung heroes, Kim Davenport started her UWT career
in the Education program in 1999. Immediately, staff members were
impressed with her pleasant demeanor and advanced technological
skills. Now program coordinator in IAS, Kim is known among staff
and faculty as a dedicated problem-solver.
Always
professional, Davenport is admired for her interactions with students.
She listens to students' issues with empathy, and never leaves
a student without guidance or a solution. She always offers a
friendly smile under pressure, and never hesitates to assist with
admissions, faculty searches and even front desk work when asked.
Staff members consider her reliable, dependable and always willing
to help out. One nominator said Davenport never hesitates to "jump
in with both feet" to complete a project, and usually goes
beyond what's called for.
Davenport
is also an accomplished musician. "Duo Alea," the bass
clarinet and piano partnership she has created with her father,
has released three critically acclaimed CDs and performed around
Puget Sound.
Hagenbuch
Award: April Adams
April
(Bodnar) Adams, a senior in the Milgard School of Business, has
become known across campus as a skilled event planner and tireless
worker for ASUWT.
As
Director of Events and Programming for the student organization,
she was responsible for a number of successful student events,
including the opening of the Student Center in the Mattress Factory
building, Bowling Night, karaoke night and Welcome Back Week.
She also volunteers off campus and has helped organize events
for the Cascade Park assisted living center, developed a Web site
for Cafe Indochine and helped obtain a $10,000 grant for the Vera
Project, a non-profit, all-ages music and dance venue.
The
Rod Hagenbuch Award is presented to the graduating senior who,
through distinguished volunteer service and commitment to UWT,
best exemplifies the University of Washington, Tacoma’s ideal
of service combined with learning. The winner is given $1,000
to donate to the non-religious charity of his or her choice.
Distinguished
Alumni Award: Pat McCarthy
A
1992 graduate of UWT, Pat McCarthy is in the middle of an impressive
political career. Since 2003, she has served as Pierce County
Auditor, heading the departments of Recording, Licensing and Elections.
She previously served as deputy auditor and served 12 years on
the Tacoma School Board. McCarthy worked in the IAS program as
an assistant, administrator and advisor from 1991 to 1998.
"Pat
is a credit to our university," said Karen Reed, director
of Alumni Relations. "It's just so wonderful to see a former
student and staff member working so hard for our community."
