May 2006 • The monthly newsletter for UWT faculty and staff

Distinguished Teaching Award: Cheryl Greengrove

Cheryl Greengrove (IAS) has a lively personality and deep devotion to science that make her an exciting, informative teacher. As a physical oceanographer, Greengrove delights in sharing her love of the ocean with others. Greengrove immerses her students in the study of science, taking them aboard research vessels in Puget Sound to analyze water, plankton and sediments. Nominators said her tireless energy and passion for her work inspires students to do their best.

Distinguished Researcher Award: Marcy Stein

Marcy Stein (Education) has made a name for herself nationally as a researcher in the education of low-performing children. While her research spans many aspects of education, recently she has focused on developing a reliable method for evaluating commercial reading and math curricula, an invaluable tool for teachers trying to make the best choices for their students. In addition, Stein has conducted research in math and writing instruction and worked on managing behavior problems in the classroom. Colleagues say her research has direct impact on children who are too often neglected and that she represents a model for scholars who want to contribute to the intellectual climate of the UWT campus while making a difference in the world.

Distinguished Service Award: Bob Hardie

Bob Hardie (Student Life) is known across campus for his enthusiasm, energy and hard work. Some students, grateful for Hardie’s dedication to students, call him “Mr. Fabulous.” He works hard to empower students, nominators said, and has helped develop strong student organizations and great leaders. One nominator said Hardie is the most important individual for an involved student to know. Students and staff alike said Hardie emphasizes customer service, leads by example and always puts the needs of students first.

Distinguished Service Award: Laurie McKay

Laurie McKay (Nursing) is known as an invaluable asset to the Nursing team. Nominators noted her flawless handling of complex situations and ability to handle work smoothly. One nominator said she is “unfailingly gracious and graceful” and performs her job with confidence, patience and organization. Considered by her co-workers to be a problem-solver, McKay works hard to support and inspire everyone she works with. She truly cares about the students, staff and faculty she sees every day.

Community Founders Award: Booth Gardner

A special friend of UW Tacoma, Booth Gardner served as Washington state’s seventeenth governor from 1985 to 1993. As governor, he signed the legislation establishing UWT and continued to support the campus during its first few years. Gardner, a 1958 graduate of UW, also served as the first elected Pierce County Executive and spent one term in the State Senate. In addition to his government service, he has served as president of the Laird Norton Company and has been a director of the School of Business at the University of Puget Sound.

Distinguished Alumni Award: Allison Drago

One of the first graduates of UWT's Educational Administration program, Allison Drago '02 has demonstrated commitment and character as an educational administrator. An exemplary representative of UW Tacoma, Drago, principal of Sunset Elementary in University Place since 2002, is dedicated to helping students who are at risk of failing in school. She has established herself as a highly effective educational leader and earned the affection and respect of her colleagues, supervisors and students for her deep knowledge of instruction and character-centered leadership.

Rod Hagenbuch Award: Catherine Crook

Environmental Science student Catherine Crook is a perfect example of how students can have a positive impact on UWT. President of the group Project Earth, she spearheaded a plan to improve UWT's recycling program and won $17,000 from the Student Activities Fees Committee to have more recycling bins placed on the UWT campus. In addition, she has been instrumental in keeping Project Earth active in the community. Among faculty and staff, she is known as a "go-to" student who is always willing to help out.