Purdue signature

March 28, 2013

Learning communities' instructors, resident assistants receive awards

Three instructors and two resident assistants recently received awards from the Student Success at Purdue office in recognition of their outstanding service to and advocacy of the University's learning communities.

Each winner of the annual Learning Community Advocate Awards received a trophy and a letter of recognition from Tim Sands, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, during a luncheon on March 20. Dale Whittaker, vice provost for undergraduate academic affairs, delivered the event's opening remarks.

The winners are:

* Michael Cassidy, continuing lecturer in entrepreneurship and innovation and learning community instructor for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Learning Community, which is interdisciplinary.

* Loring Nies, professor of civil engineering and learning community instructor for the Engineering for the Planet Learning Community in the College of Engineering.

* William Oakes, associate professor of engineering education and learning community instructor for the EPICS Learning Community in the College of Engineering.

* Zachary Claypool, resident assistant in Owen Hall for the Explorers and Exploring Business Majors learning communities in the Undergraduate Studies Program.

* Leigh Anderson, resident assistant in Shreve Hall for the Lyceum learning community in the Honors College.

The Student Success at Purdue office gives the Learning Community Advocate Awards each spring for recognition of recipients' efforts during the previous fall. Students in Purdue's learning communities nominate resident assistants and instructors for the awards. Student Success at Purdue office staff members then determine the winners.

The awards luncheon is attended by learning community instructors, resident assistants and campus partners.