Ten faculty, students, staff to be honored at Commencement

BY JIA-RUI CHONG

Ten faculty, students and staff will be honored at Commencement for their teaching and other contributions to the university with this year's Dinkelspiel, Gores and Cuthbertson awards.

Dinkelspiel Awards

The Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Awards, named after the president of the Board of Trustees who served from 1953 to 1958, are given annually for distinctive contributions to undergraduate education. The 2002 winners are David Abernethy, professor of political science;Julie Kennedy, senior lecturer and associate director of the Earth Systems Program; and students Sohini Ramachandran, a senior majoring in mathematical and computational sciences, and Ashwini Sagar, a senior majoring in psychology and feminist studies.

Abernethy, who has served as a mentor to undergraduates for 25 years, won praise for his exceptional service to undergraduates. The award citation commended his "patient and thoughtful teaching, intellectual rigor and respectful listening, which encouraged countless honors students," as well as his inspirational guidance to young scholars in African and African American studies.

Kennedy was recognized for her critical role in the success of the Earth Systems Program. Called "an outstanding example of service to students as their teacher, adviser and friend" in the citation, Kennedy has served as an academic adviser in the Earth Systems Program and adviser to first years and sophomores through the Undergraduate Advising Center who is notable for her enthusiasm, energy, open mind and compassion.

Ramachandran, who served as head orientation coordinator for the 2001 New Student Orientation, head sophomore assistant for Sophomore College and coordinator for Admit Weekend, received kudos for exemplary student leadership and grace under pressure. Ramachandran's citation praised her intellectual rigor as well as "her personal integrity, maturity and positive attitude that make it a privilege to know her."

Sagar established the American Red Cross of Stanford and made Stanford the first university to implement a Tissue Awareness Program. The award commended Sagar "for using her keen scientific mind, boundless energy and her passion for women's health to make a difference in others' lives" and cited her specific contributions to spreading awareness of eating disorders.

Gores Awards

This year's winners of the Walter J. Gores Awards, the university's highest teaching honor, are Nancy Kollman, professor of history; Stanley Schrier, professor emeritus of medicine; R. Lanier Anderson, assistant professor of philosophy; and teaching assistant Marcus Zagorski.

Kollman, who specializes in Russian and East
European history, was commended for delivering insightful lectures, creatively using a variety of media to stimulate discussion and challenging her students to explore questions at a deeper level. The citation noted her dedication and patience as a mentor, "providing generous access, constructive guidance and great kindness [that has made] her one of Stanford's most beloved teachers."

Schrier, a teacher at the School of Medicine for four decades, was recognized as a role model for students, interns, residents, fellows and faculty. He was praised for imparting the highest standards of teaching and clinical care with "insight, approachability, scientific excellence and unbridled enthusiasm for teaching" that has earned the abiding respect of colleagues and generations of physicians.

Anderson was commended for an intellectual generosity, infectious enthusiasm and extraordinary accessibility that make him a standout teacher and adviser. The citation credited his "lucid and engaging teaching that offers students insights into difficult philosophical concepts and makes complex works comprehensible, while providing a model of critical thinking."

Zagorski, a doctoral candidate in music, stood out as a personal example of perseverance in the face of obstacles and as a lively discussion leader. Calling Zagorski a man of great integrity and talent as well as a gifted teacher, the award recognized "his reflective and creative teaching that brings out the best in students and makes them want to learn."

Cuthbertson Award

The Kenneth M. Cuthbertson Award, named after the first recipient of the honor, recognizes exceptional contributions to the university. This year's awards went to Carole Buffum, executive director of finance and administration at the School of Medicine, and Dick Gould, John L. Hinds director of men's tennis.

Buffum was cited for bringing an extraordinary mix of creativity, rationality, calmness and intelligence to the most challenging financial and management questions. Balancing loyalty to the academic mission of the School of Medicine with profound concern for her colleagues, Buffum received praise for a "high degree of integrity and forthrightness that is matched only by her depth of knowledge."

Gould, who has coached at Stanford for 36 years, was recognized for his service to athletes as well as the wider community. Instrumental in the construction of the Taube Tennis Stadium, Gould also helped develop the East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring Program. The citation called Gould a "champion of sportsmanship, teamwork and dignity" in his role as coach and mentor.