Seventeen faculty and staff members were awarded Tuesday for their willingness to go above and beyond what is required in the classroom.

“We believe all of you are like starfish; you have the ability to give a piece of yourself, your compassion, your understanding to students for their benefit,” Laura Lansinger, member of Ability Unlimited said. “Not everyone is given a starfish, this is exactly what this reception is about. We would like to accredit you, cherish you and honor you for the unique faculty that you are.”

Student Accessibility Services and Ability Unlimited hosted the annual awards ceremony. Ability Unlimited is a student organization that is focused on promoting awareness that everyone on campus has the ability to contribute to the campus. Office of the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs also contributed its time and resources to this event.

Faculty and staff were nominated by their students through letters they wrote to the selection committee. Students wrote why they felt their teacher should be nominated.

“I nominated Michele Wollenzier because she actually cares about her students and makes it easier to learn,” said Marvin Patten, sophomore public health major. “She has a true passion for her job and she has a big heart.”

Wollenzier, English professor, said she was touched.

“It means a lot for a student to take the time to write something up and nominate me,” Wollenzier said.

Art teacher Linda Hoeptner Poling was also honored at the ceremony.

“I am overwhelmed, honored and humbled,” she said. “We are all here for the students.”

Contact Jessica Costello at [email protected]