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Award Recipients

President’s Award for Visionary Achievement

President Snyder created the President’s Award for Visionary Achievement in 2008 to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves through exceptional philanthropic service to the university, the world and humanity. Previous honorees include Peter B. Lewis, Iris Wolstein, Milton and Tamar Maltz, Tinkham Veale, Norma Lerner, Jane Baker Nord, the Cleveland Foundation, Ronald B. Richard, William B. La Place, Phillip A. Ranney, and the Fowler family.

2018 President's Award for Visionary Achievement 

Larry Sears and Sally Zlotnick Sears

2017 President’s Award for Visionary Achievement

Mt. Sinai Health Care Foundation

Frank and Dorothy Humel Hovorka Prize

The Frank and Dorothy Humel Hovorka Prize is awarded to an active or emeritus member of the Case Western Reserve University faculty in recognition of exceptional achievements in teaching, research, and scholarly service that have benefited the community, the nation, and the world. 

Learn more about the nomination process for the Frank and Dorothy Humel Hovorka Prize.

2019 HOVORKA PRIZE WINNER

Philip Taylor, PhD, Distinguished University Professor, Perkins Professor of Physics

2018 HOVORKA PRIZE WINNER

Jane W. Kessler, PhD ('GRS 51), Professor Emerita, Department of Psychological Sciences

2017 HOVORKA PRIZE WINNER

Jackson T. Wright Jr. MD, PhD, Professor Emeritus, School of Medicine 

Carl F. Wittke Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

The Carl F. Wittke Award was established in 1971 in honor of Carl Wittke, a former faculty member, dean and vice president of Western Reserve University. The Wittke Award is presented each year to two Case Western Reserve University faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching. Wittke Award recipients are honored at the Undergraduate Studies diploma ceremony. 

Learn more about the nomination process for the 2019 Carl F. Wittke Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.

2019 WITTKE AWARD WINNERS

Harold Connamacher, PhD, Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 

Jenny Hawkins, PhD, Assistant Professor, Economics  
 

2018 WITTKE AWARD WINNERS

Lauren Calandruccio, Associate Professor, Department of Psychological Sciences

Robert Spadoni, Armington Professor, Department of English 


2017 WITTKE AWARD WINNERS

Richard Drushel, Senior Instructor, Department of Biology

David Kazdan, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

J. Bruce Jackson, MD, Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Mentoring

The Jackson Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Mentoring recognizes the positive impact Case Western Reserve University faculty and staff have on the lives of students. It was established by J. Bruce Jackson, Adelbert '52, in honor of Dean Carl F. Wittke, who served as an advisor, mentor and friend to Dr. Jackson when he was an undergraduate student at Western Reserve University.

The Jackson Award celebrates faculty and staff who have guided a student in their academic and career paths; fostered the student's long-term personal development; challenged the student to reflect, explore and grow as an individual; and supported and/or facilitated the student's goals and life choices. Jackson Award recipients are honored at the Undergraduate Studies diploma ceremony.

Learn more about the nomination process for the 2019 Jackson Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Mentoring. 

2019 JACKSON AWARD WINNERS

Monica Gerrek, PhD, Assistant Professor, Bioethics 

Jenny Hawkins, PhD, Assistant Professor, Economics 
 

2018 JACKSON AWARD WINNERS

Drew Adams, Assistant Professor, School of Medicine, Department of Genetics 

Lauren Calandruccio, Associate Professor, Department of Psychological Sciences
 

2017 JACKSON AWARD WINNERS

Jeffrey Garvin, Professor, Physiology and Biophysics

Daniel Pendergast, Senior Director of Operations, Technology Transfer Office

John S. Diekhoff Award for Graduate Teaching and Mentoring

The John S. Diekhoff Award is presented to four full-time faculty members who make exemplary contributions to the education and development of graduate students at Case Western Reserve University. The award was created in honor of John Diekhoff, who served in several capacities during his tenure. From 1956 to 1970, he served as professor of English, chair of the Department of English, dean of Cleveland College, acting dean of the School of Graduate Studies and vice provost of the university.

In 1978, the university created the award to recognize outstanding contributions to the education of graduate students through advising, mentoring and classroom teaching. Initially, the award was presented to two full-time faculty members who serve as outstanding mentors to graduate students, connect them with experts in their discipline, engage them academically and actively promote their professional development. In 2009, the award was expanded to recognize two full-time faculty members who excel in the teaching of graduate students. The award is sponsored by the Graduate Student Senate and School of Graduate Studies. A committee of graduate and professional students reviews the nominations and recommends the winners. Diekhoff Award recipients are honored at the School of Graduate Studies diploma ceremony.

Learn more about the Diekhoff Awards. 

2019 DIEKHOFF AWARD WINNERS 

For excellence in teaching:

For excellence in mentoring:

2018 DIEKHOFF AWARD WINNERS 

For excellence in teaching:

For excellence in mentoring:

2017 DIEKHOFF AWARD WINNERS  

For excellence in teaching:

Erin Benay - Assistant Professor, Department of Art History and Art

Frank Ernst - Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

For excellence in mentoring:

Alex Huang, Associate Professor, School of Medicine 

Catherine Scallen, Associate Professor, Department of Art History and Art