Sylvia Bradshaw
Staff Writer
University of Houston institutions held a joint program Monday at the UH Downtown campus to honor outstanding educators. The 1998 Enron Teaching Excellence Awards were presented for the fifth consecutive year. Award recipients are faculty members who teach at UH system institutions.
"Those who are receiving awards today and those former recipients are the best of the best," said UH Chancellor Arthur K. Smith. "What sets these honorees apart is that they accomplish their miracle with love, passion and a commitment to their respective disciplines, to their profession and to their students."
Mark Papa, president and chief operating officer for Enron, said his company was honored to sponsor this program. "Although we engage in business activities around the world, our headquarters is in Houston. We believe that we can only have a strong community when we have a strong academic environment," said Papa.
"Teaching deserves to be supported, and excellence deserves to be awarded." Receiving awards from the University of Houston were Stephen Barth, associate professor, College of Hotel and Restaurant Management; Karolos Grigoriadis, assistant professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Steve Werpy, assistant professor, Moores School of Music; and Cameron White, assistant professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
The recipients were allowed to speak briefly after receiving their awards. "Everyday students invite us into their lives to inspire them," said Werpy. "I believe that the U.S. is the center of educational excellence for the world and the UH system is one of its brightest stars."
The winners spoke of the joy that teaching brings to their lives. "It's amazing to get an award for something you want to do," said White. Other recipients include Cynthia Howard, associate professor, School of Natural and Applied Sciences, UH-Clear Lake; Elias Deeba, professor, Department of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, UH-Downtown; and David Satava, assistant professor, Division of Business Administration, UH-Victoria. In addition to receiving a plaque, each winner also receives a $3,000 stipend. "It took me 25 years to complete my education," said Satava. "I believe in making sure that the material I teach is fully understood by my students. As educators we must be mindful that as we take the bullet train to the 21st century we have to remember to take our passengers along with us."