James Crowfoot, a former dean of the School of Natural Resources and Environment and an emeritus professor, today received the University of Michigan's prestigious Golden Apple Award.
The Golden Apple is the only teaching award at the University bestowed by students, through the group SHOUT (Students Honoring Outstanding University Teaching).
Professor Crowfoot is the award's 18th recipient and, like past winners, was selected based on the quantity and quality of student nominations.
"As an emeritus faculty member and emeritus dean who by choice is teaching small interdisciplinary seminars on sustainability to entering undergraduates, I never expected recognition other than the wonderful opportunity of teaching and learning with my seminar's members and being able to share with them the fruits of what I have learned and my continuing learning and commitment to a sustainable future-environmentally, socially and economically," stated Professor Crowfoot. "That these former students of mine of whom I have been very proud would initiate my nomination and support brings tears to my eyes."
"Also, I am deeply moved that SHOUT exists and has for 18 years and does all of the work that you do and receives all of the interest and support from so many other students on our campus," he added. "You make me proud and thankful to be a part of the University of Michigan and the students that it attracts."
Andrew Bronstein, co-chair of SHOUT, said the group's recommendation was unanimous.
"It was more than evident from your nominations that you are one of a kind - a wonderful professor, an outstanding lecturer and a mentor to your students," Bronstein said. "These qualities and more shined through in the glowing nominations we read on your behalf." Professor Crowfoot received nominations from students around the world."
The 18th annual Golden Apple Award will be presented Tuesday, March 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Rackham Auditorium. As part of that ceremony, Professor Crowfoot will deliver an "ideal last lecture." The award ceremony and speech are open to the public.
Professor Crowfoot said he owed much of the recognition "to my teachers, including my students, and to my family and my close colleagues who have sacrificed and supported me in pursuing what is most important to me."
"Also, I am very grateful and proud to be a teacher in the Michigan Community Scholars Program and the Program in the Environment and still connected with the School of Natural Resources and Environment," Professor Crowfoot added.
Rosina M. Bierbaum, professor and current dean of the School of Natural Resources and Environment, said the award was well-deserved.
"He is a man of incredible integrity who has served as a mentor, professor, and scholar of sustainability and environmental justice for more than 3 decades and is still teaching undergraduate interdisciplinary seminars," Dean Bierbaum said. "Jim is a role model to us all."
(A video of Professor Crowfoot receiving the surprise award Tuesday will be posted to the SHOUT web site soon.)
More resources:
Michigan Daily article:
SHOUT: http://web.mac.com/golden.apple.08.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT
The School of Natural Resources and Environment's overarching objective is to contribute to the protection of the earth's resources and the achievement of a sustainable society. Through research, teaching, and outreach, faculty, staff, and students are devoted to generating knowledge and developing policies, techniques and skills to help practitioners manage and conserve natural and environmental resources to meet the full range of human needs on a sustainable basis.
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