Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 3, 1993 TAG: 9304030052
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Long
FOUNDERS DAY AWARDS PRESENTED
William Lavery, former president of Virginia Tech, received one of the university's most prestigious awards Friday.Lavery, 12th president of Tech, received the William H. Ruffner Medal, the university's highest award for service, as part of the Founders Day celebration.
In recognizing Lavery's service to the university, the Board of Visitors noted that "William Lavery's vision, dedication and achievement throughout his 24-year career with Virginia Tech . . . led this institution to national and international renown for excellence."
The medal has been awarded periodically in recognition of individuals who have performed exceptional distinguished service on behalf of Tech.
William Ruffner for many years was a member and officer of Tech's first governing board, and also served as chairman of the committee established to plan the organization and curriculum of the fledgling college.
Other awards presented Friday included the President's Award for Excellence, which recognizes selected staff and faculty for outstanding contributions to Tech. The following were honored: Harry C. Dudley, laboratory instrument maker, materials science and engineering; Ernestine S. Gillispie, custodial services, Litton-Reaves Hall; Peggy A. Porterfield, executive secretary, College of Engineering; Elizabeth A. Turpin, custodial services, Whittemore Hall; and Robert R. Wilmouth, agricultural supervisor, Southern Piedmont Agricultural Experiment Station.
\ Outstanding student awards are made each year in recognition of exceptional performance by graduating students from each college in the university. This year's recipients:
Shawna E. Bratton of Warm Springs, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Shannon Massie Dooley of Blacksburg, College of Architecture and Urban Studies; and Sandra L. Philpott of Danville and Lisa Ann Pikalek of Tinley Park, Ill., College of Arts and Sciences.
Outstanding student award for the College of Business went to Victoria P. Clifford of Reston, and for the College of Education, John David Lowman Jr. of Dublin.
The College of Engineering award was presented to Ann Kathleen Carrithers of Parkersburg, W.Va., and the School of Forestry and Wildlife Resources award to Anne E. Seinwill of Washington.
Two other outstanding student awards were given to Xzabier D. Jackson of Dumfries, College of Human Resources, and Martha Elizabeth Smith of Christiansburg, College of Veterinary Medicine.
\ Man and Woman of the Year awards honor seniors who have provided constructive leadership for the advancement of Tech. The 1993 recipients are Kevin Wayne Mottley of Chester, Sandra L. Philpott of Danville and Lisa Ann Pikalek of Tinley Park, Ill.
\ Graduate student awards are presented to two graduate students for their contributions in teaching and service. The Graduate Teaching Assistant Award was presented to Christine J. Hughes of State College, Pa., and the Graduate Student Service Award was given to Shannon L. Namboodri of Christiansburg.
\ Alumni teaching awards go to outstanding teachers selected by the Academy of Teaching Excellence. Recipients this year are Susan G. Magliaro, associate professor of curriculum and instruction; and Hanif D. Sherali, the Charles O. Gordon professor of industrial and systems engineering.
The Alumni Academic Advising Award is presented each year to a faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding advisement for undergraduates. This year's award was received by Michael A. Barnes, professor of dairy science.
The William E. Wine Achievement Awards are given to three faculty members elected by a selection of students, faculty and alumni. Those honored this year are Jeffrey B. Birch, associate professor of statistics; Vittorio A. Bonomo, associate professor of finance; and Marjorie J. T. Norton, department head and associate professor of clothing and textiles.
The Sporn Awards were established to cite an outstanding teacher of introductory subjects and an outstanding teacher of engineering subjects. The Sporn Award for the Teaching of Introductory Subjects went to David Rubinstein, assistant professor of management. The Sporn Award for the Teaching of Engineering Subjects was given to Ronald G. Kander, assistant professor materials science and engineering.
\ Alumni Awards for Excellence in Research and Extension are presented to outstanding members of the research and extension faculties. Research honors were bestowed on James E. McGrath, Ethyl professor of chemistry and director, National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center, high performance polymeric adhesives and composites; and Michael Renardy, professor of mathematics.
Alumni awards for extension excellence were received by Marilyn W. Grizzard, director of the Prince William Cooperative Extension Office; and E. Scott Hagood, professor of plant pathology, physiology and weed science.
Recipients of the Alumni Distinguished Service Awards are recognized for outstanding service and support on the behalf of the university and the association. These awards were presented to Harold N. Hoback, Class of 1953, president of AFH Corp. and senior vice president of Chaney, Thomas, Stephenson and Hill Inc., and Joseph C. Thomas, Class of 1943, president of Thomas Bros. Inc.