May 13, 1998 Contact Pauline Austin (541) 346-3129 EUGENE--University of Oregon professor Richard Koch circles around the classroom to demonstrate how a particle moves through an electromagnetic energy field, punctuating the presentation with some unusual sound effects designed to clear up ambiguities. Nothing unusual here--just another day in the classroom for Koch, a professor of mathematics, who teaches UO students the vagaries of variable calculus. Koch is one of two 1998 winners of the Thomas H. Herman Faculty Achievement Award for Distinguished Teaching. Koch won the award for the clarity of his teaching style and for the enthusiastic way he advises students. Luis Verano, UO senior instructor of Romance languages, also won the coveted award which honors senior faculty for outstanding teaching service. Verano won the award both for the passion he brings to the classroom and for the dedication he has shown during the last seven years as director of undergraduate studies in Romance languages. Leon Johnson, UO assistant professor of fine and applied arts, won the 1998 Ersted Award for Distinguished Teaching, which honors faculty members early in their careers. Students consistently praise Johnson for the discipline and high standards he brings to the classroom. Laura Alpert, head of the UO Department of Fine and Applied Arts, describes Johnson as "an extraordinary teacher" whose work in visual design has won national recognition. UO President Dave Frohnmayer dropped in on all three professors unannounced Wednesday, May 13, to hand deliver the crystal apples that symbolize the teaching excellence awards. Koch, Verano and Johnson also will receive $2,000 salary increases. "I'm pleased and delighted to be able to demonstrate how important great teaching is at a great university," says Frohnmayer. "We value excellent teaching here and we reward it." The Ersted Award for Distinguished Teaching, established in 1957, encourages and rewards exceptional teachers early in their careers. The late A. J. Ersted created a trust fund to pay for the salary increases. The Thomas F. Herman Award for Distinguished Teaching honors senior faculty members who have achieved outstanding records as teachers. A faculty-student committee made the recommendations for both awards. Koch, Verano and Johnson also will be honored at spring commencement ceremonies, to be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, at Hayward Field, 1580 E. 15th Ave. -30- #G-6107/Local,OrDailies,PDX,Higher Education