EUGENE–The University of Oregon presented three faculty members today (Wednesday, May 19) with awards for excellence in teaching.

Michael Manga, assistant professor of geological sciences, and Erica Bastress-Dukehart, visiting assistant professor of history in the Robert D. Clark Honors College, won the 1999 Ersted Award for Distinguished Teaching.

V. Pat Lombardi, senior instructor and research assistant professor of biology, received the 1999 Thomas H. Herman Faculty Achievement Award for Distinguished Teaching.

UO President Dave Frohnmayer dropped in on classes taught by the professors to hand deliver the crystal apples that symbolize the teaching excellence awards. Manga, Lombardi and Bastress-Dukehart also will receive $2,000 salary increases.

"This year’s honorees are among the most esteemed teachers in their fields," says Frohnmayer. "Part of that stems from the respect they give their students. This dedication to education is one of the many admirable qualities this award recognizes."

Manga was nominated for the Ersted Award because of his extraordinary dedication to teaching.

"Manga is as good a teacher as I have ever seen," says Dana Johnston, head of the UO Department of Geological Sciences.

Bastress-Dukehart, the second Ersted winner, stands out even in the university’s prestigious Honors College, where all the professors are noted for their strong teaching ability. Students describe her as "a true guide, rather than a distant authoritarian–someone who challenges us to think." Discussions during her classes and office hours are lively, sometimes continuing into the next day.

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, first given in 1995, honors senior faculty members who have achieved outstanding records as teachers.

A faculty-student committee made the recommendations for both awards.

Manga, Lombardi and Bastress-Dukehart also will be honored at spring commencement ceremonies at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 12 at Hayward Field, 1580 E. 15th Ave.

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