KU News Release

KU seniors select five H.O.P.E. finalists, will name winner at Nov. 17 football game

LAWRENCE — The winner of the 2007 H.O.P.E. Award — Honor for an Outstanding Progressive Educator — will be announced in between the first and second quarters of the Nov. 17 University of Kansas vs. Iowa State University football game in Memorial Stadium. Game time is 2:30 p.m.

The H.O.P.E. Award is the only honor given exclusively by students for teaching excellence. Finalists receive a monetary award and recognition on a permanent plaque displayed in the Kansas Union.

The 2007 finalists are:
— Kerry Benson, lecturer in journalism
— David Holmes, professor in psychology
— Mary Klayder, University Honors Lecturer in English
— Craig Martin, professor and chair of ecology and evolutionary biology
— Edward McBride, lecturer in civil, environmental and architectural engineering

Nominations were solicited from the senior class by e-mail. Faculty receiving the most nominations were placed on a ballot that was e-mailed to seniors to narrow the field to a group of finalists. Representatives of the Board of Class Officers and its Senior Advisory Board select the winner through interviews with the finalists.

The Class of 1959 established the award to recognize outstanding teaching and concern for students. With one exception, only one award has been bestowed each year. In 1972, three professors tied and each received a H.O.P.E. Award: the late John Bremner in journalism, Arno Knapper in business and Elizabeth Schultz in English. Two professors have received the award more than once: the late Clark E. Bricker in chemistry received the award four times; and the late Charles “Rick” Snyder in psychology, three times.

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Richard Lariviere will join representatives of the senior class and Board of Class Officers and their adviser, Lori Reesor, in introducing the finalists and presenting the award at the Nov. 17 game. Reesor is associate vice provost for Student Success.

The students joining the award presentation are listed below by hometown, level in school, major, parents’ names, high schools and role in the award presentation.

FORD COUNTY
From Dodge City 67801
Hannah Love, senior in sociology, daughter of Dan and Beth Love; Dodge City Senior High School; Board of Class Officers Senior Advisory Board member.

GEARY COUNTY
From Junction City 66441
Joseph Pinaire, senior in communication studies with minor in leadership studies, son of Richard and Margie Pinaire; Junction City Senior High School; Board of Class Officers Senior Advisory Board member.

HARVEY COUNTY
From Newton 67114
Stephanie Gomez, senior in human biology and Spanish, daughter of Steven and Diana Gomez; Newton High School; senior class treasurer.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Leawood 66209
Erin Gregory, senior in journalism and mass communications (strategic communications emphasis) and psychology, daughter of Lewis and Laura Gregory; Blue Valley North High School; Board of Class Officers Senior Advisory Board member.

From Prairie Village 66208
Ellen Stolle, senior in biochemistry and genetics, biology and Spanish, daughter of Cal and Susan Stolle; Shawnee Mission East High School; senior class secretary.

SEDGWICK COUNTY
From Wichita 67230
Ian Lang, senior in accounting and finance, son of Michael and Barbara Lang; Andover Central High School; Board of Class Officers Senior Advisory Board member.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka 66604
Kathryn Ault, senior in biochemistry and human biology, daughter of Mark and Marilyn Ault; Topeka West High School; Board of Class Officers Senior Advisory Board member.

ILLINOIS
From Joliet 60436
Katie Goron, sophomore in design (metalsmithing/jewelry), daughter of Rick and Mary Johnson; Joliet Catholic Academy; Board of Class Officers Awards chair.

MISSOURI
From Columbia 65203
Anne Vezeau, senior in biology and Spanish, daughter of Shelley Lyle; Columbia Rock Bridge High School; Board of Class Officers Senior Advisory Board member.

From Springfield 65809
Whitney Gallagher, senior in clinical psychology, daughter of Rick and Gena Gallagher; Springfield Catholic High School; senior class vice president.

OKLAHOMA
From Edmond 73013
Ryan Northup, senior in human biology, son of John and Jean Northup; Edmond Memorial High School; senior class president.

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