On Wednesday, Oct. 9, the University awarded the 2013 Goergen Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching to Associate Professor of Political Science Bonnie Meguid, Senior Lecturer in Religion and Director of Undergraduate Studies Anne Merideth, and Professor of English and Visual and Cultural Studies John Michael.
The award receives its namesake after UR Trustee Robert Goergen and has been presented every year since 1997. The recipients are recognized for their contributions to undergraduate learning and also receive a $15,000 bonus.
Merideth has taught at the University since 1995.
“I was definitely gratified that my department decided to nominate me,” Meredith said. “It’s always nice to be appreciated by your closest colleagues. There are other Goergen winners from the Department of Religion, so it’s a department that’s fairly well known for its excellence in undergraduate teaching. I’m gratified that there was interest on their part in nominating me to join the ranks of people who have won the Goergen award.”
Michael has been teaching at UR for 25 years, maintaining a role in the American studies, art history, and visual and cultural studies programs. He is described as an intellectually astute professor, transforming the lives of his students with his innovative teaching and curricular vision.
Meguid, the third recipient of the award, joined the Department of Political Science in 2002 and has been praised for her ability to inspire students and to improve their understanding of the world around them.
“Bonnie shines in the classroom,” the nomination letter read. “She presents material with authority, bringing to the classroom a high level of expertise.”
Prior to 2010, departments could be rewarded for their accomplishments, but the program was redesigned to focus exclusively on the excellence of individual faculty members.
Smith is a member of the class of 2014.
