Blog@Case Topics: Awards

Arthur H. Heuer: winner of the Hovorka Prize is a world leader in teaching and research

2008-05-15T19:50:10Z

University Professor and Kyocera Professor of Ceramics at the Case School of Engineering has long, distinguished career in materials science

With almost 500 publications to his credit, Case Western Reserve University's Arthur H. Heuer is a leading researcher in his field, having pioneered studies in transformation toughening of ceramics, the application of electron microscopy to engineering ceramics, biological ceramics, materials science of MEMS and paraequilibrium carburization of stainless steels. Heuer is known as "Dr. Zirconia" for his work on transformation toughening of zirconia-based ceramics. His research, conducted with Arnold Caplan, on the structure of eggshells and mollusk shells, has broken new ground in applying materials science to understanding biological structures. Both the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Louvre in Paris have called upon Heuer's expertise to characterize the Renaissance ceramics in their collections.

For those and many other scholarly reasons, Heuer, University Professor and Kyocera Professor of Ceramics in the department of materials science and engineering, was named recipient of the Frank and Dorothy Humel Hovorka Prize, one of the highest honors a university faculty member can receive. Heuer will receive the award at Case Western Reserve's Commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 18.

Psychological issues link teaching subjects for 2008 John S. Diekhoff winners

2008-05-14T16:03:45Z

Heath Demaree and Athena Vrettos recognized for their graduate teaching

Creating emotional connections to subjects taught are important in successful teaching, according to Case Western Reserve University's winners of the 2008 John S. Diekhoff Award for graduate teaching, Heath Demaree, associate professor of psychology, and Athena Vrettos, associate professor and director of graduate studies in English.

This year's recipients expressed sentiments about being recognized and honored by their students. They will receive their Diekhoff Awards during commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 18.

Excellence in undergraduate teaching recognized with 2008 Wittke Awards at Case Western Reserve University

2008-05-13T16:35:02Z

Chemical engineering's Donald Feke and Management's Richard Osborne honored for their work in the classroom

Case Western Reserve University recognizes excellence demonstrated by professors in the classroom annually with the Carl F. Wittke Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. This year, Donald Feke, chemical engineering professor, and Richard Osborne, professor for management policy practice, have been named Wittke Award recipients.

The Wittke Award was established in 1971 in honor of Carl Wittke, a professor, department chair, graduate school dean and university vice president during his tenure at Western Reserve University (1948-63).

Undergraduate mentors honored with 2008 Jackson Award at Case Western Reserve University

2008-05-12T17:42:20Z

Art History's Anne Helmreich and Communication Sciences' Stacy Williams recognized for work with students

The positive impact Case Western Reserve University professors have on the lives of their students is recognized annually with the J. Bruce Jackson, M.D. Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Mentoring. This year, Anne Helmreich, art history associate professor, and Stacy Williams, communications studies assistant professor, have been named Jackson Award recipients.

The Jackson Award was established in 2003 by J. Bruce Jackson, M.D., in honor of Dean Carl F. Wittke, his advisor, mentor and friend.

Case Western Reserve University's Fulbright winners going green with overseas research

2008-05-09T16:15:45Z

Students Olivia Corey and Michael Davidson combine research with cultural experiences

Case Western Reserve University's 2008 Fulbright Scholars, Olivia Corey and Michael Davidson, are taking their "green" research projects to study in Europe and Asia next year.

Corey, of Lakewood, plans to study sustainable building materials at the Technical University of Munich in Germany with her Fulbright. Davidson, of Eugene, Ore., is heading to Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, where a new initiative involves installing and tracking the use of renewable energy sources.

The road to the Fulbright Scholarships followed similar paths for the two students where each has majored in a language and also spent a year abroad as undergraduates to regions they will return to next year for research. Both seniors will graduate with their bachelor's degrees from Case Western Reserve during Commencement ceremonies on May 18.

Both also have known each other over their years at the university. "I envision that Michael and I will someday be sitting on some international committee discussing green issues," Corey said. "Our lives seem to run in parallel directions."

Case Western Reserve University athletics awards handed out at annual banquet

2008-04-30T15:04:00Z

Case Western Reserve University Athletics handed out its annual department awards tonight at the 2008 All-Sports Banquet in Horsburgh Gymnasium. Below are the description of each award and the winners.

Patricia B. Kilpatrick Award

Four-year varsity participant with highest GPA.

Rebecca Winarski (Germantown, WI) - Womenâ€™s swimming and diving: Winarski has a 3.89 GPA and will graduate in May with a degree in mathematics.

Dorothy L. Hoza Award

Given to the female freshman, sophomore, or junior student-athlete, who has made a strong contribution to the Womenâ€™s Intercollegiate Sports Program, maintained a high level of academic achievement, shown leadership in the team and contributed service to the Department and University.

Ashleigh Tondo (McDonald, OH) - Womenâ€™s basketball: Tondo, a biology major and pre-med student, was a first-team All-University Athletic Association selection at guard this past season and started all 25 games for the Spartans. She averaged a team-best 14.9 points per-game (2nd in UAA) and a league-leading 4.8 assists per-game this past season.

Emily R. Andrews Award

The award is given to the outstanding senior who has made a strong contribution to the Womenâ€™s Intercollegiate Sports Program, maintained a high level of academic achievement, shown leadership in team, and contributed service to the department and University.

Lauren Seeds (Pickerington, OH) - Softball: In four seasons at Case Western Reserve, Seeds has played in every game, totaling 163. She was a second-team All-UAA selection in 2007 after batting .353 with 13 doubles and 17 RBIs. Seeds finished her senior season with a .348 batting average, a team-high 48 hits and scored 28 runs. A cognitive science and psychology major, Seeds will graduate in May.

Arthur P. Leary Award

The award is given to the outstanding freshman, sophomore, or junior who has demonstrated leadership in the team, maintained good academic standing in the University, demonstrated good sportsmanship, and made a contribution to the department and University.

Drew Gardella (Sagamore Hills, OH) - Wrestling: Gardella, a junior, finished the 2008 season with a 21-4 record on the mat, moving his career-record to 92-24 in three seasons at Case Western Reserve. He was given the 2008 University Athletic Association Most Outstanding Wrestler Award after finishing undefeated at the UAA Championships at New York University. Gardella, a biology, cognitive science and psychology triple major, was part of Caseâ€™s National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American team last season.

Philip K. "Nip" Heim Award

Is presented annually to the senior male student-athlete who has made the most outstanding contribution to Case Western Reserve University through the athletics program. The selection is based on if he demonstrated leadership in the team, maintained good academic standing in the University, demonstrated good sportsmanship, participated in at least two years in the Case athletics program, and demonstrated loyalty to team and University.

Brandon Jeffries (Northfield, OH) - Football & Track: Jeffries was a four-year starter on the offensive line for the Spartans, earning Honorable Mention All-UAA accolades his first three seasons before earning first-team honors this past fall. Jeffries also earned second-team all-region honors from D3Football.com this past season, starting all 12 games for the Spartans at center. In track and field, he is an accomplished thrower, as he finished first in the weight throw at the Spartan Relays this past winter and finished runner-up in the shot put and weight throw at the UAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. At the UAA Outdoor Championships this* season, Jeffries took second in the shot put.

Bill Sudeck Outstanding Student-Athlete Award

This award honors the individual who best exemplifies the attributes of the Case Western Reserve University student-athlete in the spirit of legendary coach, mentor and friend William "Bill Sudeck. Coach Sudeck spent more than half his life - 46 years - shaping the young minds of cross country, basketball, and track and field athletes. The award is given to the student-athlete that has demonstrated and achieved significant athletic accomplishments, academic achievements, engagement in campus activities, and has shown leadership in athletics and in the classroom.

Kevin Bigart (Naperville, IL) - Menâ€™s soccer: Junior forward Kevin Bigart started and played in all 18 games for the Spartans this past fall, scoring six goals and tallying two assists. Not only was Bigart a first-team All-UAA selection, but he earned second-team Academic All-American accolades. Bigart also garnered first-team All-Region and All-Ohio honors, as well as first-team All-Academic honors by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. A chemistry and pre-med student, Bigart led the Spartans to 12 victories this past fall and a No. 2 national ranking during the season.

Nancy Gray Rookie of the Year Award

Andrea Fischione (Export, PA) - Cross country & Track: Freshman Fischione had a breakout season for the Spartans in cross country, and her success has carried over to the track and field team. In cross country, Fischione finished third among all Division-III runners at the All-Ohio Invitational, earning herself second-team All-UAA honors and a trip to the NCAA Championships. Fischione has also run consistent in track and field this winter and spring.

Bill Sudeck Rookie of the Year Award

Sam Coffey (Middletown, OH) - Football: Freshman Coffey proved to have ice in his veins on several occasions this past fall, most notably when he drilled the game-winning field goal as time expired against conference rival Carnegie Mellon, and in the regular season finale when his career-long 42-yard field goal propelled the Spartans to a 20-17 victory over Ohio Wesleyan. Coffey was named the University Athletic Association Athlete of the Week on Special Teams six times this, earning him first-team All-UAA honors. He led the Spartans in total points (85) and made 12-of-17 field goals and 49-of-51 PATs.

Female Athlete of the Year Award

Esther Erb (Richmond, VA) - Cross country & Track: Senior runner Erb will leave Case Western Reserve University as one of the most accomplished athletes in school history. She has competed in a total of eight NCAA Division-III Championships, and has already qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships this spring in the 10,000-meter run. She has been named an All-American twice in cross country, once in indoor track and field and once in outdoor track and field. In cross country, she claimed the Universityâ€™s first-ever University Athletic Association title in womenâ€™s cross country and was named the Great Lakes Runner of the Year. She is the first female in UAA history to accomplish the Triple Crown, as she won Most Outstanding Performer [running events] in both indoor and outdoor track as well as the individual title in cross country. This past fall, she won six consecutive races from Sept. 15-Nov. 17, including the All-Ohio Championships, where she bested a field composed of NCAA Division I, II, III and NAIA runners. During the indoor track season, Erb ran a personal-best time of 17:17.21 in the 5,000-meter run, placing fourth overall and earning All-American accolades. Her first place finish in the 10,000-meter run at the Walt Disney Invitational already qualified her for the NCAA D-III Outdoor Track and Field Championships where she will have a chance to earn her fifth All-American award. At the UAA Outdoor Championships in Chicago, Erb took home titles in both the 1,500 and 5,000-meter run. Her time of 17:22.20 in the 5,000-meter run is a UAA record, a track record at the University of Chicago and an NCAA Division III provisional qualifying time.

Dr. David Hutter Male Athlete of the Year Award

Matt Paglia (Pittsburgh, PA) - Menâ€™s soccer: Junior forward Paglia started in 17 games for the Spartans this past fall, scoring a team-best eight goals and tallying one assist. A first-team All-UAA selection, Paglia was named the UAA Athlete of the Week twice this past season, including Oct. 2 after he netted three goals in Caseâ€™s 3-0 victory over the College of Wooster. He was named a third-team All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and was a first-team all-region selection by NSCAA, a first-team All-Ohio selection, and a second-team all-region selection by D3Kicks.com. A nursing major, Paglia led the Spartans to 12 wins this past fall and a No. 2 national ranking during the season.

For more information contact Creg Jantz, 216.368.6517.

Case Western Reserve University students take honors in Goldwater Competition

2008-04-29T16:10:14Z

Daniel Alt named scholar; Josh Hamilton and Viral Shah awarded honorable mentions

Three undergraduate students at Case Western Reserve University, who have been actively involved in research along with their academic achievements, have been recognized by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.

Daniel Alt has won the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship to continue his studies in science, mathematics and engineering. Recognized with honorable mentions were Viral Shah and Joshua Hamilton.

Case Western Reserve University School Of Medicine Professor Honored for Two Decades of Pediatric Work in Thailand

2008-04-25T17:16:25Z

Ninety percent of the world's children are born in "less developed countries," according to the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. In these countries, malnutrition, as well as malaria and other infectious diseases, threaten children's chances of survival.

As part of an ongoing relationship with and commitment to international health, the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and the Rainbow Center for International Health continue to provide their expertise in pediatric medicine through a program that also attracts top medical residents to Cleveland as well as sends them beyond American borders to participate in international pediatric residency programs.

Karen N. Olness, M.D., a professor of pediatrics at the School of Medicine, launched the Rainbow Center for Global Child Health (RCGCH) in 1987 and is recognized as a world leader in the fields of global child health, pediatric disaster relief and behavioral pediatrics. The RCGCH was the first center for international child health established in the nation. It provides a unique opportunity for pediatricians to learn about and experience the challenges of global child health and to make a positive difference, particularly for children born in underdeveloped countries. The first residents entered the international pediatric residency program in 1989.

Risk, learn, grow: Peter B. Lewis to be honored with Case Western Reserve University's First President's Award for Visionary Achievement

2008-04-23T15:50:46Z

Progressive Insurance chairman and noted philanthropist to be honored at University Commencement May 18

Peter B. Lewis, chairman of Progressive Insurance Co. and one of the country's leading philanthropists, will be honored next month with Case Western Reserve University's first President's Award for Visionary Achievement. Lewis will accept the award from President Barbara R. Snyder at the university's commencement exercises on Sunday, May 18, at the Veale Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center.

The university established the award this year to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves through significant and exceptional service to the university and the world.

"The generosity of Peter B. Lewis has transformed organizations around the world. His philanthropy and personal engagement reflect great commitment to this university, the world and humanity," Snyder said. "Through his support and guidance, Peter has made a profound, positive and lasting impact on Case Western Reserve University. We appreciate his contributions to our institution and admire his great works for others. We are honored to recognize him as our first recipient of the President's Visionary Award."

Medicaid children in Cuyahoga county face dental crisis says dental medicine student-researcher at Case Western Reserve University

2008-04-18T15:52:11Z

Student's research garners numerous honors from dental organizations nationwide

According to an award-winning study on children with and without Medicaid, a Case Western Reserve University third-year dental student found that Medicaid children have three times the unmet dental problems and treatment needs than other non-Medicaid children.

In a related study, Anita Bhavnani, of Scottsdale, Ariz., also surveyed nearly 400 dental providers to find out what prevents dentists from taking on Medicaid patients.

"Medicaid children have an urgent need for improved access to dental careâ€”including preventative services," said Bhavnani, lead researcher on the studies, " The Oral Health Status of Medicaid and non-Medicaid Children," and "Dentists' Perception about the Medicaid Dental Program in Cuyahoga County, Ohio."

Engineering professor and researcher honored with important 2008 American Chemical Society Award

2008-04-17T15:13:41Z

Anne Hiltner

Anne Hiltner, the Herbert Henry Dow Professor in Macromolecular Science and Engineering, has been named winner of the 2008 American Chemical Society Award in Applied Polymer Science, citing her for her "pioneering contributions in understanding the connections between hierarchical structure and properties of polymers, their blends and composites."

The award is sponsored by the Eastman Chemical Co. Hiltner was formally honored at the 235th ACS National Meeting and Exposition in New Orleans.

Hiltner's work in exploring the structure processing property relationships in polymeric materials has made pioneering contributions in understanding the forced assembly process that brings together dissimilar polymers and other materials to produce hierarchical structures that are otherwise unattainable. She also has worked to develop effective industry/academic research cooperation, including assisting in the development (with Dow Chemical Co.) of a new commercially successful family of ethylene-based elastomers.

Case Western Reserve University Law School moot court team wins world championship

2008-04-15T16:26:57Z

Team bests nearly 600 opponents in world's largest and most prestigious moot court competition

For the first time in its history, Case Western Reserve University School of Law won the Phillip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition Saturday, April 12, in Washington, D.C. The Jessup Competition, now in its 49th year, is the world's largest and most prestigious Moot Court tournament.

This year 598 schools from 98 different countries competed. Case Western Reserve's victory marked just the second time in 14 years—and third since 1990—an American team was crowned world champion. The coveted Jessup Cup will reside at the law school for the next year.

"The Jessup team's historic accomplishment speaks volumes about the quality of our students and our international law program," said Michael Scharf, professor of law and director of the Frederick K. Cox International Law Center. "Everyone I spoke to said it was the best Jessup finals in 20 years."

Now reporting from the American Association for the Advancement of Science Meeting in Boston…senior Yvette Cendes

2008-04-10T15:18:07Z

Case Western Reserve University physicist Lawrence Krauss—a writer of popular science books—may have some future competition for the bestsellers' list. Recently the National Science Writers Association (NASW) chose senior physics major Yvette Cendes as one of 10 undergraduates to participate in the American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) annual meeting in Boston.

"The reason this honor was so cool is that I got a press badge. That was fun," said Cendes.

But that wasn't everything the NASW offered. She was teamed up with Time magazine contributing writer Michael Lemonick for shadowing and mentoring. Lemonick introduced her to reporters and editors of major science magazines as well as scientists—many Cendes said she has admired for a long time.

Leading geneticist Francis Collins named first recipient of the Inamori Ethics Prize at Case Western Reserve University

2008-04-08T16:10:16Z

Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., a physician-geneticist and leader of the Human Genome Project, has been named recipient of the inaugural Inamori Ethics Prize from the Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence at Case Western Reserve University.

The Inamori Ethics Prize honors outstanding international ethical leaders. It is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary ethical leadership and whose actions and influence have greatly improved the condition of humankind. The Inamori Ethics Prize carries with it a $25,000 cash award, intended to support the ongoing work of the prize recipient.

A ceremony recognizing Collins will be held in conjunction with an ethics and genetics symposium and lecture September 4, 2008 at Severance Hall, on the Case Western Reserve campus.

Case Hall of Fame class of 2008 to be inducted April 25

2008-04-02T16:26:09Z

On Friday, April 25, the Case Reserve Athletic Club will induct nine new members into the Hall of Fame, joining the 302 members that have previously been inducted since 1975.

A cocktail hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. The official program will follow. The cost of the event is $100.00 per ticket and it will be held in the Veale Center on Case Western Reserve University's University Circle campus.

"We are excited to recognize nine new former student-athletes for their extraordinary accomplishments and welcome back current hall of fame members and the campus community for a special night," said Case Reserve Athletic Club President Paul Stephan. "This year's class is very diverse and very deserving of the honor."

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Dean Pamela Davis Awarded the American Medical Student Association's Raising Our Voices Award

2008-03-17T14:29:49Z

The First Annual Award Recognizes Women Leaders in Medicine to be Presented at the 58th Annual Convention

Pamela B. Davis, M.D., Ph.D., and dean of the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, will be presented with a Raising Our Voices Award by the American Medical Student Association (AMSA). The honor recognizes distinguished women who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to the field of medicine. The award will be given at AMSA's 58th annual convention in Houston.

The large Case Western Reserve AMSA chapter was the impetus behind Davis' nomination. The spirit of the award acknowledges not only Davis' many academic successes, as both an accomplished physician and researcher, but also highlights her as a role model to both female and male medical students. According to the nominating students, Davis is recognized as a significant contributor in changing the face of medicine.

Manoogian first Spartan wrestling All-American in nearly five years

2008-03-12T15:03:20Z

Case Western Reserve University senior Dave Manoogian (Green, OH) has become the first All-American in Spartan wrestling since alumnus Zak Kallai, a four-time All-American, earned his final All-America award in 2004.

Manoogian finished eighth at the 2008 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships at the U.S. Cellular Center in Grand Rapids, Iowa.

After a first-round bye on Friday, March 7, Manoogian, seeded fifth, defeated Derrick Smith of Oswego State 11-9, but then fell to New York's Stephen Hult 7-4. In the third-place bracket, Manoogian topped Delaware State's Dan Hall, the number two seed 3-2, securing All-America honors.

Capitalizing on strengths to overcome difficulties for children diagnosed with ADHD

2008-03-10T14:41:14Z

Collaborative research conducted by Case Western Reserve University psychology professor Elizabeth J. Short has won the 2007 Keith Conners Award for Scholarly Contribution. The award recognizes an outstanding article published in the Journal of Attention Disorders in 2007.

Short, together with colleagues Dr. Michael Manos from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Dr. Robert Findling from Case Medical Center explored how children diagnosed with attention deficit and hyperactive disorder (ADHD) can succeed in school and everyday life by tapping into their personal strengths. Assets can be categorized as internal (emotional adaptability, school attitude and self esteem) and external (parental support, educational support and community support).

Traditional mental health research has focused on deficits, but Short and her research group wanted to find out why some ADHD children prevail in school and social settings while others fail.

"Let's stop talking about what kids can't do and start talking about what they can do," she said. "Let's start where the child is."

Case Western Reserve Team Wins International Law Moot Court Competition

2008-03-05T14:59:14Z

The Case Western Reserve University School of Law moot court team, which competed February 29-March 2 at the "U.S. Mid-Atlantic Super Regional of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition," held at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., won the Best Brief Award and the Best Speaker Award and defeated the University of Virginia in the final round to earn a place at the International Rounds in April.

The Case Western Reserve team (pictured in accompanying photo) is composed of third year law students Zach Lampell, Alex Laytin, and Brianne Draffin, and second year law students Margaux Day and Patrick Dowd. The competition featured 24 teams from some of the nation's top law schools including University of Virginia, Washington and Lee, Georgetown, and Ohio State universities. Margaux Day won the award for the Top Speaker in the Final Round. Next, the Case Western Reserve team will represent the United States in the International Rounds in Washington, D.C., April 5-12, in which teams from 130 other countries will compete for the world championship.

Ted Gup wins Goldsmith award for Nation of Secrets

2008-02-28T15:11:24Z

Harvard University's Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy will honor Case Western Reserve University's Ted Gup with its prestigious Goldsmith Book Prize on March 18 for his 2007 book, Nation of Secrets: The Threat to Democracy and the American Way of Life (Doubleday).

Gup, Case Western Reserve University's Shirley Wormser Professor of Journalism, is being recognized for his investigative work, which examines how secrecy has corrupted American institutions and affected the daily lives of American citizens.

The Shorenstein Center's Goldsmith Awards Program encourages a "spirited debate" about government, politics and the press. The book prize awards are given for "distinguished scholarship by writers examining free speech, public television, race, journalism ethics and campaign advertising."