2008 Woodie Awards
Four Professors honored with Sherrerd Teaching Awards
Frances Kingsbury
Issue date: 3/10/05 Section: News
- < prev Page 2 of 2
Professors had very different teaching styles, so the committee did not look for one specific style, but rather for evidence that the professor made a connection with his or her class. "For example, Patrick Coby isn't necessarily a flashy guy, but he's very intelligent and it is obvious that students really respect him and he respects them," said Feldman. "We looked for diversity in styles among the professors; they didn't all have to be flashy or showy. Really, this is about teaching, so we looked for professors who did that effectively."
Susan Etheredge said she is "delighted and honored" to receive the award. "I think that I have the best job in the world - to be able to do my life's work at a place like Smith, with such smart, talented and engaged students, is indeed a privilege. And everyday I am aware that I am in the company of so many excellent teachers here at Smith." Ethredge earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Smith in 1977 and 1985, and has taught here for the past 8 years. "I encountered some of my most memorable models of excellent teaching at Smith, when I was an undergraduate. My Smith professors inspired me then, and my Smith colleagues inspire me today," she said.
Attempting to describe his reaction to the news that he had won a Sherrerd Award this year, Coby joked, "This is when I have to say something witty, isn't it?" He continued, "I'm delighted. I'm surprised. It is a great joy to know that lectures delivered to students are appreciated by them." Professors Leibsohn and Oram were not available for comment.
A ceremony is planned for Tuesday, April 5, in Sweeney Concert Hall, where Coby, Etheredge, Leibsohn and Oram will receive the award. The entire Smith community is invited to both the ceremony and the reception afterward at the Smith College Club. One student and one professor from the committee will give speeches to honor the winners.
Feldman commented that she thinks there will be a lot of student support for the professors. "There was a huge response last year and I think it's going to be even bigger this year," she said.
Susan Etheredge said she is "delighted and honored" to receive the award. "I think that I have the best job in the world - to be able to do my life's work at a place like Smith, with such smart, talented and engaged students, is indeed a privilege. And everyday I am aware that I am in the company of so many excellent teachers here at Smith." Ethredge earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Smith in 1977 and 1985, and has taught here for the past 8 years. "I encountered some of my most memorable models of excellent teaching at Smith, when I was an undergraduate. My Smith professors inspired me then, and my Smith colleagues inspire me today," she said.
Attempting to describe his reaction to the news that he had won a Sherrerd Award this year, Coby joked, "This is when I have to say something witty, isn't it?" He continued, "I'm delighted. I'm surprised. It is a great joy to know that lectures delivered to students are appreciated by them." Professors Leibsohn and Oram were not available for comment.
A ceremony is planned for Tuesday, April 5, in Sweeney Concert Hall, where Coby, Etheredge, Leibsohn and Oram will receive the award. The entire Smith community is invited to both the ceremony and the reception afterward at the Smith College Club. One student and one professor from the committee will give speeches to honor the winners.
Feldman commented that she thinks there will be a lot of student support for the professors. "There was a huge response last year and I think it's going to be even bigger this year," she said.