Virginia Tech Alumni Association News - Fall 2002
The 2002 Alumni Association and University Awards
William H. Ruffner Medal
Christopher C. Kraft, Jr. '45
"Virginia Tech is truly honored to count among its esteemed alumni Dr. Christopher C. Kraft," President Charles Steger said. "He has provided vision and leadership in his service to the university on the Board of Visitors in addition to his support for the College of Engineering's Committee of 100, the Alumni Center Campaign and the Class of '45 Campaign." Retired from NASA since 1982, Kraft did much of the pioneering work for the country's manned space program. As director of flight operations at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, he was responsible for landing men on the moon and returning them safely to earth. In 1972 he became director of the center. His honors include membership in the National Academy of Engineering, the International Academy of Astronautics and the Aerospace Medical Association. Among his many awards are the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal and a four-time recipient of NASA's highest award, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.
Alumni Distinguished Service Award
Alexander F. Giacco '42
Al Giacco received many recognitions throughout the 1980's for his leadership role in the chemical industry. He was twice named one of the 10 Outstanding Chief Executive Officers in United States Industry by The Financial World. The former Chairman of the Board of Hercules Inc., Giacco has served on Tech's Board of Visitors, including a three-year term as rector, chaired the Corporate and Foundation Gifts Committee during the university's "Campaign for Excellence," was inducted into the College of Engineering's Academy of Excellence in 2000 and is a member of that college's Committee of 100. In 1989, Giacco received the University Distinguished Achievement Award for " achievement of enduring significance to society." Giacco's achievements have earned several honorary doctorates from universities throughout the United States and in 1987 he was elected to membership in the prestigious National Academy of Engineering. After his retirement from Hercules, the company established the Alexander F. Giacco Presidential Chair at Virginia Tech with a $1 million endowment. The Alexander F. Giacco Engineering Scholarship fund was subsequently established through his support.
Alumni Distinguished Service Award
John Grado '48
John Grado entered Virginia Tech at the age of 16, interrupting his studies a year later to enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He returned to the university and received his degree in industrial engineering. His early work led to a career in the paper and printing business with Fitchburg Paper Co., later acquired by Litton Industries. In 1983, he bought back the company from Litton, and renamed it Technographics. His entrepreneurial talents made Technographics a resounding success. A philanthropist to many organizations, his devotion to Virginia Tech is demonstrated by the establishment of the Grado Excellence Fund for the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. His longstanding contributions to the Department include leadership on its Advisory Board, and provision of the John Grado Professorship and Student Scholarships that support 19 students annually. The ISE Department was recently named in his honor. Grado is a member of the College of Engineering's Committee of 100, the Ut Prosim Society, has served on the Virginia Tech Foundation Board and the board of the Corporate Research Center. He has been honored with election to the College of Academy of Engineering Excellence, and the ISE Agee Distinguished Alumni Award.
Alumni Awards for Excellence in Teaching
Patricia G. Amateis Chemistry
When Amateis decided to study chemistry, her career plans changed after conducting chemistry help sessions for freshmen through the department. The mix of helping others with a subject near and dear to her heart led to a new found love teaching. Amateis thinks it is critical to make the 700+ students she teaches feel important during this transition time in their lives.
W. Michael Aust Forestry
Michael Aust presents his material in a hands-on learning environment so that students can grasp concepts more rapidly and retain information better. Aust believes that teaching is his most important duty. His students have described him as "interesting, intensive, enjoyable, relevant, informative, and memorable," and named him as "the most valuable asset to the forestry department."
William E. Wine Awards for Excellence in Teaching
Robert E. Benoit Biology
An associate professor of biology, Robert Benoit has been an outstanding teacher at Virginia Tech for 40 years and is credited with developing "a microbiology undergraduate teaching program that is arguably the best among colleges and universities in the mid-Atlantic region." Over the years, he has revised courses, established new ones, advised innumerable premed students, and initiated programs to give students hands-on experiences outside of the classroom.
Christopher P. Neck Management
Chris Neck, an associate professor of management, is no ordinary teacher, as student evaluations suggest. A four-time winner of the campus-wide Students' Choice Faculty Member of the Year Award, Neck uses cases, exercises, and role playing in his classes. His teaching, he hopes, not only serves as a bridge for students, but helps them "build bridges of their own."
Richard D. Fell Entomology
Challenging, innovative, and accessible are among adjectives used to describe the teaching style and personality of Rick Fell. During his more than 20 years at the university, Fell has taught or co-taught 11 different courses. His dynamic teaching style in the classroom captures and maintains student interest through a unique blend of humor, demonstrations, and discussions.
Alumni Award for Excellence in International Programs
Josiah S. Tlou Teaching and Learning
With grants totaling $3.5 million, Tlou's work has centered on curriculum development in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, where he is well known for his contributions. His collaborations have provided opportunities for other Virginia Tech faculty. A university team is currently working with Malawi educators to strengthen teacher education and prepare curricula.
Alumni Awards for Excellence in Research
John G. Casali Industrial and Systems Engineering
John Casali, the John Grado Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Department Head, has conducted research in noise control and hearing protection, active noise cancellation, truck safety, vehicular displays, warning signal design and vehicle operator communications. This research spans more than 60 projects funded for over $4.5 million.
Malcolm Potts Biochemistry
Malcolm Potts' current research and his past experiences have been described as "extreme." Since arriving at Virginia Tech in 1985, Potts has been studying primitive organisms that are able to withstand extreme conditions. This research has enabled him and colleagues in the Virginia Tech Center for Genomics to devise methods to dry human cells for long-term storage which has multiple applications, including combat casualty care and medicine.
Alumni Awards for Excellence in Extension
James A. Myers Buckingham, Virginia
James Myers, retired agriculture and natural resources Extension agent at Buckingham County, spent most of his career there. As a result of the Buckingham Area Swine School Myers co-chaired, producers increased the average number of pigs weaned per litter by two, increased their feed efficiency and saved feed cost. An electronic marketing program he developed for the local beef industry resulted in $1 million in sales.
Charles C. Stallings Dairy Science
A professor of dairy science and a dairy specialist for Virginia Cooperative Extension, Charles Stallings has a knack for intuitively understanding the problems faced by dairy farmers and the development of practical solutions to those problems. One of the most successful tools developed by Stallings is a computer software program that helps farmers balance the nutritional value of the rations fed to dairy cattle.
Alumni Award for Excellence in Outreach
E. Scott Geller Psychology
Scott Geller's 32 years of exemplary research has focused on the application of behavioral science to serious societal issues. Geller has given over 900 keynote addresses or workshops at professional development conferences on the application of behavioral science to such problems as prison management, student motivation, road rage, and occupational health and safety.
Alumni Award for Excellence in Graduate Academic Advising
D. Michael Moore Teaching and Learning
During his 30 years as an advisor of instructional technology (IT) graduate students, Mike Moore has earned a reputation for doing "whatever it takes" to help his students. The majority of Moore's students pursue careers in higher education, aided by his policy of encouraging them to begin publishing journal articles while they are working toward their degrees.
Alumni Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Academic Advising
Rachel L. Holloway Communication Studies
Rachel Holloway has been director of undergraduate programs in Communication Studies since 2000. Holloway uses the developmental advising approach, expecting students to accept more responsibility for their academic career each year and explore interests through electives. She builds a four-year plan with her advisees and encourages internship and student leadership as career preparation.
Sporn Award for Teaching of Introductory Subjects
John D. Boyer Geography
John Boyer has taught World Regions since 1998. This university core course typically enrolls more than 500 students. He has created an on-line "accompanying text" and a highly popular, weekly international film series "Geography Night at the Movies," to reinforce themes covered in class. He uses music videos, live web interaction, and slide shows to enhance learning.
Sporn Award for Teaching of Engineering Subjects
Jason S. Thweatt Electrical Engineering
While completing only his first year as an instructor, Jason Thweatt has been honored with a vote of confidence by his students as the recipient of this award. Although a novice at teaching, he has earned high evaluations, as well as high praise from students.
Graduate Student Teaching Awards
Gregory N. Hartman Mathematics (for Instruction)
Marquea D. King Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology (for Service)
Outstanding Student Awards
Class of 2002 Graduates who were recognized by the Alumni Association for scholarship and leadership.
Amy Iager
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
James Gielda
College of Architecture and Urban Studies
Rebecca Weber
College of Arts and Sciences
Bahari Harris
Pamplin College of Business
Ross Amico
College of Engineering
Emily Moyer
College of Human Resources and Education
Jeff Matthews
College of Natural Resources
Margaret Booth
College of Veterinary Medicine
Outstanding Young Alumni Awards
Graduates from each college, completing degrees in the 1990's, who have distinguished themselves professionally.
Philip M. Fravel '81, '97; Stephens City, VA
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Andreas R. Becher '91; Berlin, Germany
College of Architecture and Urban Studies
R. Gregory Lavender '88, '93; Austin, TX
College of Arts and Sciences
Marc J. Palumbo '96; Randolph, NJ
Pamplin College of Business
Keith Van Houten '91; Howell, MI
College of Engineering
Kathleen Walsh Piercy '96; Logan, UT
College of Human Resources and Education
Michael G. Van Ness '93; Roanoke, VA
College of Natural Resources
Rebecca L. Rice '91; Mansfield, TX
College of Veterinary Medicine