Newly named Mentors' Circle honors outstanding teachers and advisers

A permanent and visible tribute to faculty excellence was announced during Homecoming Weekend with the newly landscaped area between the Morris Library, Memorial Hall and Hullihen Hall dedicated as Mentors' Circle. (See associated story on page 26.)

"Mentors' Circle is dedicated to a value that the institution holds high–that of the student/faculty interaction, mentoring," UD President David P. Roselle said during the Oct. 12 ceremony at the site.

The name of all recipients of the University of Delaware Excellence-in-Teaching Award and Excellence-in-Advising Award since the program's inception in 1960 will be recognized by an inscribed brick placed in the circle. The bricks will
be installed early next year.

Two bronze plaques, to be placed at the entrance gates to Mentors' Circle, will read, in part, "The University of Delaware has a proud legacy of being a teaching University and, accordingly, acknowledges faculty who are distinguished by their contributions of teaching excellence and mentorship of students. The first member of the University's faculty, the Rev. Dr. Francis Alison, was described in 1743 as 'the greatest classical scholar in America.'"

All honored faculty were invited to attend the dedication ceremony. Ardeshir Faghri, mechanical engineering, said, "I'm honored that my name will be inscribed in the circle along with a distinguished group of other teachers and mentors. I have always said that my real love of academic life lies in teaching and interacting with my students."

Bethany Hall-Long, nursing, said she was struck by "the lovely, park-like atmosphere of Mentors' Circle as a peaceful celebration of teaching excellence and mentoring. Given the superior faculty at UD, it was truly an honor for me in 1998 to be selected by students for a teaching award. It is especially rewarding and humbling now to be recognized on Mentors' Circle. I am pleased that the anonymous donor and University created such a tribute to Dr. Francis Alison and faculty."

James Magee, political science and international relations, called Mentors' Circle "a good move and a genuine effort to reward teachers...a good step in the right direction toward making teaching important at the University." He also said the evening was "one of the best receptions I've been to...a wonderful event with a group of people who believe that teaching is very important."

According to T.W. Fraser Russell, Allan P Colburn Professor of Chemical Engineering, "It was extremely thoughtful of the University to express its appreciation of those faculty who have so effectively contributed to our students by a permanent recognition in Mentors' Circle. In the years to come it will be even more significant to the University community as it becomes more aware of the purpose of the Circle."

Madeline Lambrecht, health and nursing sciences, said, "I'm honored and believe strongly that advisement and ongoing student support are essential components of the educational process. I enjoy the many interactions with my students, all of whom are enrolled in a distance baccalaureate degree program, for the registered nurse major.... I consider it a privilege to provide support to such dedicated students."

Roselle noted that many faculty members have told him how pleased and grateful they are to be honored by Mentors' Circle. The president said he always adds "deserving" to that list of adjectives.

Sharon Dorr, alumni and University relations, said the next group of excellence-in-teaching and advising recipients will be honored with bricks bearing their names during Homecoming Weekend 2002. At that time, they, as well as all previous recipients, will be invited to the annual ceremony. For additional information on Mentors' Circle, visit the web site at [http:// www.udel.edu/alumni/awards/mentorscircle.html].