Vol. 17, No. 8	Oct. 23, 1997

On teaching

Iconstantly am blessed with satisfying experiences in teaching. It is very difficult to choose one. The most outstanding occurred while I was conducting an alcohol and drug program in New Castle County, speaking to a group at the Delaware State Hospital.

"I was walked throught a 'locked down' facility and told my audience would be prisoners serving life sentences for a variety of serious crimes. I was taken aback to begin with, but as I progressed into my presentation, the group's response was very gratifying.

"At the end of the presentation, a young man came up to me and said, 'Please don't stop what you're doing. If other people had talked with me and helped me see choices, I wouldn't be here today.'

"As I looked in the convicted murderer's eyes, I saw a thousand other students I had worked with, and those my students will work with in the future. I've been able to share this story and continue to validate my conviction that there is much work to be done and we must take an active, vocal role in this battle."

Karen Edwards, assistant professor, College of Health and Nursing Sciences, 1997 excellence-in-teaching award recipient

Teaching: Wellness health education, including methods and materials of drug and sexuality education, health methods and supervision of student teachers

Research: Interactive teaching methodologies and prevention education related to alcohol, drugs and sexuality issues

Joined UD: 1992

Residence: Churchville, Md.

Family: Son, Ryan

Hobbies: Viewing a wide range of sporting events, especially those in which my son participates-soccer, basketball and baseball