An Official Employee Publication From the Office of University Relations

The university recognized its top graduate teaching assistants for their dedication and skills during the Graduate School awards ceremony in May. The award winners also will be recognized during university commencement ceremonies May 20.

Arpad Benyi, doctoral student in mathematics from Romania; Richard Hughes, doctoral student in history from Lawrence; and David Marker, doctoral student in business from Topeka, received the Carlin Graduate Teaching Assistant Award. They received $1,000 each.

Former Kansas Gov. John Carlin and Diana Carlin, dean of the Graduate School, sponsor the Carlin Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards. The first award was given in 1993.

Five students received $500 each for winning an Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award. The KU Graduate School, the Office of the Chancellor and the Graduate and Professional Association sponsor the award. It was started in 1990.

Finalists for the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award each received $150.

A selection committee chose winners based on their commitment to teaching, departmental and student comments, and level of responsibility. Teaching assistants were nominated from departments and programs throughout the university.

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award winners are:
• Amy Cummins, doctoral student in English.
• Elissa Anderson, doctoral student in art history.
• Kirk Wolf, doctoral student in philosophy.
• Lourdes Analia Pugener, doctoral student in ecology and evolutionary biology.
• Ulla Bunz, doctoral student in communication studies.

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award finalists are:
• Bradley Carter, doctoral student in American studies.
• Mark Suazo, doctoral student in business.
• Jose Ballesteros, doctoral student in Spanish and Portuguese.
• Susan Dunn-Hensley, doctoral student in English.
• Jon Giullian, doctoral student in Slavic languages and literatures.